The Temporal and Focal Dynamics of Volitional Reconsumption: A Phenomenological Investigation of Repeated Hedonic Experiences by Cristel Antonia Russell and Sidney J. Levy, Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 39, No.2 (August 2012) (pp 341-359).
Abstract:
Volitional reconsumption refers to experiences that consumers actively and consciously seek to experience again. Phenomenological interviews centered on the rereading of books, the rewatching of movies, and the revisiting of geographic places reveal the temporal and focal dimensions of hedonic volitional reconsumption phenomenon and five dominant categories therein. Consumers navigate within and between reconsumption experiences in a hyperresponsive and experientially controlled manner. The dynamics in time and focus fueled by the reconsumed object allow emotional efficiency, as consumers optimize the search for and attainment of the emotional outcomes sought in volitional reconsumption, and facilitate existential understanding, as the linkages across past, present, and future experiences enable an active synthesis of time and promote self-reflexivity. Consumers gain richer and deeper insights into the reconsumption object itself but also an enhanced awareness of their own growth in understanding and appreciation through the lens of the reconsumption object.
The research doesn’t mention any of my favorite repeated hedonic experiences but each to his own. 😉
Still, there is much here that will be useful to those investigating/testing interface designs.
Which do you think will attract more users?
An interface that is remembered with fear and loathing, or, one that made you look smart or helped you impress the boss with your work?
Remembering that utility in some objective sense is probably far down the ladder.
How else to explain users wading in search engine results every day? Search results are not without utility but the minimum level is a pretty low bar.