User Satisfaction and App Updates: How Frequency Matters
摘要
Frequent app updates represent a double-edged phenomenon in the mobile application landscape, particularly for hedonic apps focused on entertainment and engagement. These updates aim to improve functionality, fix bugs, and enhance the user experience. However, they can also disrupt established usage patterns or cause dissatisfaction when users perceive them as excessive or unnecessary. This study examines how different app update frequencies impact user satisfaction, with a specific focus on hedonic applications such as social media platforms and gaming apps. We created a prototype social media app to investigate the impact of update intervals on user satisfaction. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted quantitative and qualitative surveys with participants who interacted with the app and experienced simulated updates at varying frequencies. Our results show that shorter update intervals (every 3 days) and longer intervals (weekly) resulted in higher user satisfaction compared to moderate intervals (every 5 days). Frequent updates were appreciated for their continuous improvements, while less frequent updates were valued for their significant changes. However, moderate update intervals failed to meet user expectations, leading to the lowest satisfaction levels. These findings have implications for user-centered design and app development strategies, providing actionable insights to help developers optimize update schedules and remain competitive in the dynamic mobile app market.