Multidimensional Study on Users’ Evaluation of the KRAKEN Personal Data Sharing Platform

Background: Recent advances in the design of blockchain-based personal data sharing platforms bring the benefit of empowering users with more control and privacy-preserving measures in sharing data products. However, so far very little is known about users’ intentions to adopt such platforms for providing or consuming data products. Objective: This study aims to investigate users’ main expectations, preferences, and concerns regarding the adoption of blockchain-based personal data sharing platforms in the health and education domains. Methods: Fifteen participants were involved in a multidimensional evaluation of a prototyped release of the KRAKEN blockchain-based data sharing platform and asked to assess it in the health or education pilot domains. Data collected during online group interviews with participants were analyzed by applying the micro interlocutor technique to provide a descriptive overview of participant responses. Results: Participants showed a marginal acceptance of the prototype usability, asking for some improvements of the user experience and for a more transparent presentation of the platform security and privacy preserving capabilities. Participants expressed interest in using the platform as data providers and consumers as well as setting privacy policies for sharing data products with third parties, including the possibility of revoking access to data. Conclusions: Blockchain-based data sharing platforms are more likely to engage target users when technical design is informed by a deeper knowledge of their needs, expectations, and relevant concerns.