An Empirical Study of a Decentralized IdentityWallet

Usability, Security, and Perspectives on User Control

Conference paper (2022)

Authors

Maina Korir University of Bedfordshire
S.E. Parkin Organisation & Governance - TPM
Paul Dunphy Onespan
Research Group
Organisation & Governance (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2022 Maina Korir, S.E. Parkin, Paul Dunphy
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Multi Actor Systems

Research Group

Organisation & Governance

Abstract

User-centric digital identity initiatives are emerging with a mission to shift control over online identity disclosures to the individual. However, there is little representation of prospective users in discussions of the merits of empowering users with new data management responsibilities and the acceptability of new technologies. We conducted a user study comprising a contextual inquiry and semi-structured interviews using a prototype decentralized identity wallet app with 30 online participants. Our usability analysis uncovered misunderstandings about decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and pain points relating to using QR codes and following the signposting of cross-device user journeys. In addition, the technology did not readily resolve questions about whether the user, identity provider, or relying party was in control of data at crucial moments. We also learned that users' judgments of data minimization encompass a broader scope of issues than simply the technical provision of the identity wallet. Our results contribute to understanding future user-centric identity technologies from the view of privacy and user acceptance.