Abstract—In most personalized mobile services, the user
model remains invisible, and users do not have control over
it. Externalization of user models can allow users to get an
overview the user model that is used for personalization,
and adjust the profile and personalization effects to their
needs and preferences. We have evaluated the interactive
user model with 42 users, which were exposed to a prototype
of interactive user model of personalized news service,
for determining whether the proposed externalization, scrutability
and privacy privileges were acceptable to the users.
The purpose of the study was to find out if it is appropriate
to present a user model on the mobile device and to control
the sharing of the user model with the service provider. The
conclusions show that the users expressed their general
approval of the proposed privileges while making useful
suggestions regarding improvements to the presentation and
interface to the system.