Short answer

When creating personas, opt for images of smiling individuals that appear authentic, rather than generic stock photos, to maximize user engagement and adoption.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction (2019)
Method
Experimental study with quantitative and qualitative analysis
Sample
2,400 participants
Evidence
Moderate effect

Using smiling images of real people in persona profiles significantly enhances perceived similarity and likability, which in turn drives a greater willingness to use the persona. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. Using Experimental study with quantitative and qualitative analysis with 2,400 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When creating personas, opt for images of smiling individuals that appear authentic, rather than generic stock photos, to maximize user engagement and adoption.

Study
User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Smiling, non-stock photos of personas increase user engagement by 20%

Using smiling images of real people in persona profiles significantly enhances perceived similarity and likability, which in turn drives a greater willingness to use the persona.

International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · 2019

01

Key Findings

  • 01Smiling photos increase perceived similarity with the persona.
  • 02Increased perceived similarity leads to higher likability.
  • 03Higher likability increases willingness to use the persona.
  • 04Stock photos decrease perceived similarity and credibility.
  • 05Decreased similarity and credibility reduce willingness to use the persona.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When creating personas, opt for images of smiling individuals that appear authentic, rather than generic stock photos, to maximize user engagement and adoption.

How to apply

When developing personas for a design project, select or create images that depict a friendly, approachable individual, avoiding generic stock imagery.

Project actions

  • 01When creating personas for your design project, think carefully about the image you choose.
  • 02Consider conducting a small user test to see how different images affect people's perception of your persona.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow do smiling versus non-smiling and stock versus non-stock photos in persona profiles affect perceptions of credibility, likability, similarity, and willingness to use?
MethodExperimental study with quantitative and qualitative analysis
ProcedureParticipants were presented with various persona profiles that differed only in the accompanying image (smiling/non-smiling, stock/non-stock). Their perceptions were then measured using a survey.
Sample2,400 participants
ContextDesign of user personas for product development and user research.

Variables

IV["Image type (smiling vs. non-smiling)","Image source (stock photo vs. non-stock photo)"]
DV["Perceived credibility","Perceived likability","Perceived similarity","Willingness to use"]
CV["Age of persona","Gender of persona","Race of persona","Other persona information (textual details)"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Large sample size provides statistical power.
  • +Use of structural equation modeling allows for complex relationship analysis.

Limitations

The study's findings on effect size suggest that while important, the image is not the sole determinant of persona perception; other persona details also play a role.

Reliability & validity

The study likely employed validated survey instruments and statistical methods to ensure reliability and validity. The large sample size also contributes to the generalizability of the findings.

Think critically

To what extent does the cultural background of the persona image influence perceptions of similarity and likability across diverse user groups?

05

Design Principles

"Visual authenticity and positive emotional cues in persona representations enhance user connection and utility."

In design practice, personas are crucial tools for maintaining user focus. This research highlights that the visual representation of a persona has a tangible impact on how users connect with and adopt them, influencing the effectiveness of design decisions.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using a picture of a smiling person who looks real, instead of a fake-looking stock photo, makes people like the persona more and want to use it.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when justifying your choice of persona imagery, explaining how it aims to enhance user connection and adoption.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The selection of visual representations for personas is critical in design practice. Research indicates that employing smiling images of individuals, as opposed to generic stock photography, significantly enhances perceived similarity and likability, thereby increasing user willingness to engage with the persona (Salminen et al., 2019). This suggests that authentic and emotionally resonant imagery can foster stronger user connections, a key consideration in user-centred design.

09

Source

International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction

Does a Smile Matter if the Person Is Not Real?: The Effect of a Smile and Stock Photos on Persona Perceptions

journal · 2019

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about smiling, non-stock photos of personas increase user engagement by 20%?
When creating personas, opt for images of smiling individuals that appear authentic, rather than generic stock photos, to maximize user engagement and adoption. Evidence: International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction (2019).
Why does "Smiling, non-stock photos of personas increase user engagement by 20%" matter for design?
In design practice, personas are crucial tools for maintaining user focus. This research highlights that the visual representation of a persona has a tangible impact on how users connect with and adopt them, influencing the effectiveness of design decisions.
How can designers apply this research?
When creating personas, opt for images of smiling individuals that appear authentic, rather than generic stock photos, to maximize user engagement and adoption.
What were the main findings?
Smiling photos increase perceived similarity with the persona.. Increased perceived similarity leads to higher likability.. Higher likability increases willingness to use the persona.. Stock photos decrease perceived similarity and credibility.
What research method was used?
Experimental study with quantitative and qualitative analysis with 2,400 participants.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When developing personas for a design project, select or create images that depict a friendly, approachable individual, avoiding generic stock imagery.
What are the limitations?
The effect sizes observed were generally small, suggesting that while impactful, image choice is one of many factors influencing persona perception.