Alexa App: Permission Primers
Alexa App:
Device Store
Global Permission Primers help build trust by explaining why the Alexa app needs certain permissions before asking for them.
A dedicated space in the app where users can discover deals on Alexa-enabled Amazon devices.
Problem
Customers were seeing inconsistent messaging and visuals throughout the app when asked for permissions.
This created confusion. Why would a voice feature need access to your location? Without clear explanations, these requests felt random and invasive.
Customers were seeing inconsistent messaging and visuals throughout the app when asked for permissions. This created confusion. Why would a voice feature need access to your location? Without clear explanations, these requests felt random and invasive.
Customers were seeing inconsistent messaging and visuals throughout the app when asked for permissions.
This created confusion.
Why would a voice feature need access to your location? Without clear explanations, these requests felt random and invasive.
Details
My Role: Lead Designer
Duration: 10 months
Scope: End-to-End process
Partners: Engineer, Product, Legal
My Role: Lead Designer
Duration: 10 months
Scope: End-to-End process
Partners: Engineer, Product, Legal
Problem Desigsn
Problem Desigsn
This is what customers saw when setting up a device in the Alexa app.
Each permission request looked different, with inconsistent layouts, button placements, and calls to action. Users couldn't easily understand what they were giving up or what they'd get in return.
This is what customers saw when setting up a device in the Alexa app. Each permission request looked different, with inconsistent layouts, button placements, and calls to action. Users couldn't easily understand what they were giving up or what they'd get in return.
Research
We ran an unmoderated research study to understand how customers viewed permissions and whether the new designs raised any concerns.
Most customers granted permissions because they trusted Amazon as a brand. However, when they hesitated or declined, it came down to context. If they couldn't see why a specific permission was needed, they wouldn't grant it.
We ran an unmoderated research study to understand how customers viewed permissions and whether the new designs raised any concerns.
Most customers granted permissions because they trusted Amazon as a brand. However, when they hesitated or declined, it came down to context. If they couldn't see why a specific permission was needed, they wouldn't grant it.
Final Design
Global Permission Primers use a template system to create consistency. The goal is simple: give users the information they need to make confident decisions.
Before granting a permission, users should clearly understand what it does and whether it's optional or required.
Global Permission Primers use a template system to create consistency. The goal is simple: give users the information they need to make confident decisions. Before granting a permission, users should clearly understand what it does and whether it's optional or required.
Derek Burkhardsmeier 2025