Understanding Rideshare and Delivery Platform Algorithms

Study Overview

Thank you for participating in our research study! We're interested in learning more about rideshare and delivery platforms, and how people use them. In this study, we are interested in Uber, UberEats, Lyft, Doordash, Grubhub,and Instacart.

What You'll Be Asked to Do

We will provide instructions and links to each phase of the survey to your email. As part of this study, you will be asked to complete four phases. You are currently in Phase 2, 3 or 4.

Phase 2: Qualifying Screenshots

Qualifying screenshots must capture (1) the estimated time of arrival, (2) the service you selected (e.g., select Priority if you will order Priority), and (3) the pricing details of the order. For more information on what screenshots to upload, see the examples below.

Some platforms may require more than one screenshot to capture all of the required information (see UberEats, DoorDash below). You may also upload screenshots from desktop/web browsers if you prefer.

Example Qualifying Screenshots:

Remembering to Take Screenshots

To help you remember to take screenshots before each rideshare/delivery order, we have created two Shortcuts. You can download them by clicking the blue text below. Please open the links on your iPhone. You can open this webpage on your phone, or send the webpage to yourself via email or text message.

1. Click this link: Reminder Notification to Take Screenshot Shortcut
2. Click this link: Automatically Take & Save Screenshot Shortcut

Compensation

Participants who complete all phases of the study will receive compensation as follows:

1. $10 for uploading your ride/delivery history and at least 5 screenshots of your ride/delivery orders.
2. $1 bonus for each additional screenshot you upload (>5 total), up to $10. For example, if you upload 10 screenshots, you will receive $15.

Data Privacy

Your data will be uploaded to a secure server, with access limited to the research team. You'll be able to review all of your data prior to uploading it to us.