I'd still like to see research done using the following - results could be very interesting.
A designer is told to create a screen for some fairly complex feature - something that has at least 10 inputs into some kind of algorithm.
A
Designer is given free reign to just make up some UI entirely how he thinks it should work.
B
Another designer is told to make different versions which are then tested by users. Users should be asked what and how they want the UI to work and how the different versions should be changed. Based on popularity of opinions by testers, that design should be changed to match what most testers prefer. Should have at least 3 repetitions of user testing and feedback.
After this, A and B are given to a new unrelated testing group who need to rank the UI from both A and B without being told about either or having anything explained.
Common sense says B should be better, but I don't think it's guaranteed... Anybody in a university position currently in a position to set something like this up? The results should likely be worth a research paper regardless of outcome!
I would absolutely loathe to run my laptop, desktop, or server on a mobile OS.