Factors Influencing the Adoption of Smart Wearable Devices

Abstract

This article examined factors associated with the adoption of smart wearable devices. More specifically, this research explored the contributing and inhibiting factors that influence the adoption of wearable devices through in-depth interviews. The laddering approach was used in the interviews to identify not only the factors but also their relationships to underlying values. The wearable devices examined were a Smart Glass (Google Glass) and a Smart Watch (Sony Smart Watch 3). Two user groups, college students and working professionals, participated in the study. After the participants had the opportunity to try out each of the two devices, the factors that were most important in deciding whether to adopt or not to adopt the device were laddered. For the smart glasses, the most frequently mentioned factor was look-and-feel. For the smart watch, the availability of fitness apps was a key factor influencing adoption. In addition, factors which were linked to image, a personal value, were particularly important across both the student and working groups. This research provides support for the usefulness of the laddering approach to data collection and analysis, and provides some insight into key design criteria to better fit users' needs and interests.

Department(s)

Business and Information Technology

Keywords and Phrases

Glass; Students; Watches; Wearable computers; College students; Data collection; Design criteria; In-depth interviews; Inhibiting factors; Smart wearables; Wearable devices; Working professionals; Wearable technology

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1044-7318

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2018 Taylor & Francis, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 May 2018

Link to Full Text

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