The influence of acceptance and adoption drivers on smart home usage

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to develop a comprehensive adoption model that combines constructs from various theories and tests these theories against each other. The study combines a technology acceptance model, innovation diffusion theory and risk theory. It develops this model in a smart home applications context. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on an online survey consisting of 409 participants, and the data are analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings Each theory provides unique insights into technology acceptance and numerous constructs are interrelated. Predictors from innovation diffusion and risk theory often display indirect effects through technology acceptance variables. The study identifies risk perception as a major inhibitor of use intention, mediated through perceived usefulness. Results reveal that the most important determinants of use intention are compatibility and usefulness of the application. Research limitations/implications Studies which do not examine different theories together may not be able to detect the indirect effects of some predictors and could falsely conclude that these predictors do no matter. The findings emphasize the crucial role of compatibility, perceived usefulness and various risk facets associated with smart homes. Originality/value This study broadens the understanding about the necessity of combining acceptance and adoption drivers from several theories to better understand the usage of complex technological systems such as smart home applications.

Take it Personally – The Role of Consumers’ Perceived Value of Personalization on Cross-Category Use in a Smart Home Ecosystem

“…Based on an online survey of users in three European countries and partial least squares structural equation modeling, this paper extends aspects of technology acceptance and use [13,35] by integrating perceived value from personalization, trust in smart home companies and privacy components. The underlying framework was that in the smart home ecosystem consumers' use and acceptance of smart devices are not related to a single product, service or application, but instead to an entire smart home ecosystem [13]. This research takes into account the complexity of a smart home ecosystem as a multifaceted assemblage of connected smart technologies across different segments [28] (see figure 2 for an overview of the results).…”

“…Therefore, we assume that: H6a-e: There is a positive relation between (a) performance expectancy, (b) effort expectancy, (c) enjoyment, (d) facilitating conditions, (e) price value and the intention of cross-category use of smart home devices. Furthermore, before consumers perceive personalization and personalized services associated with a smart home as beneficial, they need to perceive increased performance of a smart home ecosystem versus the performance of a single technology and a low level of effort that they have to invest to set up a smart home ecosystem [13]. Thus, we assume that:…”

“…First, we suggest the combination of actual usage behavior with smart home devices and survey data. Based on observational studies, further research could shed light on user-smart home interaction [13]. Second, we focused on important mediating effects, but further research should also analyze potential moderating effects.…”

“…For customers and users, this multifaceted assemblage of connected smart technologies across categories (e.g., security, energy management, lighting)the smart home ecosystempromises to leverage these characteristics to create a home environment that is adaptive and reactive to its users' needs [13]. For organizations, these devices are revamping the market for home technology in a wave that is forecast to grow constantly over the next five to ten years [14].…”

“…Nevertheless, from a company-customer perspective, these opportunities and corresponding value generation for both company and customer are mainly related to the concrete and sophisticated setup and installation of the connected smart home ecosystem based on multifaceted technologies from different categories (e.g., home entertainment, security) and different product categories within each category (e.g., security in relation to cameras or doors) [13]. Thus, it is critical to understand consumers' acceptance, use intention and actual use behavior, not only of specific single smart devices, but also of the smart home ecosystem as a wholewith the use of devices across segments.…”