Understanding Technology as Situated Practice: Everyday use of Voice User Interfaces Among Diverse Groups of Users in Urban India

Abstract

As smartphones have become ubiquitous across urban India, voice user interfaces (VUIs) are increasingly becoming part of diverse groups of users' daily experiences. These technologies are now generally accessible as a result of improvements in mobile Internet access, [-8.5pc]Biography is Required. Please provide. introduction of low-cost smartphones and the ongoing process of their localisation into Indian languages. However, when people engage with technologies in their everyday lives, they not only enact the material attributes of the artifact but also draw on their skills, social positions, prior experience and societal norms and expectations to make use of the artifact. Drawing on Orlikowski's analytical framework of "technologies-in-practice" we engage in an interview-based exploratory study among diverse groups of users in urban India to understand use of VUIs as situated practice. We identify three technologies-in-practice emerging through enactment of VUIs on users' smartphones: looking up, learning and leisure. We argue that -instead of asking why and how users appropriate VUIs -identifying different kinds of enactments of VUIs present researchers and practitioners with a more nuanced understanding of existing and potential use of VUIs across varied contexts.

Appropriating Information Technology Artefacts through Trial and Error: The Case of the Tablet

“…This may mean that the tablet cannot reasonably substitute a previously owned IT or non-IT artefact or that it doesn’t improve one’s workflow in some way. One’s golas and their experiences with other forms of IT, and even with non-IT solutions (e.g., pen and paper), have an impact on how an interaction is experienced because they weigh in in how users make sense and act about technology (Kendall et al 2020 ; Orlikowski and Gash 1994 ) and is quite applicable when rejecting the iPad.…”

“…Indeed our findings clearly show that time savings, and increases in productivity are deemed simply not enough in light of other sacrifices (such as lugging around a heavy object, being unable to focus on the primary activity or to properly interact with others), then the outcome of the trial and error behaviour is that of rejection (Michael and Harriett, vignettes 4, 5), where the user discontinues its use for some or all tasks. This suggests that the tablet as an IT artefact is not defined or interpreted by its functions and the included or excluded features in its design; instead, users assess it in relation to more practical terms (i.e., if, how, when it can support them) and on its potential place within their wider sociomaterial practices (Kendall et al 2020 ; Riemer and Johnston 2013 ).…”

Enablers and Inhibitors of AI-Powered Voice Assistants: A Dual-Factor Approach by Integrating the Status Quo Bias and Technology Acceptance Model

“…Among the growing frontline of AI-based technologies, voice assistants are becoming ubiquitous (Kendall et al, 2020). AIVA has made a significant impact to end user engagement (McLean & Osei-Frimpong, 2019;Sung et al, 2021) and customer service domain interaction (Kumar et al, 2016).…”

Application of AI technology in modern digital marketing environment

“…This is another important application of AI technology. However, rather than developing your own voice search technology (Kendall et al, 2020), you can use those developed by the major tech players like Amazon, Apple or Google. Voice search will, without a doubt, disrupt the SEO world.…”