Factors influencing the intention of persons with visual impairment to adopt mobile applications based on the UTAUT mode

  • PDF / 771,354 Bytes
  • 15 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
  • 48 Downloads / 226 Views

DOWNLOAD

REPORT


LONG PAPER

Factors influencing the intention of persons with visual impairment to adopt mobile applications based on the UTAUT model Hyunchang Moon1   · Jongpil Cheon1 · Jaehoon Lee1 · Devender R. Banda1 · Nora Griffin‑Shirley1 · Paul M. Ajuwon2

© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020

Abstract Despite the significance of studies related to mobile applications, little empirical research has been conducted into the factors that may affect visually impaired people’s acceptance and usage of mobile applications. This study investigated how individuals with visual impairment (VI) adopt and use mobile applications (apps) in their daily lives based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and explored what needs to be considered when developing a mobile app for people with VI. An online survey consisting of close-ended and open-ended questions was administered to a total of 259 participants with VI. Structural equation modeling was used to examine direct and moderated relationships among study variables. Thematic analysis was also conducted to analyze participants’ responses to the open-ended questions. The results of the quantitative analysis revealed that the performance expectancy significantly predicted the behavioral intention to use mobile apps, and this relationship was significantly moderated by the attitude toward mobile apps. The qualitative analysis showed that the functionality and accessibility of mobile apps were essential for improving the acceptance and usage of mobile apps for persons with visual impairment. Moreover, future mobile apps need to focus on enhancing specific features in navigation, communication, visual identification, and screen reading. The theoretical and practical implications are further discussed. Keywords  Visual impairment · Mobile application · Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology · UTAUT​ · Technology acceptance

1 Introduction Over the last decade, mobile applications (apps) which run on portable devices have exponentially increased since their online distribution platforms such as Google Play and Apple App Store started operating in 2008. People are becoming more acquainted with mobile technology because the apps can be effortlessly adopted for a variety of purposes in their lives. Although numerous apps have been designed to assist users of portable devices with diverse daily activities in multiple settings, the explosive growth has also meant significant challenges for the users to find suitable apps in current mobile app markets [1]. In addition, although advancements * Hyunchang Moon [email protected] 1



Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA



Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897, USA

2

in mobile app development provide various advantages to their end users, these developments also lead to adverse effects on the usability of mobile app [2, 3]. Previous studies have correspondingl