The Impact of QoE Factors on the Perception of Constructs Comprising Information Quality, Usability, and Aesthetics in Mobile Web Browsing

Abstract

Quality of Experience (QoE) for mobile Web browsing is a complex and multidimensional concept. So far, the research community has addressed the influence of QoE perceptual dimensions on QoE and the impact of various influence factors on QoE perceptual dimensions for mobile Web browsing. In this study, we recognize the gap and need to analyze and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between multiple influence factors and specific constructs of QoE perceptual dimensions. Utilizing a previously collected dataset, our goal is to fill the research gap in terms of investigating the impact of specific influence factors (loading time, aesthetics, number of taps, information quality) on various constructs comprising the user perception of usability, aesthetics, and information quality in the context of mobile Web browsing. A total of 14 research questions are raised: 7 addressing constructs comprising perceived usability (simplicity, effectiveness, quickness, efficiency, comfort, ease of use, organization), 3 addressing constructs comprising perceived aesthetics (perception of mobile Web site aesthetics, pleasance, clarity, systematicness), and 4 addressing constructs comprising perceived information quality (timeliness, clarity, conciseness, structuralism/completeness/spelling-correctness). Results of posed research questions provide indications on the strength and direction of the impact of considered QoE influence factors on the perception of studied constructs. This study contributes to the research community by being the first to address the impact of chosen QoE influence factors on individual constructs comprising QoE perceptual dimensions in the domain of mobile Web browsing, thus extending the knowledge on interplays and relations in this area. Furthermore, it contributes by revealing numerous new paradigms in the context of usability, aesthetics, and quality of information, such as: (i) beautiful and easy to reach is more simple, effective, efficient, and comfortable, (ii) easy to reach is more pleasant and clear, (iii) informative is more pleasant and clear, (iv) beautifully presented information has higher perceived quality, etc. Reported findings can be utilized by various stakeholders (mobile Web site designers, content providers, device designers, network providers) for indirect management of QoE.