Utilization of pervasive IT compromised?

Abstract

Systems that are extended across multiple media, e.g., a mobile device and a desktop computer, are becoming increasingly popular. One reason for this is their ability to provide pervasive support for human activities across a range of contextual settings. Despite the value that these cross media systems offer, there are aspects that detract from their efficient utilization. This article reports the findings from an empirical case study exploring the adoption and use of a cross media fitness system. The system's general fit with the ways users carry out their activities is a central determinant of utilization. However, the adoption and use of a cross media system is also essentially influenced through the user experience process. This article describes distinct system characteristics that were found to influence coherent user experience. Based on these findings, we propose design responses that address a systemic out of box experience, crossmedial referencing and explication of a holistic system image. This study provides new insight into how users interact with and perceive cross media systems and identifies distinct focus areas for future research and design of heterogeneous and pervasive information technology.