User Acceptance Research Articles

Effectiveness and user experience of nose and throat swabbing techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection: results from the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme

BackgroundThe UK’s National Health Service Test and Trace (NHSTT) program aimed to provide the most effective and accessible SARS-CoV-2 testing approach possible. Early user feedback indicated that there were accessibility issues associated with throat swabbing. We report the results of service evaluations performed by NHSTT to assess the effectiveness and user acceptance of swabbing approaches, as well as qualitative findings of user experiences from research reports, surveys, and incident reports. Our intent is to present and summarize our findings about the application of alternative swabbing approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.MethodsFrom May 2020 to December 2021, NHSTT conducted a series of service evaluations assessing self-swabbing and assisted swabbing of the nose and throat, and nose only (anterior nares/mid-turbinate) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and lateral flow devices (LFDs), for diagnostic suitability within the COVID-19 National Testing Programme. Outcomes included observational user feedback on swabbing approaches and quantitative testing performance (concordance, sensitivity, and specificity). A post-hoc indirect comparison of swabbing approaches was also performed. Additionally, an analysis of existing cross-service research was conducted in April 2021 to determine user feedback regarding swabbing approaches.ResultsObservational data from cross-service research indicated a user preference for nose swabbing over throat swabbing. Significantly more users reported that nose swabbing was easier to perform than throat swabbing (50% vs. 12%) and there were significantly fewer reported incidents. In the service evaluations, while there was reduced sensitivity for nose-only swabbing for PCR (88%) compared with nose and throat swabbing, similar sensitivities were observed for nose-only and nose and throat swabbing for LFDs. The sensitivity of nose-only swabbing for LFDs was higher for individuals with higher viral concentrations.ConclusionsUser experience analyses supported a preference for nose-only swabbing. Nose-only swabbing for LFDs provided sufficient diagnostic accuracy, supporting its use as a viable option in the COVID-19 National Testing Programme. Less invasive swabbing approaches are important to maximize testing accessibility and alongside other behavioral interventions, increase user uptake.

Digital Educational Escape Rooms for Providing Knowledge on Stress Management and Health Promotion for Students—A Rapid Review and Pilot Study

The impact of stress on students’ well-being and academic success is tremendous. This paper addresses the issue of balancing stress with the realm of a digital educational escape room (deER). This article demonstrates how a deER can serve as a means of providing knowledge on stress management and health promotion for university students. The objective was twofold—to explore the state of research regarding deERs in stress management and health promotion for students and to investigate the user experience and acceptance of a deER prototype. The methodology combines a rapid literature review and the conceptual as well as technical development of the deER prototype. Additionally, pilot testing was conducted in alignment with relevant theory. The rapid review included four publications meeting the inclusion criteria. Data for deER prototype testing were collected from students at the University of Siegen (first Bachelor’s and Master’s degree). The pilot study results (n = 4 participants) indicated that deER education on coping strategies, which incorporates mindfulness exercises, increases productivity and is considered helpful for stress management. This suggests that deERs can provide enjoyable and effective support for students in acquiring personal stress management strategies, potentially enhancing health promotion at universities. However, larger, more diverse studies are needed to fully assess their feasibility and integration into university structures.

Accuracy and feasibility of continuous glucose monitoring system in pancreatectomy patients.

Pancreatectomy patients often experience challenging fluctuations in blood glucose levels; therefore, they require a reliable monitoring system. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and acceptability of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system compared with the intermittent capillary glucose test in patients who have undergone pancreatectomy. Thirty non-diabetic pancreatectomy patients participated. We used the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System (Abbott Diabetes Care) for continuous interstitial glucose monitoring. Capillary reference glucose levels were checked four times daily. Accuracy was checked using the Clarke Error Grid. The mean age of the participants was 56.8 ± 12.0 years, of whom 61.3% underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and 38.7% underwent distal pancreatectomy. Three patients developed pancreatogenic diabetes after pancreatectomy. The clinical accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring compared with capillary glucose was 43.9% in Zone A (clinically accurate zone) and 99.8% in Zone A + B (low risk of error) of the Clarke Error Grid. No device-related adverse events were reported. Patients rated favorable user acceptability on the questionnaire. This pilot study demonstrated that the CGM device is accurate and safe for patients who underwent pancreatectomy, with favorable user acceptability. Despite these challenges, the study proposes that the CGM device is beneficial for monitoring glucose levels after discharge in patients with impaired glucose levels following pancreatectomy.

Data-Driven Technologies for Energy Optimization in Smart Buildings: A Scoping Review

Data-Driven Technologies for Energy Optimization in Smart Buildings: A Scoping Review

The impact of labeling automotive AI as trustworthy or reliable on user evaluation and technology acceptance

This study explores whether labeling AI as either “trustworthy” or “reliable” influences user perceptions and acceptance of automotive AI technologies. Utilizing a one-way between-subjects design, the research presented online participants (N = 478) with a text presenting guidelines for either trustworthy or reliable AI, before asking them to evaluate 3 vignette scenarios and fill in a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model which covers different variables, such as perceived ease of use, human-like trust, and overall attitude. While labeling AI as “trustworthy” did not significantly influence people’s judgements on specific scenarios, it increased perceived ease of use and human-like trust, namely benevolence, suggesting a facilitating influence on usability and an anthropomorphic effect on user perceptions. The study provides insights into how specific labels affect adopting certain perceptions of AI technology.

A mobile intervention to reduce anxiety among university students, faculty, and staff: Mixed methods study on users' experiences.

Anxiety is highly prevalent among college communities, with significant numbers of students, faculty, and staff experiencing severe anxiety symptoms. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), including Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I), offer promising solutions to enhance access to mental health care, yet there is a critical need to evaluate user experience and acceptability of DMHIs. CBM-I training targets cognitive biases in threat perception, aiming to increase cognitive flexibility by reducing rigid negative thought patterns and encouraging more benign interpretations of ambiguous situations. This study used questionnaire and interview data to gather feedback from users of a mobile application called "Hoos Think Calmly" (HTC), which offers brief CBM-I training doses in response to stressors commonly experienced by students, faculty, and staff at a large public university. Mixed methods were used for triangulation to enhance the validity of the findings. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews from a subset of participants (n = 22) and analyzed thematically using an inductive framework, revealing five main themes: Effectiveness of the Training Program; Feedback on Training Sessions; Barriers to Using the App; Use Patterns; and Suggestions for Improvement. Additionally, biweekly user experience questionnaires sent to all participants in the active treatment condition (n = 134) during the parent trial showed the most commonly endorsed response (by 43.30% of participants) was that the program was somewhat helpful in reducing or managing their anxiety or stress. There was overall agreement between the quantitative and qualitative findings, indicating that graduate students found it the most effective and relatable, with results being moderately positive but somewhat more mixed for undergraduate students and staff, and least positive for faculty. Findings point to clear avenues to enhance the relatability and acceptability of DMHIs across diverse demographics through increased customization and personalization, which may help guide development of future DMHIs.

Examining the effect of personality on user acceptance of conditionally automated vehicles

Automated vehicle acceptance (AVA) research has grown substantially in the past few years. There is a paucity of research on the role of the big five personality traits on attitudes towards automated vehicles (AVs) and AVA. This is a critical shortcoming given that personality is considered a critical factor explaining technology adoption. Our major theoretical contribution is the integration of the most popular personality measure – the big five – and one of the most influential technology acceptance models – Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2). A questionnaire was administered to 9,339 respondents from nine countries to predict the behavioral intention to use conditionally automated vehicles (CondAVs). The original UTAUT2 was extended by trust and driver engagement and the big five personality traits openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the direct effects of these constructs on behavioral intention and the indirect effects of the personality traits on the independent constructs of the extended UTAUT2. The results have shown positive effects of social influence, trust, and performance expectancy on the behavioral intention to use CondAVs. Most of the hypotheses pertaining to the role of the personality traits on the UTAUT2 constructs were supported, but the effects were relatively small (< 0.25). Our findings support the usefulness of UTAUT2 in evaluating the success of AVs, providing crucial insights into the factors driving the acceptance of CondAVs. The cross-country analysis provides further insights into the role of an individual’s personality for AVA. Our study yields important implications for practitioners. Given the small effect sizes of personality, designing CondAVs around the personalities of their customers during development and commercialization may be ineffective to promote trust and acceptance.

User Acceptance and Sustainable Adoption of University Management Information Systems: a Cross-cultural Study

Objective: This study aims to enhance the quality of management information systems (MIS) in universities by investigating user acceptance and sustainable adoption across different cultural contexts.Method: A cross-cultural study was conducted utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework. Key research variables were identified, including system performance, management information quality, system interactivity, social impact, educational culture, usage habits, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user acceptance, sustained use intention, and sustained use behavior. A series of hypotheses were established and validated through experimental analysis.Results: The analysis revealed that system performance, management information quality, educational culture, and perceived usefulness significantly positively influenced user acceptance, with path coefficients of 0.256, 0.752, 0.607, and 0.368, respectively. Additionally, social influence, usage habits, perceived usefulness, and user acceptance positively impacted users' willingness to continue using the MIS, with path coefficients of 0.533, 0.532, 0.441, and 0.602, respectively.Conclusions: The findings indicate that cross-cultural research on user acceptance and sustainable adoption of MIS in universities is vital for understanding diverse user needs. The insights gained can serve as objective guidance for enhancing the management capabilities of universities globally.

Innovative virtual reality solutions for technical training in heavy construction equipment repair and maintenance

The construction industry is significantly impacted by heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, and vehicles. This equipment speeds up building, moves supplies, and builds infrastructure. Using heavy construction equipment correctly can boost productivity and shorten project timelines. Due to their complexity and scale, this equipment must be maintained and repaired. Poor maintenance and repair of heavy construction equipment can reduce performance, damage, and even cause accidents. Due to these problems, this study focuses on the design and development of a simulation training application to enhance the technical skills of workers in maintaining and repairing heavy construction equipment using virtual reality (VR) technology, the development of this application will be carried out using Unreal Engine 5 and thereafter tested and implemented at PT Menara Indonesia or M-Knows Consulting, Indonesia. At the end of this study, the design and development of a VR training simulation application for heavy equipment repair has been successfully completed. After testing the VR application and conducting user acceptance tests, it was concluded that the created VR application greatly assists M-Knows Consulting in training workers to perform maintenance and repair on heavy equipment, with a user acceptance rate of 84%.

Opportunities and barriers for reimbursement of digital therapeutics in Austria: Findings From expert interviews.

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are software-based interventions that aim to prevent or treat especially non-communicable diseases. Currently, no framework for reimbursement of DTx exists in Austria. The aim of this study was to gather a comprehensive perspective on regulatory considerations of Austrian stakeholders with regard to reimbursement of DTx and to outline strategies for establishing a national reimbursement framework. Based on a stakeholder analysis, seven semi-structured interviews with Austrian experts from the digital health-related fields medicine, public health, health technology assessment, health industry and social security providers were conducted. Interviews were analyzed according to seven predefined themes. Overall, participants agreed that reimbursement of DTx by the public insurance in Austria is desirable. Prerequisites are (i) a high user and prescriber acceptance of DTx, which must be integrated into a transparent and interoperable Austrian e-Health infrastructure, (ii) a sufficient, risk-based level of evidence for clinical effectiveness, (iii) national authorities that transparently provide evidence-base, indications, contra-indications and potential risks, (iv) adopting European regulations about data security, secondary use of data and use of artificial intelligence and (v) a health-economical evaluation of DTx. A comprehensive national strategy for reimbursing DTx will need to consider technical, scientific and socio-economical requirements, patient safety and liability, secure health data handling and use of artificial intelligence in order to establish a sound framework with equitable access also for socioeconomically disadvantaged persons in order to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

Prospective Intervention Study Using Immediate-Fit, Adjustable Prostheses for Persons With Lower Limb Loss in Botswana-A Feasibility and Patient Acceptance Trial.

The aim of the study is to test the feasibility of an immediate-fit, adjustable prosthesis (iFIT Prosthesis) for persons with limb loss in Botswana. As part of the University of Pennsylvania and University of Botswana's long-term partnership, 18 persons with limb loss were fit at four different locations in Botswana. Patients were followed for 4-9 mos after fitting with an interview and Prosthetic Comfort and Utility questionnaire. Out of 18 participants, 13 were located and provided follow-up feedback. Seven of the original 13 were still wearing the adjustable socket, while three reverted to their old socket and three did not use any socket. The highest positive rated question was the ability of the socket to accommodate changes in volume. Twelve (92%) of the participants said that they would recommend the system, yet cited that bulk and lack of cosmetic cover as major issues. For participants who had a conventional prosthesis, it took over a year to get their device through prosthetists using conventional fabrication techniques. This socket system seems to be a feasible option for persons with lower limb loss in Botswana. To address the issues raised by participants and enhance user acceptance, the immediate-fit, adjustable system should become less bulky and include a cosmetic cover.

Mobile-Based Event Decoration Ordering System Using UAT Method with PIECES Framework

The Mobile Event Decoration Booking System is an innovative solution designed to facilitate users in ordering event decorations. By implementing the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) method and the PIECES framework, this system ensures that the developed application meets the needs and expectations of users. This research aims to identify and analyze key features in the ordering process and evaluate user satisfaction with the application. Respondents provide valuable feedback regarding the interface, functionality, and overall user experience through UAT. The research results indicate that this application can enhance the efficiency of bookings, reduce communication errors between service providers and customers, and offer a better experience. With the application of the UAT method, users feel that this system effectively meets their needs, resulting in an improved experience in event planning. These findings suggest that the factors influencing user satisfaction and interest are adequate and should be maintained. The Mobile Event Decoration Booking System has successfully improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the booking service, with an average user satisfaction rate of 95%.

Design and Development of a Website-Based “Agriplan” Information System to Help Plant Care

Agriculture has been an important part of human life for a long time, with farmers as the main drivers. Farmers often face the challenge of increasing land conversion, especially in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) with population growth and the need for land for housing, offices, and government facilities. As a result, every year around 10,000 hectares of agricultural land in NTB shrinks from a total of 270,000 hectares, causing an increase in raw material prices, economic decline and loss of farmer jobs. This research aims to develop a Website-Based “Agriplan” Information System to Assist Plant Care, to support the management of narrow agricultural land with access to agricultural information and solutions. Development using Personal Extreme Programming method, with a qualitative approach through observation and interviews, as well as Black Box Testing and User Acceptance Testing. The test results show that 90.04% of this system is effective in supporting sustainable agriculture.

Comparing User Acceptance in Human–Machine Interfaces Assessments of Shared Autonomous Vehicles: A Standardized Test Procedure

Human–Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in autonomous driving technology have recently gained significant research interest in public transportation. However, most of the studies are biased towards qualitative methods, while combining quantitative and qualitative approaches has yet to receive commensurate attention in measuring user acceptance of design outcome evaluation. To the best of our knowledge, no standardized test procedure that combines quantitative and qualitative methods has been formed to evaluate and compare the interrelationships between different designs of HMIs and their psychological effects on users. This paper proposes a practical and comprehensive protocol to guide assessments of user acceptance of HMI design solutions. We first defined user acceptance and analyzed the existing evaluation methods. Then, specific ergonomic factors and requirements that the designed output HMI should meet were identified. Based on this, we developed a protocol to evaluate a particular HMI solution from in- and out-of-vehicle perspectives. Our theoretical protocol combines objective and subjective measures to compare users’ behavior when interacting with Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in a virtual experimental environment, especially in public transportation. Standardized testing procedures provide researchers and interaction designers with a practical framework and offer theoretical support for subsequent studies.

Business Mobile Application Using Technology Acceptance Model (Tam) for Hospitality Industry

The adoption of business mobile applications (BMAs) in the hospitality industry has surged globally, facilitated by the rapid growth of smartphones and mobile technologies. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical lens, this study examines the factors influencing the adoption of BMAs in Nigeria and South Africa's hospitality sectors. TAM posits that perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) are critical factors that determine user acceptance of technology. In the context of the hospitality industry, BMAs enhance customer experience by streamlining booking processes, improving customer service, and offering tailored services through personalized applications. In Nigeria, the increasing penetration of mobile devices and digital payment platforms like Flutterwave and Paystack has driven BMA adoption, though infrastructural challenges and data privacy concerns remain. South Africa, on the other hand, has seen a rapid adoption of BMAs due to government initiatives promoting the digital hospitality industry despite language and cultural barriers affecting user engagement. In South Africa, high internet penetration and an established digital ecosystem have accelerated BMA adoption in hospitality, with an emphasis on enhancing customer engagement through artificial intelligence and data analytics, leading to mobile technology adoption, driven by innovations in mobile payment systems like Alipay and ChatPay, enabling seamless integration of BMAs into the hospitality sector. However, government regulations around data security pose significant challenges. Across these diverse regions, the study concludes that cultural, infrastructural, and regulatory factors play pivotal roles in shaping BMA adoption. Despite contextual differences, TAM remains a useful model to understand the adoption patterns of BMAs, suggesting that improving PEOU and PU will drive further technological integration in the hospitality industry. The adoption of business mobile applications (BMAs) in the hospitality industry has surged globally, facilitated by the rapid growth of smartphones and mobile technologies. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a study, examines the factors influencing the adoption of BMAs in the hospitality sectors of Nigeria and South Africa. TAM posits that perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) are critical factors that determine user acceptance of technology. In the context of the hospitality industry, BMAs enhance customer experience by streamlining booking processes, improving customer service, and offering tailored services through personalized applications. In Nigeria, the increasing penetration of mobile devices and digital payment platforms like Flutterwave and Paystack has driven BMA adoption, though infrastructural challenges and data privacy concerns remain. South Africa, on the other hand, has seen a rapid adoption of BMAs due to government initiatives promoting the digital hospitality industry despite language and cultural barriers affecting user engagement. In South Africa, high internet penetration and an established digital ecosystem have accelerated BMA adoption in hospitality, with an emphasis on enhancing customer engagement through AI and data analytics. However, government regulations around data security pose significant challenges. Across these diverse regions, the study concludes that cultural, infrastructural, and regulatory factors play pivotal roles in shaping BMA adoption. Despite contextual differences, TAM remains a useful model to understand the adoption patterns of BMAs, suggesting that improving PEOU and PU will drive further technological integration in the hospitality industry.

Unlocking Trust and Acceptance in Tomorrow’s Ride: How In-Vehicle Intelligent Agents Redefine SAE Level 5 Autonomy

As fully automated vehicles (FAVs) advance towards SAE Level 5 automation, the role of in-vehicle intelligent agents (IVIAs) in shaping passenger experience becomes critical. Even at SAE Level 5 automation, effective communication between the vehicle and the passenger will remain crucial to ensure a sense of safety, trust, and engagement. This study explores how different types and combinations of information provided by IVIAs influence user experience, acceptance, and trust. A sample of 25 participants was recruited for the study, which experienced a fully automated ride in a driving simulator, interacting with Iris, an IVIA designed for voice-only communication. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess participants’ perceptions. Findings indicate that critical and vehicle-status-related information had the highest positive impact on trust and acceptance, while personalized information, though valued, raised privacy concerns. Participants showed high engagement with non-driving-related activities, reflecting a high level of trust in the FAV’s performance. Interaction with the anthropomorphic IVIA was generally well received, but concerns about system transparency and information overload were noted. The study concludes that IVIAs play a crucial role in fostering passenger trust in FAVs, with implications for future design enhancements that emphasize emotional intelligence, personalization, and transparency. These findings contribute to the ongoing development of IVIAs and the broader adoption of automated driving technologies.

Generative AI Characteristics, User Motivations, and Usage Intention

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the impact of Generative AI (GAI) characteristics (personalization, privacy loss, anthropomorphism) and user motivations on the intention to use free and paid services through trust mediation. The research model combined the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&G) to capture both organizational and individual usage contexts. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze survey data from 400 GAI users, and showed that trust significantly mediates service adoption intentions, with a stronger effect on paid services. All factors except Perceived Usefulness (PU) had significant effects on trust formation. Although personalization and anthropomorphism enhanced trust, privacy loss concerns diminished it. To increase user acceptance, services must build trust through personalized content and emotional connections while strengthening privacy protection. These findings advance the understanding of technology acceptance and user motivation theories while providing important practical implications for user-centric service design.

Sistem Informasi Perjalanan Dinas Pada Inspektorat Provinsi Lampung Berbasis Web

Business trips are trips made by related employees to complete tasks from the agency and are financed by the agency. Currently, the Lampung Provincial Inspectorate does not yet have a system that provides information about business trips. The processing of business trips data at the Lampung Provincial Inspectorate is still done manually, such as in the process of submitting a business trip activity program. In the current activity program submission process, there is no system that manages and monitors the ongoing activity submission process. Therefore, employees do not know at what stage the activity submission is being processed, so it is difficult for employees to find out information from the submission file, whether the file is approved or rejected. This problem can be overcome by creating an Information System so that it can make it easier for employees to submit activity programs. In developing this information system, the researcher uses the PHP programming language and the Laravel Framework. The system development method used in this research is the Waterfall method. Testing on the information system is carried out using Black Box Testing to test the functionality of the system. In addition, the researcher also conducted User Acceptance Testing to 9 respondents and got an average score of 89% which can be categorized as very good.

Is User Perception the Key to Unlocking the Full Potential of Business Process Management Systems (BPMS)?

This study investigates factors influencing employees' perceptions of the usefulness of Business Process Management Systems (BPMS) in commercial settings. It explores the roles of system dependency, system quality, and the quality of information and knowledge in the adoption and use of BPMS. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from end-users in various firms and analyzed with Partial Least Squares (PLS). The survey evaluated perceptions of service quality, input quality, system attributes, and overall system quality. The findings indicate that service quality, input quality, and specific system attributes significantly influence perceived system quality, while system dependency and information quality are predictors of perceived usefulness. The results highlight the importance of user training, support, and high-quality information in enhancing satisfaction and BPMS. This research offers empirical evidence on the factors impacting user perceptions and acceptance, emphasizing the need for user-centric approaches in BPMS.

3D Adventure Game Design for Early Childhood Alphabet Recognition

Since good practices in childhood will influence adult habits, dental health education should start early. Until recently, the only way to get information about dental health care and good and bad food choices for teeth was through lectures and pamphlets. The traditional approach is considered boring, unnecessarily visualized, and not difficult enough for children to understand. Dr. Rizza Dwi Prasetya from K24 Dental Care Lamongan says that one of the most important things to maintain good dental growth and health is to instill the value of dental care in children from an early age. One way to do this is by creating a 3D adventure game for Android smartphones that teaches about oral health. The Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) approach, which consists of six stages-ideation, design, material collection, assembly, testing, and distribution-was used in making this application. With an indicator of 81% "Very Good", this 3D adventure game about dental health has gone through user acceptability testing and black box testing. This means that this application is suitable for use as an educational tool for children to help them care for and maintain oral health.