Factors Influencing Acceptance of Computer-Based Innovations

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the complexity of the innovation acceptance process. It presents a specific example of the complexity of users' considerations affecting their possible acceptance of innovations. User considerations should be fed into the design process at the earliest time possible in system development. Design for user acceptance is a process that cannot be adequately addressed through the perspective of the design engineer alone; detailed understanding of the potential users' perspectives, their concerns, their operational constraints, and the practicalities of operational use and their perceived need for the innovation are essential. In addition, users should be made aware that their considerations are being taken into account, and they should be made aware of the capabilities and limitations of the new technology, and other constraints on design, which necessarily influence what can be practically achieved. Preparing and executing a systematic innovation acceptance plan during system development would ultimately result in demonstration of an operationally compatible device to users who are informed and involved, a result that is essential if user acceptance is to be insured.