The Role of Culture in Interface Acceptance

In order for global software to be marketed successfully, the design of interfaces should accommodate users’ cultural differences. This study examines users’ culturally specific design preferences, and evaluates the attitudinal and behavioural consequences of satisfying or not satisfying such preferences. Participants consist of 206 international students, plus a control group of 38 Australian students. Results indicate that design preferences do affect interface acceptance, but that the path of influence leading from preference to attitude and behaviour varies from culture to culture. In particular, unexpected differences are noted between Chinese and Indonesian subjects. Conclusions emphasise the need for confirmatory research, both in terms of interface acceptance and in the design of information systems.

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