Why Are You Really Using This Technology? An Exploratory Study on the Relevance of Psychological Needs for Technology Acceptance Across Different Domains

Abstract

To create a positive user experience and reach technology acceptance, it is important to understand what motivates individuals to use a technology. In our approach, we therefore consider individuals’ intrinsic usage motivation, grounded in an extended perspective on psychological need fulfillment. In an explorative qualitative study, we conducted four focus group interviews (N = 20) to examine the role of eight psychological needs for different domains where people often use technology in their daily lives (health, communication, entertainment, automotive). The relevance of needs varied for different kinds of technologies, suggesting a prioritization of specific needs depending on the usage scenario. As a result, attention should be given not only to rather obvious needs, such as relatedness for communication, or physicalness for health, but also to latent needs that may not be immediately apparent, to adapt to users’ needs and contribute to a positive user experience.