At the interest of intelligent/smart devices in growing, this paper explores the concept of agency in human-smart device relationships, focusing on two key aspects:
- User agency: The self-perceived abilities of users to operate and control their devices.
- Device agency: The capacities that users attribute to their smart devices.
The study introduces four agency profiles that characterize different types of human-smart device relationships:
- Controller: High user agency, low device agency
- Collaborator: High user agency, high device agency
- Victim: Low user agency, high device agency
- Detached: Low user agency, low device agency
Figure below presents an intuitive idea of the research:
The researcher is validated by conducting an exploratory factorial analysis, tag cloud analysis, and sentiment analysis on survey data to investigate these agency profiles. In this work we examined also how various background variables (such as age, gender, education, and device type) relate to user and device agency.
Key findings include:
- The type of smart device significantly affected user agency, with household cleaning device users reporting the highest user agency and personal assistant device users reporting the lowest.
- Most background variables (age, gender, education, professional field, work experience) did not significantly impact user or device agency.
- The tag cloud analysis revealed distinct patterns of language use associated with each agency profile, providing insights into how users perceive their relationships with smart devices.
This research contributes to the fields of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Information Systems (IS) by offering a framework for understanding the varied ways humans interact with and perceive smart devices. The findings have implications for designing more effective and user-friendly smart device interfaces and experiences. The impact of this paper on human-smart device relationships and related fields includes:
- Theoretical contribution: The study introduces a novel framework for understanding human-smart device relationships through the lens of user and device agency. This conceptualization provides a new perspective for researchers in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Information Systems (IS).
- Design implications: The findings can inform the design of smart devices and their interfaces. By understanding different agency profiles, designers can create more user-friendly and effective devices that cater to various user perceptions and needs.
- User experience enhancement: The research helps in identifying factors that influence user satisfaction and engagement with smart devices. This knowledge can be applied to improve overall user experience.
- Industry relevance: The study’s insights are valuable for companies developing and marketing smart devices. Understanding user perceptions can guide product development and marketing strategies.
- Educational impact: The research provides a foundation for educating users about their relationship with smart devices, potentially leading to more informed and empowered consumers.
- Future research directions: The paper opens up new avenues for research in human-smart device interactions, encouraging further exploration of agency concepts in technology adoption and use.
- Societal implications: By shedding light on how people perceive and interact with smart devices, the study contributes to broader discussions about the role of technology in society and its impact on human behavior.
- Methodological contribution: The combination of exploratory factorial analysis, tag cloud analysis, and sentiment analysis provides a multi-faceted approach to studying human-smart device relationships, which can be applied in future studies.
This research has the potential to influence how we design, use, and think about smart devices, ultimately advancing our understanding the human-technology interactions. Overall, you should read this paper for several compelling reasons:
- Novel perspective: The paper introduces a unique framework for understanding human-smart device relationships through the concepts of user agency and device agency. This approach offers a fresh perspective on how people interact with and perceive their smart devices.
- Practical implications and industry relevance: The research has direct applications for designers and developers of smart devices. By understanding different agency profiles, they can create more user-friendly and effective products that cater to various user perceptions and needs. Thus facilitating the development and marketing of smart devices.
- Insight into user experience: The study provides valuable insights into factors that influence user satisfaction and engagement with smart devices. This knowledge can be applied to enhance overall user experience across different types of smart devices.
- Societal impact: The research contributes to broader discussions about the role of technology in society and its impact on human behavior. It helps us understand how people perceive and interact with increasingly prevalent smart devices.
- Methodological innovation: The paper employs a multi-faceted approach combining exploratory factorial analysis, tag cloud analysis, and sentiment analysis. This methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of human-smart device relationships and could be applied in future studies[1].
- Future research directions: The study opens up new avenues for research in human-smart device interactions, encouraging further exploration of agency concepts in technology adoption and use.
In summary, by reading this paper, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between humans and smart devices, which is increasingly relevant in our technology-driven world. The insights provided can be valuable whether you’re a researcher, designer, industry professional, or simply interested in how technology shapes our daily lives.
Link to the paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16030090
Dataset for the study of Human and Device Agency
The relationship we have with our smart devices is more complex than we think! This research reveals how user and device agency influence our interactions. #TechResearch #HCI #IoT #AI
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