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Factors influencing the intention of persons with visual impairment to adopt mobile applications based on the UTAUT model

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Abstract

Despite the significance of studies related to mobile applications, little empirical research has been conducted into the factors that may affect visually impaired people’s acceptance and usage of mobile applications. This study investigated how individuals with visual impairment (VI) adopt and use mobile applications (apps) in their daily lives based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and explored what needs to be considered when developing a mobile app for people with VI. An online survey consisting of close-ended and open-ended questions was administered to a total of 259 participants with VI. Structural equation modeling was used to examine direct and moderated relationships among study variables. Thematic analysis was also conducted to analyze participants’ responses to the open-ended questions. The results of the quantitative analysis revealed that the performance expectancy significantly predicted the behavioral intention to use mobile apps, and this relationship was significantly moderated by the attitude toward mobile apps. The qualitative analysis showed that the functionality and accessibility of mobile apps were essential for improving the acceptance and usage of mobile apps for persons with visual impairment. Moreover, future mobile apps need to focus on enhancing specific features in navigation, communication, visual identification, and screen reading. The theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

    Hyunchang Moon, Jongpil Cheon, Jaehoon Lee, Devender R. Banda & Nora Griffin-Shirley

  2. Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, 65897, USA

    Paul M. Ajuwon

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Appendix

Appendix

Please read each statement concerning the use of mobile applications (apps) for individuals who are blind or visually impaired and rate it using the following scale (1—strongly disagree, 2—disagree, 3—neutral, 4—agree, 5—strongly agree).

Performance expectancy

  • I believe that apps in my mobile device are useful in my daily life.

  • I believe that apps in my mobile device allow me to get my tasks/chores done more quickly.

  • I believe that apps in my mobile device increase my ability to do my tasks/chores well.

Effort expectancy

  • I think it is easy to know how to use apps in my mobile device.

  • It is easy to use apps in my mobile device.

  • I have no problem with using apps in my mobile device.

Social influence

  • My friends who are blind or visually impaired use apps.

  • I usually download an app recommended by my friends who are blind or visually impaired.

  • I use certain apps because my friends and family members are using them.

Facilitating conditions

  • I have the resources necessary to use apps.

  • I have the knowledge necessary to use apps.

  • I can get help from others when I have difficulties using apps.

Attitude

  • I like using apps.

  • I am satisfied with apps for performing my daily living skills.

  • I enjoy apps on my mobile device.

Self-efficacy

  • I am confident about using apps in my mobile device.

  • Using apps in my mobile device would not challenge me.

  • I am comfortable to use apps in my mobile device.

Behavioral intention

  • In the future, I predict I would use more apps in my daily life.

  • I plan to use more apps in my life.

  • I intend to use more apps in the future.

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Moon, H., Cheon, J., Lee, J. et al. Factors influencing the intention of persons with visual impairment to adopt mobile applications based on the UTAUT model. Univ Access Inf Soc 21, 93–107 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-020-00757-0

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