Acceptance of Wearable Technology: A Meta-Analysis

Knowing what factors drive wearable technology adoption can help companies succeed in the competitive market of wearables. In this study, we conduct a meta-analysis on the relationships of technology acceptance of wearable technology based on the extant corpus (142 effect sizes from 44 samples collected in 11 countries). The results confirm the basic expectation that the core constructs of technology acceptance models as well as reveal that perceived enjoyment and usefulness are the most important to the adoption of wearables. However, more interestingly, a granular analysis of moderating effects shows that cultural factors including uncertainty avoidance, future orientation and humane orientation can significantly moderate the relationships between different determinants and wearable adoption. In addition, compared with other types of smart wearables, the users of smartwatches would place more weight on perceived self-expressiveness. These findings offer insights for future wearables-related research and also have practical implications for designing and developing successful wearable products

Critical drivers for the adoption of wearable sensing technologies (WSTs) for construction safety monitoring in Ghana: A Fuzzy Synthetic Analysis

Purpose: The construction industry is one of the most hazardous working environments globally. Studies reveal that wearable sensing technologies (WSTs) have practical applications in construction occupational health and safety management. In the global south, the adoption of WSTs in construction has been slow with few studies investigating the critical drivers for its adoption. The study therefore bridges this gap by investigating the factors driving WSTs adoption in Ghana where investments in such technologies can massively enhance health and safety through effective safety monitoring. Design/Methodology: To meet the objectives of this study, research data was drawn from 210 construction professionals. Purposive sampling technique was used to select construction professionals in Ghana and data was collected with the use of well-structured questionnaires. The study adopted the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Model (FSEM) to determine the significance of the critical drivers for the adoption of WSTs. Findings: According to the findings, perceived value, technical know-how, security, top management support, competitive pressure, and trading partner readiness obtained a high model index of 4.154, 4.079, 3.895, 3.953, 3.971, and 3.969, respectively, as critical drivers for WSTs adoption in Ghana. Among the three broad factors, technological factors recorded the highest index of 3.971, followed by environmental factors and organizational factors with a model index of 3.938 and 3.916 respectively. Implications: Theoretically, findings are consistent with studies conducted in developed countries, particularly with regard to the perceived value of WSTs as a key driver in its adoption in the construction industry. This study also contributes to the subject of WSTs adoption and, in the case of emerging countries. Practically, findings from the study can be useful to technology developers in planning strategies to promote WSTs in the global south. To enhance construction health and safety in Ghana, policymakers can draw from the findings to create conducive conditions for worker acceptance of WSTs. Originality/Value: Studies investigating the driving factors for WSTs adoption have mainly centered on developed countries. This study addresses this subject in Ghana where studies on WSTs application in construction process is uncommon. It also uniquely explores the critical drivers for WSTs adoption using the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Model

Understanding Smart Wearable Sensors Technology: Impact on Human Health and Fitness

In the field of health care management, smart wearable devices and its supporting technologies have tremendously made a name all around the globe. Smart watches and other sensor trackers are practically being used by various people and its usage has shown to be accompanied with lots  of benefits. This technology was envisaged to play a vital role in the healthcare needs of people; especially with applications in the healthcare sector. The objective of this study, therefore, is to evaluate the technological impact of wearable sensors in human health and fitness (HHF). A web based survey was used for data collection for the period of one month. Emails were sent to registered members of a particular gym who uses any of the smart wearable sensors in keeping fit. The study findings indicate that among the smart wearable devices examined, smart wristwatches (45.6%) appears to be the most commonly used wearable sensor device followed by smart wrist bands (34.7%), smart textiles (10.7%) and smart rings (9.1%). This signifies that a large number of people can effortlessly use SWSs and devices and are optimistic about its support in their daily  healthcare/fitness needs. Users are positive on the technological prospects of SWSs and devices; although there is a gap between personal  motivation to use wearable devices and trust in the confidentiality and privacy of data generated. Keywords: Devices, Health, Fitness, Wearable, Sensor

New Product Development Processes for IOT-Enabled Home Use Medical Devices: A Systematic Review

Background: In the new forefront of healthcare at patients’ homes, medical devices developed to use at home setting by lay users are essential. The adoption of home-use medical devices will benefit both patients and public healthcare services in terms of quality of life, enhanced outcomes, and reduced cost of care. Home use medical devices associated with Internet-Of-Things (IOT) technology assists patients in performing self-care as well as providing health information remotely to health care professionals. However, adopting technology requires understanding the nature of the medical device and medical device development (MDD). Existing studies concerning the new product development (NPD) processes or design processes were systematically reviewed to explore knowledge and expertise to provide a framework for IOT engineers or designers to adopt IOT technology to home use medical devices. Objective: This study aimed to review the published literature to explore the current studies in the field of the NPD process, design process, design methodology, and outcome of the device affecting user acceptance. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines of the English language literature from four electronic databases and academic search engines published from 2007 to 2018 was conducted. The papers were screened and assessed following predefined inclusive and exclusive criteria. The results were analyzed according to the research questions. Results: The findings revealed state-of-the-art in the NPD process and design process (n=4), the design methodology (n=23), and the resultant outcomes of empirical or clinical research in the validation stage (n=14) of medical device development (MDD). The findings also delineated existing studies in NPD, design process, and design methodologies aimed to ensure that medical devices would be effective and safe. Human factor engineering (HFE), cognitive method, ethnographic, and other methodologies were proposed to understand users, uses and context of use. Barriers, constraints, and multidisciplinary communication were addressed. Tools, processes, and methodologies were proposed to overcome the barriers. Conclusion: As home-use medical device development (MDD) and the adoption of IOT technology is now at a crossroads. This study addresses the necessity for future academic studies related to IOT adoption to MDD, including unique risks, multidisciplinary problems, emerging from IOT technology. Finally, future studies aimed at fabricating the NPD process or design process for IOT home-use medical devices to gain user acceptance were outlined

Enhancing Safety on Construction Sites: A UWB-Based Proximity Warning System Ensuring GDPR Compliance to Prevent Collision Hazards

Construction is known as one of the most dangerous industries in terms of worker safety. Collisions due the excessive proximity of workers to moving construction vehicles are one of the leading causes of fatal and non-fatal accidents on construction sites internationally. Proximity warning systems (PWS) have been proposed in the literature as a solution to detect the risk for collision and to alert workers and equipment operators in time to prevent collisions. Although the role of sensing technologies for situational awareness has been recognised in previous studies, several factors still need to be considered. This paper describes the design of a prototype sensor-based PWS, aimed mainly at small and medium-sized construction companies, to collect real-time data directly from construction sites and to warn workers of a potential risk of collision accidents. It considers, in an integrated manner, factors such as cost of deployment, the actual nature of a construction site as an operating environment and data protection. A low-cost, ultra-wideband (UWB)-based proximity detection system has been developed that can operate with or without fixed anchors. In addition, the PWS is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union. A privacy-by-design approach has been adopted and privacy mechanisms have been used for data protection. Future work could evaluate the PWS in real operational conditions and incorporate additional factors for its further development, such as studies on the timely interpretation of data

The predictive factors of new technology adoption, workers’ well-being and absenteeism: The case of a public maritime company in venice

The main goal of this research was to investigate the psychosocial aspects that influence the acceptance of innovative technology in maritime transport and its impact on employees’ work-related wellbeing and absenteeism. In particular, this study focused on a device that had been introduced to sailors working in water public transportation in Venice. The theoretical framework included two integrated models: the TAM model, concerning acceptance of the technology, and the JD-R model, related to workers’ well-being. A two-wave study was conducted; at T1, a self-report questionnaire was administered to 122 sailors. Four months after its first administration (T2), objective data related to days of absenteeism were collected. The study showed that the perceived ease of use and the usefulness of the device influenced the workers’ intentions to use the technology and their motivational processes of work engagement, which was also related to social support. Work engagement impacted on work satisfaction and predicted the level of absenteeism (measured at Time 2). The implementation of a new technology may fail if transportation companies do not consider psychosocial factors that assist in the acceptance of such technology and promote the involvement of workers in the technological system

Stakeholder’s experiences of living and caring in technology-rich supported living environments for tenants living with dementia

From Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2021-12-22, registration 2023-01-12, accepted 2023-01-12, pub-electronic 2023-02-01, online 2023-02-01, collection 2023-12Publication status: PublishedAcknowledgements: Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the wider research team that worked within the TESA-DRI Project. We are grateful to our peer-researchers for their time and commitment to the TESA-DRI project. The project was funded by the Health and Social Care Research and Development Division Public Health Agency and Atlantic Philanthropies (COM/4955/14).Background: Technology innovation provides an opportunity to support the rising number of people living with dementia globally. The present study examines experiences of people who have dementia and live in technology enriched supported care models. Additionally, it explores caregiver’s attitudes towards technology use with the housing scheme. Methods: A qualitative research design was adopted, and eight housing schemes consented to take part in the study. A technology audit was undertaken in addition to participant interviews and caregiver survey. Seven peer researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 people living with dementia. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Informal and formal caregivers were invited to complete a survey to capture their attitudes towards technology use. A total of 20 informal and 31 formal caregiver surveys were returned. All surveys were input into Survey Monkey and downloaded into excel for analysis. Closed questions were analysed using descriptive statistics and open-ended questions were organised into themes and described descriptively. Results: The technology audit identified that technologies were in place from as early as 2002. Technology heterogeneity of, both passive and active devices, was found within the housing schemes. Technologies such as wearable devices were reportedly used according to need, and mobile phone use was widely adopted. The themes that developed out of the tenant interviews were: Attitudes and Engagement with Technology; Technology Enhancing Tenants Sense of Security; Seeking Support and Digital Literacy; and Technology Enabled Connection. A lack of awareness about living alongside technology was a major finding. Technologies enabled a sense of reassurance and facilitated connections with the wider community. The interaction with technology presented challenges, for example, remembering passwords, access to Wi-Fi and the identification of its use in an emergency. The caregiver survey reported a range of facilitators and barriers for the use of technology within care. Both types of caregivers held relatively similar views around the benefits of technology, however their views on issues such as privacy and consent varied. Safety was considered more important than right to privacy by family caregivers. Conclusions: The present study provides new insight into stakeholder’s experiences of living, working and caregiving alongside technology in supported living environments. As the generation of people living with dementia become more tech savvy, harnessing everyday technologies to support care could enable holistic care and support the transition through the care continuum. Advance care planning and technology assessments are at the very core of future technology provision. It is evident that a paternalistic attitudes towards technology use could impact the multitude of benefits technology can play in both health and leisure for people living with dementia and their caregivers.pubpu

Construction Industry Hesitation in Accepting Wearable Sensing Devices to Enhance Worker

The construction industry is one of the most unsafe industries for workers in the United States. Advancements in wearable technology have been proven to create a safer construction environment. Despite the availability of these devices, use within the construction industry remains low. The objective of this research is to identify and analyze the causes behind the reluctance of the construction industry to implement two specific wearable safety devices, a biometric sensor, and a location tracking system. Device acceptance was analyzed from the perspective of the user (construction field labor) and company decision makers (construction managers). A modified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model was developed specific to barriers commonly found within technology adoption in the construction industry including: perceived performance expectancy, perceived effort expectancy, openness to data utilization, social influence, data security, and facilitating conditions. A structured questionnaire was designed to test for association between the mentioned constructs and either behavioral intention or actual use. The questionnaire went through an expert review process, and a pilot study was conducted prior to being distributed to industry. Once all data was received Pearson chi-squared analysis was used to test for association between the constructs. A minority (46%) of labor respondents would not agree to voluntarily use the biometric wearable sensing device. Constructs associated with this finding included perceived performance expectancy, perceived effort expectancy, and social influence. A majority (59%) of labor respondents would not agree to voluntarily use the location tracking wearable sensing device. Constructs associated with this finding included perceived performance expectancy, social influence, and data security. A majority (56%) of management respondents would not implement the biometric wearable sensing device. Constructs found to be associated with this finding included perceived performance expectancy, openness to data utilization, and social influence of the client. A supermajority (68%) of management respondents would not implement the location tracking wearable sensing device. Constructs found to be associated with this finding include perceived performance expectancy, perceived effort expectancy, openness to data utilization, social influence, and data security. This study will aid in the successful implementation of wearable sensing devices within the construction industry. Findings from this study can be used to aid those hoping to implement wearable sensing devices by identifying causes of wearable sensing device rejection. The results of this study can be used by both project managers and health and safety professionals to aid in device acceptance by field labor, and by those whose goal is to increase device use among construction firms

An in-depth investigation of digital construction technologies from a building economics perspective

While initial costs in building economics cover a small portion of the costs incurred during its life-cycle, most occur in construction, operation, and subsequent processes. Despite its numerous contributions to building economics, the construction industry is slowly adapting to digital technologies. To overcome the barriers and crown the assets with their proper management, dynamic applications of digital tools and techniques of Industry 4.0 need to emerge in the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to present an integrative approach that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to critically review the available literature on the potential contributions of digital construction technologies to building economics through the post-design phases of the life cycle. The primary focus of the investigation is how digital technologies can overcome prevalent problems and how they can impact building economics. The study contributes to the field by providing an awareness that will inform researchers and practitioners of the trends, gaps, and more profound exchange of ideas in future research efforts