Factors influencing consumer behaviour and decision to use smart technologies

Abstract

Purpose of the article is to distinguish the factors influencing consumers’ acknowledgement and the decision to use smart technologies on the basis of scientific literature analysis and to verify if the main factors can be revealed by using empirical survey of consumers’ behavior. Methodology/methods Scientific literature analyzes and the pilot survey are presented in the article. Scientific aim focus on changes in consumption and consumer behavior factors also the characteristics of smart products are presented and theoretical aspects of consumers’ awareness, acknowledgement and adoption of smart technologies are being highlighted. Findings The scientific studies and the pilot survey disclosed the perspective of target group toward innovation adoption and main factors influencing the decision to use smart technologies. Conclusions Theoretical analyzes show that a smart environment is a growing field of research, which covers computing, interaction between a human and a computer, computerized vision, adapting systems and training as well as other services through devices. One of the most distinct theories, concerning the acceptance of innovation in general, is Innovation Diffusion Theory. Theoretical and empirical results show the final part in the process of consumer’s smart technology selection is played by internal factors that depend on personal characteristics and personal decisions are related to one’s needs and priorities. It is important to emphasize that considering the limited scope of this paper the pilot survey of the target group was carried out to verify if the main factors can be revealed empirically and could be used while developing the profound instrument for future research.