The Role of Social Feedback in Technology Acceptance: A One-Week Diary Study with Exoskeleton Users at the Workplace

Occupational exoskeletons constitute a new assistive technology for industrial workers. In the social context of the workplace, colleagues are likely to react to the noticeable appearance of these devices. Drawing on established technology acceptance theories and recent exoskeleton research, we addressed the following issues: (1) What is the effect of co-worker feedback and self-perceived attractiveness on workers’ intention to use an exoskeleton over time? And (2) do these variables predict intention to use beyond perceived usefulness and ease of use? We examined these questions in a one-week diary study with 22 industrial workers. They tested passive exoskeletons during their regular work for six consecutive days and completed a short questionnaire including evaluations of perceived usefulness, ease of use, attractiveness, and social feedback received on a daily basis. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical linear models (HLM). Results showed that usefulness (but not ease of use) significantly predicted intention to use an exoskeleton. Over and above, self-perceived attractiveness significantly affected initial intention to use, whereas the effects of social feedback unfolded over time. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the social dynamics experienced by users of wearable technology.