A Tale of Four Functions and Their Relationships with the Device: Extending Implementation Intention Theory

Abstract

This paper proposes a model, which extends the theory of planned behavior and implementation intention theory (1) to capture user evaluation at the functional level; (2) to investigate the distinct role of pleasure for different hedonic levels; (3) and to examine the interrelationships among intentions in a multifunctional device. The model is applied to study intention to use the functions of phone, organizer, camera and MP3 player in smartphones. A survey with more than 200 respondents shows how the antecedents varied among functions. In particular, pleasure shows much stronger effects for high-hedonic functions than low-hedonic functions. However, high-hedonic functions do not contribute to overall intention to use a smartphone. The different effects of individual functions on the overall device suggest important practical implications. The research model can be applied o specific devices to better understand the important functions.