The Influence of Control on the Acceptance of Ambient Intelligence by Elderly : an Explorative Study

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on how elderly people perceive an intelligent system, embedded in their home, which should enable them to live independently longer. Users of a motion sensor system were interviewed about their experiences. A sensor system that autonomously works as well as a manipulated version was studied. The manipulation contained a touch screen that informed the users if the gathered information was correct before sending it to caregivers, so more control over personal information was provided. To test the use intention of the motion sensor system Spiekermann’s Ubiquitous Computing Acceptance Model of was used. This study shows that people, who perceive more control over their wellbeing, show more use intention. And that the subjective norm influences their acceptance. This study shows that acceptance models for Ambient Intelligence application in care situations need to be developed.