An Exploratory Study of the Interface Design Factors Affecting the User Intention to Use Mobile Applications

Abstract

Smartphones have evolved constantly since they debuted early in the 2000s. However, hardware features and the external environment restrict their use, making it difficult to ensure high interactivity. The structure and usage of smartphone applications are also becoming increasingly complex and it is often found to be difficult to understand their interface design. These user environments and conditions inhibit smooth user interaction with applications. This is expected to negatively affect user intentions to use mobile applications eventually. However, information systems research has not shown much interest in the effects of smartphone applications’ interface designs on user attitudes and behaviors. Thus, this study attempted to explore the effects that application interface design has on user attitudes and behaviors when using mobile device applications. This study specifically focused on the following interface design factors: simplicity, consistency, and metaphors. Data was collected through a survey, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for analysis. This study’s results showed that these interface design factors have a significant effect on user interaction with smartphone applications as well as a positive effect on users’ intention to use mobile applications.