Engaging in activities involving information technology: dimensions, modes, and flow

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Systems
• Psychology

Background:

• User engagement with information technology (IT) is crucial for effective interaction.
• Understanding the nuances of user engagement can optimize IT system design and user experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general model of engagement modes for understanding IT-related activities.
• To explore how user and IT object properties shape engagement.
• To provide a framework for aligning IT users, applications, and environments.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire assessing IT engagement and flow experience was administered.
• Data was collected from 300 participants.
• Statistical analysis was used to support the proposed engagement mode model.

Main Results:

• A validated engagement mode (EM) model was developed, identifying five distinct modes: enjoying/acceptance, ambition/curiosity, avoidance/hesitation, frustration/anxiety, and efficiency/productivity.
• These modes are characterized by three dimensions: evaluation of the object, locus of control, and motivation focus (intrinsic/extrinsic).
• Flow experience is linked to a balance between enjoyment/acceptance and efficiency/productivity, driven by ambition/curiosity.

Conclusions:

• The EM model offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing user engagement with IT.
• The findings can inform the design of IT systems and training programs to enhance both user enjoyment and productivity.
• Optimizing the interplay between users, IT applications, and environments is key to achieving positive engagement outcomes.