Functional experience and safety perceptions in smart refrigerator adoption among older adults: A technology...

Smart appliances technologies promise enhanced independence for older users, yet adoption rates remain paradoxically low. This study investigates how functional experience-users' cumulative perceptions from interacting with product features-shapes technology acceptance among older populations. We developed an extended Technology Acceptance Model incorporating functional experience as a multidimensional construct and tested it through structural equation modeling with 206 older smart refrigerator users (aged 65-84). Results reveal that functional experience demonstrates differential impacts across acceptance dimensions, with perceived safety showing the strongest relationship (β = 0.501, p < 0.001), followed by perceived enjoyment (β = 0.384, p < 0.001), perceived usefulness (β = 0.331, p < 0.001), and perceived ease of use (β = 0.309, p < 0.001). Unexpectedly, functional experience showed no significant relationship with perceived universality (β = 0.161, p = 0.07). Mediation analysis revealed that safety and usefulness perceptions serve as primary cognitive channels linking functional experience to behavioral intention. Multi-group analyses indicated substantial heterogeneity within the older population, with experience level emerging as the strongest moderator of acceptance relationships. These findings challenge conventional technology acceptance assumptions by establishing a hierarchy where safety and enjoyment considerations supersede traditional usefulness and ease-of-use metrics. We propose a two-tier design framework prioritizing safety-centric features and enjoyment enhancement. The research advances theory by conceptualizing functional experience as a higher-order construct and provides evidence-based guidelines for age-appropriate smart appliances design. For geriatric nursing practice, these findings provide an evidence-based framework for technology assessment and recommendation, supporting medication management, nutritional monitoring, and care coordination while respecting older adults' autonomy and safety priorities.