Exploring the critical quality attributes and models of smart homes.
Research on smart homes has significantly increased in recent years owing to their considerably improved affordability and simplicity. However, the challenge is that people have different needs (or attitudes toward smart homes), and provision should be tailored to individuals. A few studies have classified the functions of smart homes. Therefore, the Kano model is first adopted as a theoretical base to explore whether the functional classifications of smart homes are attractive or necessary, or both. Second, three models and test user attitudes toward three function types of smart homes are proposed. Based on the Kano model, the principal results, namely, two "Attractive Quality" and nine "Indifferent Quality" items, are found. Verification of the hypotheses also indicates that the entertainment, security, and automation functions are significantly correlated with the variables "perceive useful" and "attitude." Cost consideration is negatively correlated with attitudes toward entertainment and automation. Results suggest that smart home providers should survey user needs for their product instead of merely producing smart homes based on the design of the builder or engineer.
Graduate School of Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No .43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Da-an District, Taipei 106, Taiwan. Electronic address: a384@ibfc.com.tw.
Tainyi
T
Ted Luor
Department of Information Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Da-an District, Taipei 106, Taiwan. Electronic address: lu@mail.ntust.edu.tw.
Hsi-Peng
HP
Lu
Department of Advertising, Chinese Culture University, No. 231, Sec. 2, Jianguo S. Rd., Da-an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan. Electronic address: hjyu@sce.pccu.edu.tw.
Hueiju
H
Yu
Graduate School of Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Da-an District, Taipei 106, Taiwan. Electronic address: jessica-lu@yahoo.com.tw.
Yinshiu
Y
Lu
D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001331:Automation / Q000191:economics; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D005260:Female; D006794:Household Articles; D006798:Housing / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012637:Security Measures
Home automation; Home entertainment; Home security; Kano model; Smart home; Theory of planned behavior