Ubiquitous Computing - Developing and Evaluating Near Field Communication Applications

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

Abbreviations

1 Introduction

1.1 Field of Investigation

1.2 Research Problem

1.3 Research Questions and Objectives

1.4 Methodology

1.5 Thesis Structure

2 Theoretical Framework

2.1 Ubiquitous Computing

2.1.1 Definition

2.1.2 Building Blocks

2.1.3 Technologies

2.1.4 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

2.1.4.1 Standards

2.1.4.2 RFID Tag and Data

2.1.4.3 Capacity

2.1.4.4 Shapes and Form

2.1.4.5 Frequencies

2.1.4.6 Transmission

2.1.4.7 Readers and Connectivity

2.1.4.8 Cost

2.1.5 Near Field Communication (NFC)

2.1.5.1 NFC Forum Technology Architecture

2.1.5.2 Mobile NFC Architecture

2.1.5.3 Available NFC Phones

2.1.5.4 Developing with NFC

2.1.5.5 NFC Tags

2.1.6 RFID and NFC Information Systems

2.2 Ubiquitous Computing Technologies and the Consumer

2.2.1 Categorization of Applications Using the Example of RFID

2.2.2 User Awareness and Perception of RFID

2.3 The Importance of Prototyping

3 Human Computer Interaction and Technology Acceptance

3.1 Human Computer Interaction

3.1.1 Human Aspects

3.1.1.1 The End-User

3.1.1.2 Behavioral Constraints of the End-User

3.1.1.3 Everyday Tasks

3.1.1.4 Cognitive Limitations

3.1.1.5 Context-Sensitive Applications to Limit the Cognitive Load

3.1.2 Human Computer Interface

3.1.2.1 Multimodal Interaction

3.1.2.2 Haptic Interfaces

3.1.2.3 Affordances

3.1.2.4 The Interaction Design of an Everyday Task

3.1.2.5 Interaction between Physical Objects and Mobile Devices

3.1.3 Summary: Preliminary Set of Requirements

3.2 Technology Acceptance

3.2.1 Technology Acceptance Evaluation in Ubiquitous Computing

3.2.2 Innovation Adoption

3.2.3 Technology Acceptance Models

3.2.3.1 Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)

3.2.3.2 Theory of Reasoned Action / Theory of Planned Behaviour (TRA/TPB)

3.2.3.3 Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

3.2.3.4 Task-Technology Fit (TTF)

3.2.3.5 Motivational Model (MM)

3.2.3.6 Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)

3.2.3.7 Critical Assessment of Acceptance Models

3.2.4 Summary: Technology Acceptance and Implications

4 Designing an Ubiquitous Computing Application Development and Evaluation Process Model (UCAN)

4.1 Ubiquitous Computing Application Development

4.1.1 Determining Initial Requirements

4.1.2 Challenges

4.1.3 End-User Integration

4.1.4 Prototypes

4.1.5 System Engineering and Prototyping

4.2 Evaluating Ubicomp Applications

4.2.1 Challenges

4.2.2 Evaluating Prototypes

4.2.3 Evaluation in Specific Prototype Phases

4.3 A-priori: The Ubiquitous Computing Application Development and Evaluation Process Model (UCAN)

4.4 Selection of Case Studies

4.4.1 NFC Applications

4.4.1.1 Technology Push

4.4.1.2 Market Pull

4.4.2 Selection Criteria

4.4.3 Motivation

4.4.4 Conducting the Case Studies

4.4.5 Overview

5 From Initial Idea to Low-Fidelity Prototype: Easymeeting and the Mobile Prosumer

5.1 Easymeeting: Meeting Room Management System

5.1.1 Vision of a Motivating Application

5.1.2 General Problem: Ubiquitous Computing in a Work Environment

5.1.3 Initial Idea

5.1.4 Evaluation of the Initial Idea

5.1.5 Refined Idea

5.1.6 Low-Fidelityy Prototypee

5.1.7 Evaluation of the Low-Fidelity Prototype

5.1.7.1 Research Methodology

5.1.7.2 Sample

5.1.7.3 Data Collection and Data Coding

5.1.8 Evaluation Results of the Low-Fidelity Prototype

5.1.8.1 Evaluation Results—Qualitative with ”Talking out Loud” Method

5.1.8.2 Evaluation Results—Quantitative According UTAUT Items

5.1.9 Refined Use Case

5.1.10 Summary of the Results—Easymeeting

5.1.10.1 Improve and Theorize about the Developed Process Model (UCAN)

5.1.10.2 Preparing Design Guidelines

5.2 Mobile Prosumer: Smart Product Information System at the Point of Sale

5.2.1 Vision of a Motivating Application

5.2.2 General Problem: Smart Products and Information Services

5.2.2.1 Differences in Online and Offline Shopping

5.2.2.2 Smart Products—Bridging the Gap of Offline and Online Information

5.2.2.3 Demand for RFID-based Information Services at the Point of Sale

5.2.3 Initial Idea

5.2.4 Evaluation of the Initial Idea

5.2.5 Refined Idea

5.2.6 Low-Fidelity Prototype

5.2.7 Evaluation of the Low-Fidelity Prototype

5.2.7.1 Research Methodology

5.2.7.2 Sample

5.2.7.3 Data Collection and Data Coding

5.2.8 General Evaluation Results

5.2.8.1 Experiences and Attitude towards Shopping

5.2.8.2 Evaluating the Initial Idea—Paper-based Concept Test

5.2.9 Low-Fidelity Prototype Evaluation

5.2.9.1 Low-Fidelity Prototype Evaluation—Focus Group 1: Consumers

5.2.9.2 Low-Fidelity Prototype Evaluation—Focus Group 2: Sales Assistants

5.2.10 Refined Use Case

5.2.11 Summary of the Results – Mobile Prosumer

5.2.11.1 Improve and Theorize about the Developed Process Model (UCAN)

5.2.11.2 Preparing Design Guidelines

6 Working Prototype: An NFC-based Mobile Phone Ticketing System

6.1 From the Initial Idea to the Working Prototype

6.2 Working Prototype

6.3 Evaluation of the Working Prototype

6.3.1 Sample

6.3.2 Preparing the Research Design

6.3.2.1 Questionnaire Concept

6.3.2.2 Adaptation of Original UTAUT Constructs

6.3.2.3 Summary of Items and Constructs

6.3.2.4 Determining Measurement Points

6.3.3 Data Collection

6.3.4 Data Processing

6.4 Data Analysis and Interpretation

6.4.1 Data Analysis

6.4.2 PLS Analysis

6.4.3 Interpretation

6.4.3.1 Behavioural Intention

6.4.3.2 Performance Expectancy

6.4.3.3 Effort Expectancy

6.4.3.4 Social Influence

6.4.3.5 Attitude towards Using Technology

6.4.3.6 Self Efficacy

6.4.3.7 Anxiety

6.4.3.8 Facilitating Conditions

6.4.4 PLS Multi-Group Comparisons

6.4.5 Further Results

6.4.6 Direct Limitations

6.5 Summary of the Results

6.5.1 Improve and Theorize about the Developed Process Model (UCAN)

6.5.1.1 Benefits of the Process

6.5.1.2 Limitations of the Proces

6.5.1.3 Evaluation of the Research Instrument: Quantitative Survey

6.5.2 Preparing Design Guidelines

7 Conclusion, Limitations, and Future Research

7.1 Conclusion

7.1.1 Evaluation of the Case Studies

7.1.2 Technological Comparison

7.1.3 Improving UCAN

7.1.4 Design Guidelines for NFC-based Ubiquitous Computing Applications

7.1.5 Contributions of the Analysis

7.2 Limitations and Future Research

7.2.1 Limitations

7.2.2 Future Research

Bibliography

Appendix