How influencing factors of intention to use smart watches changed in pandemic times in Germany - a comparison

The use of smart wearables, especially smart watches, has increased significantly in recent years. Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, personal self-tracking has never been more relevant. However, it is not yet clear which factors, functional or non-functional, influence the pre-adoption of smart watches and to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their weighting. To address this research gap, we reviewed the relevant literature and subsequently developed a conceptual model based on existing acceptance models and analysed our online empirical data using structural equation modelling. Our findings reveal significant differences over time, mainly driven by non-functional characteristics (i.e., perceived aesthetics, perceived price, perceived enjoyment). In addition, fashion consciousness seems to influence the relationship between perceived haptics and intention to use during pandemic times. Our findings shed light on the importance of contextual behavioural changes on technology use and provide practical and theoretical implications for manufacturers, users, and society.