Motivational Factors for Visual Deficient Users

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the adoption of technology by the visual deficient. The technology studied was the Dosvox software, a support tool for the visual deficient produced at NCE/UFRJ. A qualitative method, through a case study, was used to address professional and social expectation and the perception of visual deficiency bearers as to the intrinsic motivational factors (ease-of-use and social pressure) as well as to the extrinsic motivational factor (perceived usefulness). The motivational factors used have been extracted from the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) and based on that model a standard form was used to gather information. Ten visual deficiency bearers, users of Dosvox, have been interviewed. The interviewees have been unanimous in affirming that, for those who are learning, Dosvox is the easiest software to use, stimulating them to return to studies and to social life. A significant group has confirmed that after their training with Dosvox, they have become more competitive as to the work market. It has also been observed a stronger influence of the perceived usefulness factor over the social pressure and the perceived ease-of-use. The results of this research may indicate new approaches to the development of specific information systems for the visual deficient.