The goal of this paper to find out factors that affect the acceptance of 3D printing toolkits. A hypothesized research model for 3D printing toolkits is proposed. Based on a survey of 30 participants this research model is analyzed and evaluated. The result is, that five of these seven proposed determinants have a strong influence on the Behavioral Intention to Use such a toolkit.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing (3DP), is a technology which gained a lot of interest in recent years. The market is supposed to grow further with a new annual growth record of 35 % in 2013. However, the world leading market report for additive manufacturing, the Wohlers report, states that growth in the upcoming years is especially going to be driven by “3-D printers that cost less than $5,000, as well as the expanded use of the technology for the production of parts, especially metal, that go into final products.” [1] Consequently, the following paper focuses on 3D printing for non-experts as more and more citizens can afford this technology and as there is not a lot of research in the field of information systems about 3D printing on the consumer level. Questions such as “What are the needs of consumers regarding 3D printing? Which are the top products the consumers want to produce? How do these non-experts deal with 3D printing design software?” have not been answered satisfactory yet.
The goal of this paper to find out factors that affect the acceptance of 3D printing toolkits. A hypothesized research model for 3D printing toolkits is proposed. Based on a survey of 30 participants this research model is analyzed and evaluated. The result is, that five of these seven proposed determinants have a strong influence on the Behavioral Intention to Use such a toolkit. There are two different fields of IS research: Behavorial science (BS) and Design Science (DS) [2] [3]. For both fields an effective literature review is the basis. However, while the design-oriented research creates IT artifacts the behavioral research creates theories about these artifacts and tries to check the truth of these theories. Theories that have been found to be empirically adequate, in turn, serve design-oriented researchers for new IT artifacts [2]. Consequently, as this research is based on TAM and as it tries to validate the truth of TAM related to 3DP, this research paradigm is in the field of BS.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Problem statement
1.2 Research objective
1.3 Research paradigm in Information Systems
2 Research model
3 Method
3.1 Measurement scales and items
3.2 Study and survey
4 Data analysis
5 Correlation statistic
6 Evaluation
7 Conclusion
8 References
Research Objective and Key Themes
The primary objective of this research is to identify the factors influencing the user acceptance of 3D printing toolkits. By proposing and evaluating a specialized research model based on 30 participants, the study investigates how various determinants impact the behavioral intention to adopt 3D printing technologies.
- Analysis of consumer needs and challenges in 3D printing for non-experts
- Application and validation of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for 3D printing toolkits
- Investigation of key determinants: Self-efficacy, Anxiety, Usability, and Output Quality
- Evaluation of user performance and behavioral intentions through empirical study
Excerpt from the Book
1.2 Research objective
The goal of this paper to find out factors that affect the acceptance of 3D printing toolkits. A hypothesized research model for 3D printing toolkits is proposed. Based on a survey of 30 participants this research model is analyzed and evaluated. The result is, that five of these seven proposed determinants have a strong influence on the Behavioral Intention to Use such a toolkit.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the additive manufacturing market growth and defines the research objective regarding consumer acceptance of 3D printing.
2 Research model: Introduces the theoretical framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and proposes a research model for 3D printing toolkits.
3 Method: Describes the methodology, including the selection of measurement scales from previous studies and the design of the user survey.
4 Data analysis: Presents the demographic profile of the 30 participants and outlines the data collection process.
5 Correlation statistic: Details the reliability analysis using Cronbach alpha and calculates Pearson correlation coefficients to assess the impact of variables.
6 Evaluation: Discusses the findings regarding the correlations between determinants and the behavioral intention to use 3D printing toolkits.
7 Conclusion: Summarizes the study's results, highlighting that five of the seven determinants significantly influence user behavior and providing recommendations for toolkit development.
8 References: Lists the academic literature and reports utilized throughout the research paper.
Keywords
3D printing, Additive manufacturing, Technology Acceptance Model, TAM, Toolkit, Non-experts, Self-efficacy, Anxiety, Usability, Behavioral Intention, Consumer behavior, Design Science, Information Systems, Research model, User acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The paper examines the factors that influence the acceptance of 3D printing toolkits among non-expert users by extending the traditional Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).
Which thematic areas are primarily addressed?
The research explores self-efficacy, anxiety, attitude, output quality, social influence, image, and usability in the context of 3D printing software.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The goal is to validate a hypothesized research model and determine which specific factors drive the behavioral intention of individuals to use 3D printing toolkits.
What scientific methods were employed?
The author utilized a quantitative approach, conducting a user study with 30 participants, followed by reliability analysis (Cronbach alpha) and Pearson correlation statistics.
What subjects are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the development of a research model, the adaptation of measurement scales from established literature, the execution of a 3D printing survey, and a detailed statistical evaluation.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include 3D printing, Additive manufacturing, TAM, Non-experts, User acceptance, and Behavioral intention.
How did the study approach the target group?
The target group consisted of students without prior designing experience, who were asked to create a bowl using Autodesk 123D software.
What are the main findings regarding anxiety and 3D printing?
The study found a strong negative correlation between anxiety and behavioral intention, suggesting that higher anxiety levels significantly decrease the likelihood of adopting 3D printing technology.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding support?
The author concludes that software companies should focus on improving usability, output quality, and providing better support, such as online tutorials or live-chats, to increase adoption among non-experts.
- Quote paper
- Johannes Köck (Author), 2015, Understanding the acceptance of 3D printing toolkits. An extension of the technology acceptance model, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/378120
