A design toolkit for user acceptance and adoption: supporting designers in complex technology development

Abstract Purpose This study describes the development and validation of a Design Toolkit based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), aimed to include user acceptance and adoption principles in design processes. The toolkit addresses the gap between theoretical user acceptance models and practical design methodologies with a particular focus on complex technologies like blockchain. Methods The toolkit was developed through an iterative process involving user testing sessions with experts and within an educational environment. The initial evaluation was conducted with 5 industry and academic participants, followed by a larger-scale assessment by 45 master’s degree students from diverse backgrounds. Evaluation methods included qualitative analysis of user feedback and quantitative assessment of task completion rates. Results The toolkit significantly improved designers’ understanding of user acceptance as a dynamic and multifaceted process. Initial expert evaluations showed positive feedback on usability and practical application of the toolkit. The educational setting evaluation revealed an improved empathy and consideration of social influences in their design processes. Some challenges were identified preliminary in areas of complex terminology. Conclusion The Design Toolkit effectively bridges theory and practice, transforming theoretical frameworks into an actionable tool integrating user acceptance theories into design processes. It represents a valuable asset in advancing user-centric design principles across various technology domains. Future work should focus on further simplification of complex concepts.