Exploring the Applicability of a Universal Quality of Experience Model for Wearable Devices - Focusing on Smartwatches -

Objective: This study aims to apply a universal Quality of Experience (QoE) model based on communal user needs to the context of wearable devices, focusing on smartwatches, and to examine its structural relationships and suitability as an evaluation model.<br/>Background: Wearable devices such as smartwatches interact closely with the human body, making it important to quantitatively assess not only functional performance but also users' subjective experiences. However, existing QoE models are often domain-specific, which limits cross-comparison and applicability. This highlights the need to apply a universal model to address these limitations.<br/>Method: A survey was conducted with smartwatch users to measure 11 user needs, perceived hedonic and pragmatic values, and overall QoE. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) were used to assess the fit, reliability, and validity of the measurement and structural models. Multi-group analysis (MGA) was conducted across gender and age groups.<br/>Results: The measurement model demonstrated acceptable fit, reliability, and validity. In the structural model, both hedonic and pragmatic values contributed to QoE. Functional and responsiveness factors primarily shaped pragmatic value, whereas the enjoyment factor dominated hedonic value. No statistically significant differences in path coefficients were found across gender and age, though minor trends were observed.<br/>Conclusion: The findings indicate the applicability of the universal model as a consistent evaluation framework for assessing QoE in wearable devices, including smartwatches.<br/>Application: This model may help reduce inefficiencies from repeated redesigns of evaluation frameworks for emerging technologies and supports consistent QoE assessment across diverse systems.