The Role of Challenge in Information Systems Use

This empirical study investigates the role of a challenge adjustment feature in the Information Technology (IT) interface to enhance cognitive absorption and increase intention to use IT. Challenge is integral to hedonic IT such as games and is present when using a new IT. When a user has difficulty in utilizing an IT feature, high challenge is present which might discourage further IT use. The IT artifact studied here utilizes a user assist feature that is context-aware, user-selectable, and offers varied levels of assistance. The focal IT artifact has a mix of hedonic (pleasure-seeking) and utilitarian (goal-oriented) purposes. Initial results show that adjustable challenge can enhance cognitive absorption which can be an important determinant of behavioral intention to use IT. Findings demonstrate that the assist feature allowed the user to regulate challenge to increase the user´s cognitive absorption with IT in the presence of both high and low challenge.