The Model of Appropriation: Contribution of Rational Choice Theory and Cognitive Science to a Better Technology

Ambient intelligence, as well as other fields of advanced applied science and technology, has a potential to improve quality of our lives. But the whole context, including psychological, and social aspects, have to be considered if we wish to make our technology resonating with user´s real needs. The paper shows, how may rational choice theory and cognitive science contribute to describe and understand the mental processes which occupy user´s mind during the appropriation stage of technology evaluation. As a main contribution, we present a simple model of appropriation, both verbally and in a semi-formal numerical form. Even though we are focused primarily on ambient intelligence, the model is generic enough to be applied in other fields too. The model implies, besides else, that enthusiasm induced by an early evaluation does not necessarily raise chances of success in the following appropriation stage.