Research on the gap between skillful/non skillful users of a cellular phone, and anticipation of the risks arising out of lack of information in Japan

We are interested in the userspsila level of understanding of an innovative Japanese portable phone (KEITAI) unit with multiple functions. This research focuses on userspsila knowledge of cellular phone usage and design and practice of the information transfer method for users who need more information. In this article, we conducted several surveys and their data analysis to determine the necessary knowledge about KEITAIpsilas potential and possible risks for the improvement of KEITAIpsilas usability as well as the operation of successful workshop. We further focus on how KEITAI users gain the knowledge of cellular phones (as information tool), and which functions they have concerns about by comparing the results of nationwide Internet survey and regional survey. Based on these results, we review the knowledge users need, as well as the appropriate area and scale of a trial experiment of the workshop for the effective provision of KEITAI knowledge for ldquonot advanced KEITAI userrdquo. We also found that users concerns are focused on security-related functions such as service suspension in case of theft and electric money, regardless of user type. As a solution to bridge such gap, we held a workshop for providing information on a cellular phone including a quiz game and one-on-one lecture, etc. The repetitive training effectively contributed to the userspsila satisfaction and the improvement of their understandings.