Perceived product attributes towards actual usage of smart jewellery: Extending the UTAUT theory with EFA consumer needs model

The integration of IoT and AI, as emerging technologies, has led to the development of wearable devices such as smart jewellery, particularly appealing to Generation Z, a distinct age cohort in tech-driven consumer markets. However, there is a noticeable lack of research examining the intrinsic, need-based antecedents of acceptances and actual usage of smart jewellery among Gen Z consumers. Moreover, existing studies that employ UTAUT-based predictors in similar contexts have demonstrated limited explanatory power in regarding the actual usage of wearable devises. To address this gap in the literature, the current study applies the Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the Functionality, Expressiveness and Aesthetics (FEA) consumer needs model framework and Generational Cohort Theory. A quantitative survey strategy was employed, and data from a representative sample of 481 Gen Z consumers were analysed using Smart PLS-SEM. The results indicate that perceived functionality, perceived compatibility and perceived aesthetics have a significant positive relationship with performance expectancy and effort expectancy. Furthermore, perceived compatibility and perceived aesthetics indirectly influence the actual usage of smart jewellery through attitudes towards smart jewellery among Gen Z consumers. The findings offer theoretical, practical and social implications, and suggest several directions for future research. The UTAUT model, EFA-based consumer needs framework and Generation Cohort Theory can be integrated and effectively predict actual usage of smart technologies among Gen Z consumers.Need-based antecedents enhance effort expectancy and performance expectancy, which subsequently influence attitudes toward technology and ultimately drive actual usage, forming a sequential chain of relationship.Smart jewellery holds strong appeal for Gen Z due to their unique perceptions, as well as their social, and environmentally conscious attitudes.