USEFULNESS AND EASE OF USE - FIELD-STUDY EVIDENCE REGARDING TASK CONSIDERATIONS

Usefulness and ease of use (EOU) are both believed to be important fac tors in determining the acceptance and use of information systems. Yet , confusion exists regarding the relationship between these two constr ucts and the relative importance of each in relation to use. Usefulnes s is seen as a function of task/tool fit, while EOU is viewed as a tas k-independent construct reflecting intrinsic properties of the user in terface. This paper presents the results of a field study illustrating the hazards of focusing on EOU and overlooking usefulness. Based on t he study, the authors suggest that perceived EOU may be a function of task/tool fit.