Apps, activities and travel: an conceptual exploration based on activity theory

Abstract

With the continuous advancement of (mobile) ICT devices and applications, their impact on travel, activities and time use becomes more diverse. This holds in particular for apps developed for mobile devices (smartphones). In this paper, we argue that the effect of ICT on travel and activities should be analysed at the level of a single specific device or application, rather than for broad classes of ICT devices. We propose activity theory as a framework to analyse the impact of smartphone apps on travel and activities. Activity theory describes how subjects apply tools (such as apps) to work on an object and achieve an outcome that is in line with the subject's motive. The application of the tool is embedded in an activity system which includes a community, formal and informal rules and in which a division of labour exists. We apply activity theory to analyse the effects of Whatsapp and travel feedback apps, based on existing literature about these apps. The analyses suggest that the activity systems of each app differ greatly in terms of object, motive, outcomes, community and rules, with implications for their use and impact. Both apps have an impact on travel, but differ with respect to whether this effect is intentional. For both apps contradictions in the activity system can be identified, which may give rise to further development of the activity system. These seem, however, to be largest for travel feedback apps. Based on our exploration, we argue that quantitative research on the impact of apps should be complemented by qualitative research based on activity theory. In particular, activity theory may help to gain a better understanding of underlying mechanism by which apps influence travel, to strengthen the theoretical underpinning and interpretation of the results of quantitative research and to explore changes in the development and use of apps and their impact on travel behaviour.

Examining the influential components of tourists' intention to use travel apps: the importance–performance map analysis

“…The result supports the studies of Bai et al (2008) and Dickinson et al (2014) in considering that travelers generally expect information about entertainment to be present in a travel app. The findings also corroborate with the work of Ettema (2018), given that well-designed content, particularly in the aspect of entertainment could facilitate the tourist intention to use app.…”

“…The nonsignificant influence of this feature on usage intention is not wholly unexpected considering the nature of tourists in the digital era. Although tourists potentially ask for travel information or assistance from local people, they tend to prefer the information promptly available online (Ettema, 2018). Therefore, interaction or communication with local residents may be less important to tourists when using travel apps.…”

COVID-19, internet, and mobility: The rise of telework, telehealth, e-learning, and e-shopping

“…Post-COVID-19 impacts are also expected. Online activities and virtual mobility may reshape urban mobility as they are linked to changes in travel behavior, transport systems, and land uses ( Andreev, Salomon, & Pliskin, 2010 ; Battarra, Gargiulo, Tremiterra, & Zucaro, 2018 ; Ettema, 2018 ; Gössling, 2018 ; Kwan, Dijst, & Schwanen, 2007 ; Levinson & Krizek, 2017 ; Line, Jain, & Lyons, 2011 ; Mokhtarian, Salomon, & Handy, 2006 ; Mouratidis et al., 2021 ; Ozbilen, Wang, & Akar, 2021 ; van Wee, 2015 ; van Wee, Geurs, & Chorus, 2013 ). Online activities substitute some trips by allowing people to participate in activities remotely but may generate other types of trips via the time and money saved from this substitution.…”

Framework for the Development of Affective and Smart Manufacturing Systems Using Sensorised Surrogate Models

“…The research regarding AT is substantial and includes many contributions in the fields of: learning in collaborative environments [ 85 ], online learning [ 86 ], digital teaching [ 87 ], collection and analysis of learning data [ 88 ], creativity development methodology [ 89 ], information systems [ 90 ], apps [ 91 ], inclusive education [ 92 ], and Building Information Modeling (BIM) implementation [ 93 ]. Since the factors that characterize a workplace can be static and dynamic [ 94 ] and not all of these factors are open to change, AT proposes that, in the analysis of human activities and especially in the occupational environments, it is necessary to articulate mechanisms to regulate the variety.…”