Utilizing user-group characteristics to improve acceptance of management support systems - State of the art and six design guidelines

Abstract

In information systems (IS) design, understanding users and their preferences for interacting with IT is key. Such awareness is particularly important in the field of management support systems (MSS). We conduct a literature review on how user-group characteristics can be incorporated into MSS design and propose six design guidelines to enhance their adaptation capabilities. Three of these guidelines aim at better meeting users' functional preferences: incorporate more subjective information needs in MSS design, expand the scope of functional MSS principles beyond the user interface, and provide a comprehensive model of MSS functions for the growing number of expert users. Strengthen the constructional MSS perspective should make the design more concrete for practice. The fifth finding is to understand the characteristics of MSS usage by considering MSS use cases and access modes in addition to users' working style. Last but not least, MSS research should place more emphasis on principles for situational artefact design. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.