Democratising software and applications development: a multiple case study

Purpose: By following Davis’ technology acceptance model (1989), the authors investigate the factors affecting the adoption of graphic user interface (GUI) oriented technologies able to democratise software and applications development for various business purposes as alternatives to customised software processes from the users’ perspective. Methodology: We developed a multiple-case study by collecting primary data through semi-structured interviews with key informants from three Italian companies adopting GUI-oriented technologies. We triangulated data by analysing secondary sources such as internal reports, online articles and social networks (e.g., LinkedIn) and developed a content analysis using NVIVO software. Findings: The content analysis shows that users link the utility of GUI-oriented technologies with their need for a flexible and fast enough tool to create solutions and demonstrate to customers results almost immediately by considerably shortening the time-to-market, mapping and building business processes rapidly. Moreover, the technologies’ user-friendliness is associated with the possibility of autonomous training, the development of applications with a relatively limited level of technological knowledge by prioritising requirements over details, and easy integration with other external elements. However, some cultural and non-technical barriers and resistances to technology adoption were mentioned. Research limitations/implications: The paper presents some limitations, mainly regarding the sample size. Concerning implications, the first concerns managers’ ability to evaluate the GUI-oriented technology features by matching them with the company’s needs for maximising its digital impact. The second one regards the managers’ awareness of GUI-oriented technology in reducing repetitive activities and accelerating the application development and release. Originality/value: Compared to past studies, which mainly focused on testing the consistency of the model, this study adopted the TAM perspective to identify the main antecedents of adopting an unexplored GUI-oriented technology.