Previous studies in an e-commerce context suggest that there are biological differences (i.e. whether one is a man or a woman) with respect to perceptions of websites. In other research, there is evidence that psychological gender (i.e. values such as masculinity or femininity) likewise influences website perceptions. It is the aim of the current investigation to explore the possibility that both biological sex and psychological gender influence user perceptions, and to examine the predictive power of each on our model. To test these assumptions, we use an augmented technology acceptance model (TAM). To maximise variance in our sample, participants are selected from two countries that are significantly different in masculinity–femininity. As expected, psychological gender better predicted trust and TAM than biological sex. Moreover, this study validates that the masculinity–femininity dimension as originally developed by Hofstede [1980. Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage] can be separated into two scales – one each for masculinity and femininity. The results suggest the need for additional research into the differentiation between psychological gender and sex.

Compared to offline shopping, the online shopping experience may be viewed as lacking human warmth and sociability as it is more impersonal, anonymous, automated and generally devoid of face-to-face interactions. Thus, understanding how to create customer loyalty in online environments (e-Loyalty) is a complex process. In this paper a model for e-Loyalty is proposed and used to examine how varied conditions of social presence in a B2C e-Services context influence e-Loyalty and its antecedents of perceived usefulness, trust and enjoyment. This model is examined through an empirical study involving 185 subjects using structural equation modeling techniques. Further analysis is conducted to reveal gender differences concerning hedonic elements in the model on e-Loyalty.

Online communities are extremely popular; yet most of them still rely primarily on text for knowledge creation and communication. This paper describes a graphical Webpoll prototype - a mix of information, knowledge, and social visualization - that has been designed and deployed in an online discussion board on herbal antidepressants. The prototype, hereby named the "plot-poll", allows users to collaboratively construct a sequence of mini histograms that indicate experienced mood change during a ten week period. The pilot study shows that plot-polling is quite effective in engaging low-frequency contributors to participate. More work is required to support these findings, and reveal whether the graphic format is able to provide affective qualities to the user experience

The growth of Internet shopping motivates a better understanding of how e-loyalty is built online between businesses and consumers. In this study, Web site design and culture are advanced as important to Web site trust, Web site satisfaction, and e-loyalty in online business relationships. Based on data collected in Canada, the U.S., Germany, and Japan, the research considers (1) examining within culture preferences for design elements of a local vs. a foreign Web site and subsequent participant perceptions of trust, satisfaction, and e-loyalty; and (2) comparisons between cultures for design preferences of local and foreign Web sites and subsequent participant perceptions of trust, satisfaction, and e-loyalty. As predicted, similarities were greatest among Americans, Canadians, and Germans, with the Japanese representing a different and unique case. The results are discussed against hypothesized expectations. Implications for future research are outlined.

The increasing incidence of Internet shopping necessitates a better understanding of how e-loyalty is built in online transaction environments between businesses and consumers. In the current investigation website design and culture are important elements related to how website trust, website satisfaction, and e-loyalty evolve in online business relationships. A review of the literature is presented, including hypotheses for testing. Based on data collected on site in Canada, the U.S., Germany and Japan, preliminary results are outlined. Based on the data, all hypotheses received support for cross cultural differences concerning trust, satisfaction, loyalty and design preferences for the local website, but not for the foreign website.

Abstract To explore issues of user interface design and experience, including culturally preferred design elements, a study was conducted analyzing sites in Germany, Japan, and the United States (30 municipal sites in each country). Design elements considered are use of symbols and graphics, color preferences, site features (links, maps, search functions, and page layout), language, and content. Significant modal differences were found in each of the listed categories. Outcomes from the study are used to discuss future research directions in the areas of experience design and localization.