User acceptance of climate-scenario materials: a case study on the ÖKS15 Austrian climate scenarios

Climate-scenario materials such as data visualizations, maps, factsheets, and reports become increasingly relevant in multiple professional fields, yet empirical evidence on their use and user acceptance remains scarce. This study investigates the frequency of use and determinants of user acceptance of the Austrian climate scenarios (ÖKS15) using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as a theoretical framework. Combining quantitative survey data (N = 171) and qualitative interviews (N = 20) across five professional groups—science, public authorities, private companies, non-profit organizations, and journalism—we identify key factors shaping the uptake and satisfaction with three different types of climate-scenario materials (raw data, visualizations, and reports and fact sheets). Results show that performance expectancy (perceived usefulness) is the most significant factor for user acceptance, followed by effort expectancy (perceived ease of use), whereas facilitating conditions, social influence, and hedonic motivation play minor roles. Although professional groups differ in their frequency and purposes of use of the respective materials, differences in the factors of user acceptance are fairly small. Users across professions value the scientific robustness of ÖKS15 but criticize the complexity of data retrieval and the high level of expertise required. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining scientific quality while improving usability through tailored communication and interface design. Future development of climate-scenario materials should build on empirically grounded user typologies that narrow down broad professional groups to more specific use cases and personas. Materials should be provided at different levels of complexity to cater to lay audiences as well as experts.