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Blending the real world and the virtual world: Exploring the role of flow in augmented reality experiences

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  • Brannon Barhorst, Jennifer
  • McLean, Graeme
  • Shah, Esta
  • Mack, Rhonda

Abstract

This study examines the ‘sweet spot’ of augmented reality (AR) through the lens of flow theory and has two primary objectives. First, the study seeks to determine whether investment in AR technologies is warranted by exploring flow in both an AR and a traditional shopping context. Second, the study examines the unique capabilities of AR to facilitate an enhanced state of flow and its positive influence across several consumer outcomes. To achieve these objectives, a commercially available AR app was utilized to conduct an online, between-subjects experiment with 500 participants. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the predictor variables of consumer flow, as well as the impact of flow across several consumer outcomes. Managerial and practical conclusions for marketers and designers are provided to supportthe creation and execution of AR technology within consumer contexts.

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  • Brannon Barhorst, Jennifer & McLean, Graeme & Shah, Esta & Mack, Rhonda, 2021. "Blending the real world and the virtual world: Exploring the role of flow in augmented reality experiences," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 423-436.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:122:y:2021:i:c:p:423-436
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.08.041
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    Cited by:

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    7. Hsu, Sheila Hsuan-Yu & Tsou, Hung-Tai & Chen, Ja-Shen, 2021. "“Yes, we do. Why not use augmented reality?†customer responses to experiential presentations of AR-based applications," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
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    10. Stefan Hoffmann & Tom Joerß & Robert Mai & Payam Akbar, 2022. "Augmented reality-delivered product information at the point of sale: when information controllability backfires," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 50(4), pages 743-776, July.
    11. Jayaswal, Pragya & Parida, Biswajita, 2023. "The role of augmented reality in redefining e-tailing: A review and research agenda," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
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    13. Lin, Kuan-Yu & Huang, Travis K., 2024. "Shopping in the digital world: How augmented reality mobile applications trigger customer engagement," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
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    15. Serravalle, Francesca & Vanheems, Régine & Viassone, Milena, 2023. "Does product involvement drive consumer flow state in the AR environment? A study on behavioural responses," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    16. Yavuz, Merve & Çorbacıoğlu, Eda & Başoğlu, Ahmet Nuri & Daim, Tugrul Unsal & Shaygan, Amir, 2021. "Augmented reality technology adoption: Case of a mobile application in Turkey," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    17. Chekembayeva, Gaukhar & Garaus, Marion & Schmidt, Orsolya, 2023. "The role of time convenience and (anticipated) emotions in AR mobile retailing application adoption," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    18. Tamara Kasamani & Alaa Abass & Nehale Mostapha, 2022. "The Antecedents and Consequences of Customer Inspiration: The Mediating Role of Perceptual Fluency in the Online Shopping Context," International Review of Management and Marketing, Econjournals, vol. 12(5), pages 5-11, September.
    19. Arghashi, Vahideh & Yuksel, Cenk Arsun, 2022. "Interactivity, Inspiration, and Perceived Usefulness! How retailers’ AR-apps improve consumer engagement through flow," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    20. Sadamali Jayawardena, Nirma & Thaichon, Park & Quach, Sara & Razzaq, Ali & Behl, Abhishek, 2023. "‘The persuasion effects of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) video advertisements: A conceptual review’," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    21. Kautish, Pradeep & Purohit, Sonal & Filieri, Raffaele & Dwivedi, Yogesh K., 2023. "Examining the role of consumer motivations to use voice assistants for fashion shopping: The mediating role of awe experience and eWOM," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).

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