Using augmented reality for shopping: a framework for AR induced consumer behavior, literature review and future agenda
ISSN: 1066-2243
Article publication date: 29 March 2022
Issue publication date: 28 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
A current technological trend, which has gained even more traction recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is the use of augmented reality (AR) in shopping environments. AR is addressing contemporary challenges rooted in online shopping (e.g. in terms of experientiality and try-on) and is fundamentally reshaping consumers' experiences. The purpose of this study is to provide a synthesized and structured overview of the state-of-the-art research focused on AR shopping.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct a systematic literature review of the empirical academic corpus focused on shopping via AR technology.
Findings
The review reveals the diverse psychological (cognitive, affective, and social) as well as behavioral outcomes related to the use of AR in the shopping context. The authors integrate the results into a framework for AR induced consumer behavior in shopping, thereby providing an important overview of the dynamics in AR-related shopping and the factors influencing the adoption of the technology by consumers. Specifically, the authors encountered that the technological abilities of AR (e.g. in terms of interactivity, vividness, informativeness, etc.) are a source for enhanced utilitarian and hedonic shopping experiences that can support intentions to purchase a product, reuse an AR app, or recommend it to others. Importantly, our review reveals the demand for several avenues for future research.
Originality/value
The authors provide an overview and synthesis of how and where AR is employed in shopping contexts, what theories and technological characteristics of AR are commonly analyzed, and what psychological and behavioral outcomes AR has been found to evoke. Based on our findings, the authors derive a framework that illustrates the dynamics in AR shopping and give an in-depth discourse on 13 future research agenda points related to thematic, theoretical, methodological, and technological matters.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section “The Role of Digital Technologies in New Normal: The Emergence of Contactless Digital Technologies and Services”, guest edited by Younghoon Chang, One-Ki Daniel Lee, Jaehyun Park and Juyeon Ham.
Funding: This work has been supported by Liikesivistysrahasto under Grant No. 210301; the Academy of Finland under Grant No. 327241 and Grant No. 337653.
Citation
Riar, M., Xi, N., Korbel, J.J., Zarnekow, R. and Hamari, J. (2023), "Using augmented reality for shopping: a framework for AR induced consumer behavior, literature review and future agenda", Internet Research, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 242-279. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-08-2021-0611
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited