Shopping in the digital world: How augmented reality mobile applications trigger customer engagement

The maturation and growing popularity of augmented reality (AR) technology in recent years have promoted its implementation, leading to the emergence of various AR-related applications. Integrating AR into commerce can enhance marketing initiatives by increasing popularity and brand appeal, which in turn affects customer brand engagement behavior. Consequently, brand owners and retailers are increasingly investing in the AR commercial services sector. To explore the factors that influence customer engagement with AR commercial systems, this study draws on innovation diffusion theory and flow theory and incorporates the satisfaction factor. An integrated research model is proposed to investigate the attributes of AR technology that create a flow experience for users and satisfaction with AR services, ultimately fostering customer engagement intentions. Data from 212 valid online questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings suggest that both flow experience and user satisfaction are important drivers of customers' engagement with AR commercial services. Interactivity, vividness, and novelty are identified as the critical factors affecting users' flow experience and satisfaction. The implications of the findings are discussed.