The moderating role of aesthetics and information quality for acceptance of augmented reality

ABSTRACTThis study explores the moderating role of aesthetics and information quality on the technological acceptance of augmented reality. A technology acceptance model with the following variables was used: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards using, and behavioural intention to use. Analysis was conducted by using structural equation modelling and a participation of 90 engineering students. Participants used an augmented-reality app for electrical resistive circuits, which works as a virtual laboratory. The app allows manipulating circuit elements and computing voltage and amperage values using the loop method, applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law. The results suggest that aesthetics and information quality influence attitudes towards use. These findings show the importance of aesthetics and information quality in accepting augmented reality apps; therefore, designers and developers should consider these factors. This type of study has not been investigated previously.KEYWORDS: Augmented realityengineering educationmobile learningtechnology acceptancevirtual labs Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThe work was supported by the Government of the Region of Madrid [S2018/TCS-4307]; Research Department, University of La Serena, Chile [PR2111014].Notes on contributorsAlejandro Álvarez-MarínAlejandro Álvarez-Marín received the title of Industrial Engineer from the Universidad de La Serena, Chile, the master’s degree in Information Technology from the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Chile, and the PhD in Information and Communication Technologies at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain, in 2003, 2008, and 2023, respectively. He is currently an associate professor at the Universidad de La Serena, Chile. His research areas are information technology, innovation, and education, and he is a member of the IEEE Computer and Education Societies.J. Ángel Velázquez-IturbideJ. Ángel Velázquez-Iturbide received the degree and PhD degrees in computer science from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain, in 1985 and 1990, respectively. He is currently with the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos as a Professor, where he is the Leader of the Laboratory of Information Technologies in Education (LITE). His research areas include methodologies and tools for programming and algorithms education. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE Computer and Education Societies, and a Senior Member of the ACM. He is the Vice-Chairman of the Spanish Association for the Advancement of Computers in Education (ADIE) and a member of Boards of the Spanish Informatics Scientific Society (SCIE) and the Informatics for All Coalition.Mauricio Castillo-VergaraMauricio Castillo-Vergara is a Doctor in economic and business sciences, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Industrial Civil Engineer and Master in Business Management. He is currently working as an academic researcher at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the Alberto Hurtado University. His leading research and chairs are Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity. He is the author of several articles on SMEs, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. He has published in national and international journals such as Innovation: Organization & Management, Journal of Business Research, Thinking Skills and Creativity, Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of Technology & Innovation Management. He has taught and participated in various national and international presentations, seminars and courses.Christian Acuña-OpazoChristian Acuña-Opazo received the title of Industrial Engineer from the Universidad de La Serena, Chile, in 2000; the master’s degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile, in 2007; and is currently a Ph.D. student in “Economics and Management of Organizations,” University of Zaragoza, Spain. He is currently an assistant professor at the Universidad de La Serena and Universidad Central de Chile. His research areas are Family Business, Value Creation, and Corporate Finance.