Embodiment of Wearable Augmented Reality Technology in Tourism Experiences

Abstract

The increasing use of wearable devices for tourism purposes sets the stage for a critical discussion on technological mediation in tourism experiences. This paper provides a theoretical reflection on the phenomenon of embodiment relation in technological mediation and then assesses the embodiment of wearable augmented reality technology in a tourism attraction. The findings suggest that technology embodiment is a multidimensional construct consisting of ownership, location, and agency. These support the concept of technology withdrawal, where technology disappears as it becomes part of human actions, and contest the interplay of subjectivity and intentionality between humans and technology in situated experiences such as tourism. It was also found that technology embodiment affects enjoyment and enhances experience with tourism attractions.

Exploring the implications of wearable virtual reality technology for museum visitors' experience: A cluster analysis

“…Previous studies have explored the influence of AR and VR adoption on customer experience and behavioural intentions at an aggregate market level, which means they assumed a generic structure for variables related to tourists'/visitors' perceptions and attitudes (e.g., Chung et al, ; Huang et al, ; Jung et al, ; Jung et al, ; Tussyadiah, Jung, & tom Dieck, ). In this study, we examined whether customers could be grouped into distinct segments based on similarities and differences in their perceptions and attitudes towards wearable VR technology‐mediated experiences.…”

“…At the same time, our results also added to these studies, suggesting the importance of testing these relationships considering two still underexplored factors: (a) escapism, a key realm of customer experience (Pine & Gilmore, ) next to the more traditionally considered entertainment, education, and aesthetics (Jung et al, ) and (b) the willingness to share the technology‐mediated experience through online reviews and the use of social networks. Indeed, most studies in the context of cultural tourism attractions (Jung & tom Dieck, ; Tussyadiah, Jung, & tom Dieck, ) have hitherto focused only on visit and revisit intentions, overlooking the potential of electronic worth of mouth as a powerful marketing tool (Litvin, Goldsmith, & Pan, ; Tham, Croy, & Mair, ; Xiang & Gretzel, ).…”

“…Previous studies have explored the influence of AR and VR adoption on customer experience and behavioural intentions at an aggregate market level, which means they assumed a generic structure for variables related to tourists'/visitors' perceptions and attitudes (e.g., Chung et al, 2015;Huang et al, 2013;Jung et al, 2016;Tussyadiah, Jung, & tom Dieck, 2017). In this study, we The cluster analysis applied to the score of the six factors identified through exploratory factor analysis-sense of involvement, technology added value, escapism, personal innovativeness with technology, technology usage intention, and experience sharing intention-showed that visitors' perceptions and attitudes are not homogeneous.…”

“…These technologies include not only interactive websites, social media, smartphones, tablets, computers, and mobile applications (Neuhofer et al, 2014;Errichiello & Micera. 2018) but, more recently, also augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications (Guttentag, 2010;Jung, tom Dieck, Lee, & Chung, 2016;Tussyadiah, Jung, & tom Dieck, 2017). In the context of tourist attractions, the increasing market orientation of cultural heritage organizations (e.g., museums, archaeological sites, and galleries) has fuelled the search of different ways for exploiting the potential of these technologies to enhance the customer experience before, during, and after the visit (Shaw & Ivens, 2002).…”

Realtime Recoloring Objects using Artificial Neural Networks through a Cellphone

“…Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology where real elements are added with artificial elements, allowing overlapping virtual and real environments, the use of AR is not limited to visual content, but it is its most common representation using displays, cameras and sensors for the experience. This is been applied to several areas, like games, industry, education, communication, tourism, marketing, among others (Tussyadiah, Jung, & tom Dieck, 2017).…”