Phygital customer journey: a practice-based approach

Abstract

Purpose The study aims to delve into the “phygital customer journey” (PCJ), which merges physical and digital interactions in customer experiences, using a practice-based lens to reveal the underlying dynamics of these blended encounters. Design/methodology/approach Feedback from 60 individuals established the groundwork for a qualitative analysis. They chronicled customer journeys through diaries and used UXPressia software for journey mapping. This strategy enabled a detailed exploration of the PCJ, focusing on customers’ lived experiences and perceptions. Findings The study presents an integrative framework for the PCJ, identifying four key elements: hybrid artefacts (the melding of digital and physical tools/interfaces), blended contexts (the seamless integration of digital and physical spaces), circular actions (the non-linear paths of customer engagement) and intertwined emotions (the complex emotional responses to phygital experiences). These elements underscore the intricate and interconnected nature of the PCJ. Originality/value This study advances the field by applying a practice-based approach to unravel the complexities of the PCJ, illuminating the nuanced interplay between digital and physical realms. This innovative lens foregrounds the significance of practices in consumer experiences, thereby contributing to a deeper academic and practical understanding of phygital integration.

Guest editorial: The phygital research paradigm: philosophical foundations for examining consumer experiences and behaviors in hybrid physical-digital realms

“…Similarly, Mele et al (2024) study explores the complexities and dynamics of the "phygital customer journey" (PCJ), a concept that merges physical and digital interactions within customer experiences. Their research uses a practice-based approach to delineate the multifaceted nature of PCJs.…”