Augmented Reality(AR) Fashion Shopping Service Acceptance Based on Consumers’ Technology Readiness

This study analyzed the effects of optimism and innovativeness, the two drivers of a consumer’s technological readiness to use an augmented reality(AR) fashion shopping service within the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The survey was conducted on 249 people (males = 58; females = 191) in their 20s who were willing to participate in the AR experience. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling by AMOS 22.0. The results indicated that a greater level of perceived optimism had a positive influence on the ease of use and usefulness of the technology. The findings also show that consumers with a high degree of innovativeness tend to have a higher level of playfulness toward AR fashion shopping. Regarding the effects of user beliefs, ease of use had a positive effect on the perception of usefulness and playfulness with higher levels implying a higher consumer intention to adopt an AR fashion shopping service. In addition, this study reveals the moderating effect of consumers with high-fashion versus those with low-fashion innovativeness. For the latter, technological innovation had an insignificant effect on playfulness, thus indicating that consumers with low interest in fashion did not enjoy AR fashion shopping even if the technology was highly innovative. Nevertheless, the analysis confirms the possibility that experiencing a fashion product through AR technology could replace the actual experience of wearing the products.