Exploring the structural relationships between augmented reality quality, perceived value, and psychological well-being in museum applications: a PLS-SEM analysis

Purpose The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of augmented reality (AR) on users' tour experience and psychological well-being in museums. The study utilizes the Information System (IS) Success Model and the Perceived Value Theory to investigate the relationships between AR quality, content quality, system quality, vividness, utilitarian value, hedonic value, tour experience, and psychological well-being. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative research approach and surveys 286 visitors at the Wuhan Natural History Museum. The collected data is analyzed using PLS-SEM to test the proposed model. Findings The study finds that content quality, system quality, and vividness significantly influence utilitarian and hedonic value. Utilitarian and hedonic values mediate the relationship between AR quality and tour experience and psychological well-being, with hedonic value having a greater impact. Utilitarian value positively influences customers' hedonic value, while tour experience positively influences customers' psychological well-being. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by applying the Information System Success Model and Perceived Value Theory to explore the impact of AR on users' tour experience and psychological well-being in museums. It provides empirical evidence supporting the importance of content quality and perceived value in promoting AR adoption and use. The findings add value to the field of augmented reality research and offer practical implications for AR service providers.