The Effect of User Experience on Perceived Flow and Continuous Intentions to Use the Mixed Reality Technology

Abstract

This study aims to predict causal relationships between experience economy, perceived flow, and continuous use intention in the mixed reality (MR) environment. A virtual fitting mirror with two modes (i.e., avatar and self-image) was selected for this study. A total of 200 samples was obtained in two sample frames: virtual fitting users in avatar mode (group 1, n = 119) and self-image mode (group 2, n = 81). The results showed that the experience economy consists of entertainment, education, esthetic, and escapism. The entertainment and esthetic experiences had positive effects on perceived flow, leading to continuous use intentions. For avatar mode, the entertainment and esthetic experiences had positive effects on continuous use intentions through the mediating effect of flow; and the education experience had a positive effect on the continuous intentions to use the MR technology. For self-image mode, the flow mediated the effect of entertainment on continuous use intentions, whereas education and escapism directly affected the intention to use the MR technology. The paper also discusses the theoretical and managerial implications of using MR technologies in fashion retailing. ? 2021 The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles. All Rights Reserved.