Accessing Cultural Heritage Resources on a Mobile Augmented Reality Platform: A Study on Technology Acceptance

Abstract

This project follows the design science research methodology and uses an extended version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) to study the acceptance of a mobile augmented reality application with historical photographs and information. A prototype application was developed in accordance with general principles for usability design, and a street survey was conducted, where 42 participants out on the street got the opportunity to try the application before answering a questionnaire. A modified version of the same questionnaire was later on used in a web survey with 200 participants that watched a short video demonstration before answering the questionnaire.The results show that there is an interest in mobile augmented reality applications with historical pictures and information. Both perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment have a direct impact on the intention to use this type of application. This finding suggests that institutions developing this type of applications can benefit from focusing on both the fun and the useful aspect of their applications.