Comparison, Evaluation, and Assessment of the Effectiveness of Mobile-Based vs. Product-Based Augmented Reality Advertising

ObjectiveDigitalization has profoundly impacted all aspects of individuals’ daily lives. This significant shift has altered consumer preferences, leading to decreased attention to advertisements and commercial messages. Consequently, most commercial efforts by businesses are consciously or unconsciously overlooked by audiences, resulting in reduced effectiveness of traditional advertisements, which are often conducted at substantial cost. The advancement of various technologies through digitalization has given rise to several promising innovations. Among these, Augmented Reality (AR) stands out as a desirable technology that businesses and marketers can leverage as a marketing or advertising strategy. AR enhances and expands users’ perceptions of their physical surroundings by integrating computer-generated digital layers into the physical environment. With AR, users can interact with digital elements in real-time, making the advertisements more engaging and memorable. This study aims to investigate whether AR-based advertising efforts are more effective compared to traditional advertisements. Additionally, it examines whether the use of AR technology in presenting commercial and advertising efforts enhances audience attitudes towards these advertisements and increases their purchase intention after viewing AR advertisements. The objective extends to analyzing whether the immersive and interactive nature of AR ads can bridge the gap between virtual and physical experiences, thus making advertisements not only more appealing but also more impactful on consumer behavior. MethodologyIn this research, a AR advertising platform was designed and developed for a consumer product. An experimental approach was employed, utilizing two groups (experimental and control). Data were collected at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and recall test. The study involved 22 participants, and data were gathered using a questionnaire. The AR advertising platform allowed participants to interact with the product in a simulated environment, providing a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the product features. FindingsThe results indicated that AR-based advertisements not only improve and enhance customers’ attitudes toward the advertising efforts but also significantly boost their purchase intentions. The findings also highlighted that participants exposed to AR advertisements exhibited a higher level of engagement compared to those who viewed traditional ads. Moreover, AR ads were found to further drive the effectiveness of the advertising campaigns. Therefore, it can be concluded that the effectiveness of AR-based advertisements surpasses that of traditional advertising approaches. ConclusionGiven the novelty of this advertising approach, it is recommended that marketers invest in AR technology. This investment will not only provide a competitive advantage and offer greater value to consumers but also create differentiation for the company and its products, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of advertising efforts. In the long run, AR technology is likely to revolutionize the advertising industry, making it essential for businesses to adapt and integrate this innovative approach into their marketing strategies. Ultimately, this will lead to increased product sales and improved business profitability.