User experience and user acceptance of an augmented reality based knowledge-sharing solution in industrial maintenance work

Abstract

In industrial service business, maintenance processes can be challenging due to their complexity and knowledge intensiveness. The goal of this study was to evaluate the user experience and user acceptance of an augmented reality (AR) based, knowledge-sharing system, in industrial maintenance. An augmented reality system was evaluated in a focus group and a field study. The results indicate that the user experience was positive and the AR system was well accepted. The participants felt that the AR system was useful for their work and it supported information and knowledge sharing. The social media features for adding and sharing one’s own comments, notes and pictures were seen as very useful. However, some concerns regarding the quality and accuracy of the information content were raised. This study provides insights into AR-based knowledge sharing in industrial maintenance; however, the results can also be utilized in other areas, such as manufacturing.