Enhancing awareness on green consumption of electronic devices: the application of Augmented Reality

During the past few decades, the adoption of electronic devices (e.g. television sets, computers, etc.) in both households and businesses has brought immense benefits to human beings. However, their increasing utilization adversely contribute to a rise in energy consumption, electronic waste and is even detrimental to human health and to the environment. As such, it is essential that human beings undertake actions to reduce the risks and damages caused by these devices to the environment. Concurrently, studies have revealed that a lack of knowledge is considered amongst the important barriers to the adoption of environmentally sustainable actions. One emerging technology that has shown to foster engagement, improve understanding and provide a unique learning experience is Augmented Reality (AR). However, this technology has not been exploited to improve awareness on environmentally sustainable use of electronic devices. As such, this paper investigates the application of AR to improve awareness on green consumption of electronic devices by delving into key research questions pertaining to technology acceptance, knowledge gains and associated barriers to adoption. In this endeavor, an AR-based mobile application was implemented to enable individuals learn energy consumption of electronic devices being used at home and offices. The research questions were answered following application of the Technology Acceptance Model and by conducting multiple-choice based tests. Results principally indicated a positive correlation between AR and learning enhancement on green consumption of electronic devices