Perceived Augmented Reality Affordances in Logistics

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) promises to transform logistics operations by enhancing real-world processes and supporting workers in dynamic environments. This study investigates the perceived affordances of AR in logistics and examines how these perceptions differ between AR developers and logistics workers. Based on semi-structured interviews with a balanced sample of five AR developers and five logistics workers, a qualitative content analysis following an adapted affordance framework was conducted. The analysis revealed 11 affordance categories, with enhancing affordances emerging as the most prominent. While developers identified a broader spectrum of potential affordances, logistics workers focused on practical, task-related benefits. These findings extend affordance theory by introducing logistics-specific affordances and highlight the need for AR designs that bridge the gap between technical potential and everyday operational requirements. The insights offer valuable guidance for AR system development within Industry 4.0 contexts and suggest directions for future research.

Keywords: Augmented Reality, Affordance, Logistics, Technology Perception, Use Case, User Experience, Industry 4.0

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006445