Evaluating Training Efficacy and Return on Investment for Augmented Reality: A Theoretical Framework

Augmented Reality (AR) has been in existence since the 1960s, however there is a lack of empirical research of areas in which using AR technology have the most benefit – and which areas do not see positive impacts. Being able to identify tradeoffs involved in acquiring and deploying an AR-based training system with respect to utility, efficacy, and return on investment (ROI) are valuable to any training program and acquisitions manager. In order to address this innovation gap, we present the Media Efficacy Return on Investment Tool (MERIT). MERIT is a theoretical framework methodology for quantitatively evaluating AR and other training solutions for a given training environment based on four factors: Task Factors, Training Media Factors, Return on Investment (ROI) Factors, and Training Efficacy Factors. The MERIT framework, based upon the “House of Quality” matrix, helps compare, visualize, and assess user and technical requirements as well as research gaps.