Theory and models for creating engaging and immersive ecommerce Websites

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe theory and research from several disciplines, not generally understood by web developers, which the author believes are applicable to creating engaging and immersive ecommerce environments. These disciplines include aesthetic experience (AE), Flow, landscape assessment, and a proposed aesthetic framework. The link between these different areas is aesthetics, specifically aesthetic experience. Developing ecommerce sites based on models related to aesthetics can provide an organized means of designing engaging and immersive sites which are more likely to lead to positive user experience. IT personnel commonly understand the psychological aspects of human-computer interaction (HCI). Similarly, the toolbox of every web designer and Internet system architect should include knowledge of the concepts related to engaging and immersive environments.