Improving user experience for lost heritage sites with a user-centered indirect augmented reality application

Abstract

Using digital media technology, e.g. augmented reality, to convey information about cultural heritage, is becoming increasingly more common. While augmented reality is considered useful and innovative for this purpose, systems based on this technology do at times fail to meet the end users’ needs. This paper describes the continued user-centered development and evaluation of an indirect augmented reality application, used to convey information and to visualize the lost Viking ring fortress of Aggersborg, with the larger goal of improving the user experience currently available at the Aggersborg site. The app was evaluated on users representing the visitors of Aggersborg. The participants were evaluating their user experience of the Aggersborg information board with and without the app as well as the usability of the app by answering user experience and usability questionnaires. It was found that the app did significantly increase user experience for children, while not doing so for seniors.