Visual interfaces and user experience: Augmented reality for architectural education: One study case and work in progress

Abstract

In this paper we present the first conclusions of an educational research project which seeks to evaluate, throughout the academic training period, and by the use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, the graphic and spatial capabilities of undergraduate and master's degree in architecture, construction, urbanism and design students. The project consists of twelve case studies to be carried out in several university centers. Currently, after the first case study has been finalised, it has been demonstrated that by combining the use of an attractive technology, to create dynamic photomontage for visual evaluation of virtual models in a real environment, and by the user-machine interaction that involves AR, students feel more motivated and the development and evolution of their graphic competences and space skills increased in shorter learning periods, improving their academic performance. For this experiment we have used mobile phones, laptops, as well as low cost AR applications. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.