Usability test of immersion for augmented reality based product design

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate the usability of multimodal feedback for enhancing immersion in augmented reality (AR) based product design environments, introduced in the paper [1]. We study what effects occur when providing multi-sensory feedback to users. First of all, we compare design environments between conventional desktop based design environments and AR based design environments which support multimodal feedback. For a usability test for visual feedback, we test the degree of immersion for showing hands which are occluded by augmented virtual objects, and test the suitability of mapping between content and users' input. In sound feedback, also we test the degree of immersion and suitability of mapping between background-sound/effect sound mapping and corresponding events in the scenario. Lastly, as a test for tactile feedback, we evaluate the effect of the physical entity for virtual objects by registering the object to physical tangible objects, and evaluate the degree of immersion for vibration w.r.t events in scenario. Our analyzed results from usability tests and comments could be useful for enhancing immersion in conventional AR based product design as well as AR based learning and teaching contents for edutainment. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.