On the Go with AR: Attention to Virtual and Physical Targets while Varying Augmentation Density

TL;DR

This study examines how virtual augmentation density and guidance influence user attention, search performance, and memory during mobile augmented reality tasks, highlighting design considerations for AR applications in dynamic environments.

Contribution

It provides new insights into how augmentation density affects user perception, safety, and memory in mobile AR, informing better design practices.

Findings

Higher augmentation density reduces awareness of environment

Guidance influences search efficiency and attention

Virtual and physical object attention differ under AR conditions

Abstract

Augmented reality is projected to be a primary mode of information consumption on the go, seamlessly integrating virtual content into the physical world. However, the potential perceptual demands of viewing virtual annotations while navigating a physical environment could impact user efficacy and safety, and the implications of these demands are not well understood. Here, we investigate the impact of virtual path guidance and augmentation density (visual clutter) on search performance and memory. Participants walked along a predefined path, searching for physical or virtual items. They experienced two levels of augmentation density, and either walked freely or with enforced speed and path guidance. Augmentation density impacted behavior and reduced awareness of uncommon objects in the environment. Analysis of search task performance and post-experiment item recall revealed differing attention to physical and virtual objects. On the basis of these findings we outline considerations for AR apps designed for use on the go.