Researching the Experience of Non-technical AR Novices
Overview
During my time at Carleton University as a graduate student and research assistant, I focused on a Master’s thesis in HCI that explores the UX and augmented reality (AR) intersection.
My research focused on understanding non-technical AR novices by analyzing their interactions and their AR projects. My goals were:
- Uncover patterns in AR authoring among this user group.
- Identify market gaps to meet their demands.
The findings highlight the need for accessible AR authoring tools empowering non-technical novices and unveiling AR's creative possibilities.
My contribution
Main researcher
The team
1 × researcher 1 × supervisor
Tools used
Miro Zotero Adobe Aero
Year
2023
🔍Problem
- Non-technical novices face challenges when they author AR experiences, hindering their ability to explore the creative possibilities of AR fully.
- A lack of research focused on the experiences of non-technical AR novices leaves a knowledge gap, limiting the potential for designing effective support systems tailored to their needs.
💡Outcome
Positioned as an exploratory study, this paper provides key insights that are open to further interpretations and intended to guide field designers in their product developments. Key findings include:
- Non-technical novices learn passively while being goal-oriented.
- Challenges mainly revolve around scripting and asset creation.
- Existing authoring tools lack targeted instructional resources that empower non-technical storytellers in expressing themselves through AR.
- North American tools prioritize features for interaction and scripting, while Chinese tools prioritize features for visuals and assets.
- The potential of AR in preserving memories and promoting social awareness is evident.
🧩My Process
Prep Work
Embarking on my Master’s thesis journey was a path of discovery and iterations before arriving at my final research focus.
My previous work experience and international exposure to AR sparked my curiosity in the realm where UX and AR intersect, leading me to narrow down my research scope.
To refine my ideas, I delved into concept mapping and pilot observations.
Regular bi-weekly meetings with my supervisor also played a vital role in guiding and situating my topic.
Interesting tidbit: An AR experience about my research
In a research course, I worked on a visual narrative assignment.
Using Adobe Aero, I crafted an AR experience that briefly illustrated the views of an AR expert and a novice.
It brought my research focus to life and revealed the motivations behind my work.
The icing on the cake? My peers voted it as the top entry, a delightful moment of validation! 👏
Scan the below QR code (or click here) to experience on an iPhone, iPad, or supported Android device. My apologies, desktop users!
Part 1: Looking for User Patterns
During my research, I immersed myself in the interactions of non-technical novices within the online AR creator communities of Spark Studio, Lens Studio, and PX AR Studio.
I then conducted thematic analysis to look for patterns in novices’ learning approaches and goals. Findings revealed that:
- They adopt a passive learning style, often lacking proactive pursuit of AR authoring skills.
- Instead, 98% of them enter the AR realm with pre-existing ideas and expectations without knowing its capabilities and limitations.
This highlights the need for tailored support and instructional materials, recognizing non-technical novices as a unique user subset.
On the other hand, as a product designer, these insights highlights a potential gap in the market that calls for intuitive and supportive AR authoring tools that empower novices to explore AR effortlessly.
Gamification, like in Duolingo, could create engaging learning experiences, and matching content with fields of interest can induce active learning and foster enthusiasm in this user group.
Part 2: Looking into Trends of AR Usage
Beyond novices’ interactions, I also explored professional artists’ use of AR, despite being novices in the technology. Analyzing their AR projects unveiled intriguing insights.
Findings revealed artists embracing AR as an artistic medium, preserving memories and promoting social awareness.
As a researcher, this discovery highlights AR’s potential for artists to evoke emotions, share stories, and create social impact. It highlights the need for AR authoring tools supporting diverse creative expressions, benefiting both novices and professionals.
As a product designer, these insights emphasize crafting user-centric AR tools empowering artists to unleash their imaginations. Such tools drive innovation and impactful AR experiences, which could redefine artistic expression and user engagement, enriching the AR landscape as a whole.
Unveiling Challenges and Opportunities
- Discovered that novices are passive learners with a goal-oriented mindset, facing scripting and asset creation challenges.
- Identified significant potential for AR in memory preservation and promoting social awareness.
Cultural Insights
- Noted differences in AR authoring trends between Western and Chinese cultures, providing valuable design implications.
Guiding Future Innovations
- Findings intended to inspire and guide designers in developing more user-centric and inclusive AR authoring tools.
- Insights contribute to the evolving field of AR authoring, exploring new creative possibilities and enhancing user experiences.
Personal Reflection
The journey to my Master’s thesis topic was an exploratory process that took several turns before finding the right focus.
Through this immersive and insightful research journey, I’ve honed my skills as a product designer, equipped to tackle user-centred challenges in emerging technologies.
The process of unveiling novices’ perspectives and understanding the potential of AR has empowered me to craft meaningful and engaging experiences for diverse user groups.