Usability evaluation of augmented reality visualizations on an optical see-through head-mounted display for assisting...

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Augmented Reality
• Usability Engineering

Background:

• Optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMDs) offer potential for augmented reality applications in industrial settings.
• Effective visual information overlays are crucial for optimizing user performance in complex tasks.
• Understanding gender differences in response to visual cues is important for inclusive design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different visual information modes (text, animation, mixed) and guiding arrows on machine operation tasks using OST-HMDs.
• To evaluate task performance, usability, and immersion based on visual cues and guiding arrows.
• To explore potential gender differences in performance with varying visual information strategies.

Main Methods:

• A mixed analysis of variance design was employed with 34 participants.
• Independent variables included visual information mode (text, animation, mixed) and the presence of guiding arrows.
• Performance was assessed using task completion time, error counts, System Usability Scale, NASA Task Load Index, and immersion scale.

Main Results:

• Males performed better with mixed text and animation; females excelled with text-only information.
• The mixed text and animation mode yielded the highest System Usability Scale and NASA Task Load Index scores.
• Guiding arrows significantly reduced task completion time and positively influenced usability, workload, and immersion.

Conclusions:

• Visual information overlay design significantly affects user performance and experience in OST-HMD based machine operation.
• Tailoring visual information modes to user gender may enhance task efficiency.
• Guiding arrows are a beneficial addition for improving operational efficiency and user experience in augmented reality environments.