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Comparing Paper- and AR-Based Assembly Manuals in Task Performance, dlPFC Hemodynamic Responses, and Perceived
Jungmin Ryu1, Philjun Moon1, Kitae Hwang1
1Seoul National University, South Korea.
Human Factors
|April 6, 2026
Summary
The world-fixed augmented reality (AR) manual improved assembly task performance compared to paper and user-fixed AR. However, both AR types increased cognitive load, suggesting design improvements are needed for AR effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Engineering Psychology
Background:
- Assembly manual effectiveness is crucial for task performance.
- Prior research relied on subjective workload, limiting cognitive effort assessment.
- Neurophysiological measures like dlPFC activation offer direct cognitive control insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare paper-based, user-fixed AR, and world-fixed AR manuals.
- To evaluate task performance, dlPFC hemodynamic responses, and perceived workload.
- To determine the impact of AR design on cognitive demands.
Main Methods:
- Within-subjects design with 24 participants.
- Modified Purdue Pegboard Test using three manual types.
- fNIRS for dlPFC hemodynamic response measurement.
Main Results:
- World-fixed AR significantly improved task performance, reducing errors.
- Both AR manuals showed higher dlPFC activation than paper manuals.
- No significant difference in perceived workload across manual types.
Conclusions:
- World-fixed AR enhances performance by reducing information access costs.
- AR increases cognitive control demands due to perceptual conflicts.
- AR effectiveness is design-dependent; world-fixed AR is superior among tested types.
