Examining User Experiences in a Mobile Augmented Reality Tourist Guide

Abstract

This paper presents a mobile augmented reality guide for cultural heritage. The main focus of this research was to examine user experiences in a mobile augmented reality tourist guide. Real-time tracking was performed using either computer vision techniques or sensors technologies (i.e. GPS and gyroscopes). The main features of the AR touristic application were evaluated with 30 healthy volunteers (15 males and 15 females). Results showed that users found the sensor approach easy to use and intuitive. The majority reported fast adaptation to the AR application. As far as gender differences are concerned, females were more satisfied with the AR experience compared to males and also reported higher temporal demand. Overall, feedback showed that AR technology has all the potential to be used for tourist guides since it is easy to use and intuitive.