AR90 : Revisiting Augmented Reality Interactions from an Ergonomics Perspective

Abstract

More and more Augmented Reality (AR) applications are used in our everyday lives. Thanks to the growing processing- and graphical power of mobile devices, it becomes possible to implement AR applications on smaller devices. Typically these applications allow for short-term interactions. In this thesis, we tackle the ergonomics aspect when using AR applications for a longer time. More particular we develop an application, AR90, allowing us to dynamically set the orientation of an in build camera relative to the device. By implementing AR90, we found out that if speed is important, the standard 90° orientation is still the best. If speed is less important, it might become beneficial to tilt the device towards an angle of 45° or 0°. This is useful to make long-term interactions, using AR technology, less physical demanding to the human body. Furthermore, we have implemented AR90 on multiple devices. We compared traditional mobile devices, like a smartphone, against body-attached devices like smartwatches. There we found out that again 90° is the best when aiming for speed, but based on other characteristics, like fatigue or ease of use, it might become beneficial to tilt the device. Based on the device being used, these optimal angles might differ.