Discreet AR interactions are more socially acceptable in confined public transport.
When designing augmented reality experiences for public transport, prioritizing interaction methods that are less conspicuous and do not require large physical gestures will lead to greater user comfort and social acceptance.
Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Discreet input methods (e.g., subtle hand movements, device-based controls) were rated as more socially acceptable than overt mid-air gestures.
- 02Seating arrangements, particularly face-to-face configurations, significantly influenced the perceived acceptability of AR interactions.
- 03Environment-based interactions (e.g., interacting with virtual elements anchored to the physical environment) were generally well-received when discreet.
Application
Design takeaway
Design AR interactions for public transport to be as unobtrusive as possible, favouring subtle inputs over broad gestures.
How to apply
When developing AR applications for use on trains or buses, test interaction designs with users in simulated or actual public transport settings, focusing on how their actions might be perceived by others.
Project actions
- 01When researching user needs for a product, consider the social context of its use.
- 02Use video mockups to test user reactions to different design concepts in realistic scenarios.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilized a novel mixed reality composite video method for controlled evaluation.
- +Investigated a range of interaction types and seating configurations relevant to public transport.
Limitations
It's hard to perfectly recreate the feeling of using AR in a real public space. Video surveys are a good proxy but might miss some real-world complexities.
Reliability & validity
The use of controlled videos enhances the reliability of comparing different conditions. However, the ecological validity might be limited as it's a simulated experience.
Think critically
How might cultural differences influence the perceived social acceptability of AR interactions in public transport, and how could a design account for this diversity?
Design Principles
"Prioritize social comfort through discreet interaction design in shared public environments."
As AR technology becomes more integrated into daily life, understanding the social dynamics of its use in shared public spaces is crucial. Designers must consider the impact of user behaviour on those around them to ensure widespread adoption and positive user experiences.
What This Means for Your Design
When people use AR on buses or trains, they feel more comfortable if their actions don't look weird or bother others. Small movements or using a phone are better than big, flashy hand waves.
How to use in your project
- 1.This research can inform the user research phase of your design project by highlighting the importance of social acceptability in product design.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2023). Surveying the Social Comfort of Body, Device, and Environment-Based Augmented Reality Interactions in Confined Passenger Spaces Using Mixed Reality Composite Videos. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1145/3610923 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/e59a5718-c33f-4d6b-8992-e3ea1f988d4c/discreet-ar-interactions-are-more-socially-acceptable-in-confined-public-transport
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical need to consider social comfort when designing for public spaces. The findings suggest that discreet AR interaction methods are significantly more socially acceptable in confined passenger environments than overt mid-air gestures, particularly in face-to-face seating arrangements. Therefore, future design iterations should prioritize subtle input techniques to ensure user acceptance and positive social integration.
Source
Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies
Surveying the Social Comfort of Body, Device, and Environment-Based Augmented Reality Interactions in Confined Passenger Spaces Using Mixed Reality Composite Videos
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about discreet ar interactions are more socially acceptable in confined public transport?
- Design AR interactions for public transport to be as unobtrusive as possible, favouring subtle inputs over broad gestures. Evidence: Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (2023).
- Why does "Discreet AR interactions are more socially acceptable in confined public transport." matter for design?
- As AR technology becomes more integrated into daily life, understanding the social dynamics of its use in shared public spaces is crucial. Designers must consider the impact of user behaviour on those around them to ensure widespread adoption and positive user experiences.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design AR interactions for public transport to be as unobtrusive as possible, favouring subtle inputs over broad gestures.
- What were the main findings?
- Discreet input methods (e.g., subtle hand movements, device-based controls) were rated as more socially acceptable than overt mid-air gestures.. Seating arrangements, particularly face-to-face configurations, significantly influenced the perceived acceptability of AR interactions.. Environment-based interactions (e.g., interacting with virtual elements anchored to the physical environment) were generally well-received when discreet.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed Reality Composite Video Survey with 131 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing AR applications for use on trains or buses, test interaction designs with users in simulated or actual public transport settings, focusing on how their actions might be perceived by others.
- What are the limitations?
- The study relied on simulated scenarios using videos, which may not fully capture the nuances of real-world interactions. Participant perceptions could vary based on cultural norms and individual comfort levels.
- Is there evidence that public transport affects design outcomes?
- The study found that subtle, less intrusive ways of interacting with augmented reality are preferred in crowded public transport, especially when seated facing others. Overt gestures are seen as less polite. As AR technology becomes more integrated into daily life, understanding the social dynamics of its use in shared Source: Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (2023).
- Where does this augmented reality research apply?
- Public transport (e.g., trains, buses) It sits within user-centred design research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
public transport design research · evidence on public transport · does public transport improve design outcomes · augmented reality studies for designers · public transport and augmented reality findings · user-centred design research evidence