Research is the methodical and exploratory process of understanding a problem and seeking the best answer.
Publications
Defining AR: Public Perceptions of an Evolving Landscape
Alex Thompson and Leigh Ellen Potter
This paper presents findings from an ongoing investigation into the public understanding of augmented reality (AR) technologies. Despite AR technologies becoming increasingly available to the general public, perceptions of its use and capabilities still vary based on a number of factors. To explore this concept, a survey was conducted into individual's definition of AR and classification of AR and traditional technologies. The themes elicited from responses indicated that digital and real components were both perceived as key characteristics, but the synthesis of these components was not significant. Responses also indicated that the public is still relatively unfamiliar with AR technologies, but familiarity does lend itself to a better understanding of what is or isn't AR. Trends in public perceptions of AR are presented, but also identify the need for more investigation into the public understanding of AR technologies.
Engaging with STEM Students: Successes and Challenges in Course Design
Leigh Ellen Potter and Alex Thompson
In this chapter, we describe the approach taken to design a new first-year core course for a multidisciplinary STEM student cohort that presented challenges in terms of size, location, interest, understanding, and existing knowledge. We drew on the lessons learned from a previous redesign project for a course that shared many of these attributes to develop a course structure and approach to address these challenges. The design of the material, supporting technology, assessment, and class activities was structured to both support student learning and engage students in the learning process. We followed a formal evaluation process and identified that the module and workshop structure implemented in this design were successful in supporting student learning of complex material.
Taking the ‘A’ out of ‘AR’: Play Based Low Fidelity Prototyping of Mobile Augmented Reality
Alex Thompson and Leigh Ellen Potter
Taking the 'A' out of 'AR' means implementing the augmented elements of an interface and contextual elements of reality in a more controlled context to allow for proof of concept evaluations. This paper proposes a prototyping technique that bridges the gap between traditional paper prototyping methods used for interface design and evaluation, and the challenges associated with the development of visual, context-aware augmented reality (AR) applications. An initial evaluation of this technique was conducted through the examination of a small-scale case study of user evaluation sessions of a mobile application.
Overlays and Goggles and Projections, Oh My! Exploring Public Perceptions of Augmented Reality Technologies
Alex Thompson and Leigh Ellen Potter
Augmented reality (AR) technologies have been available to the general public in varying formats for several years, but confusion remains about what AR actually is, and what it can do. This paper explores how well mental models of the general public align with the standing definitions of AR from an academic perspective. We also seek to understand whether individual experience with augmented reality technologies, or self-rated willingness to adopt new technologies, correlate with the accuracy of an individual's understanding of AR. A pilot survey asking participants to describe augmented reality revealed a variety of mental models, some of which aligned with academically defined characteristics of AR. This paper presents some initial trends in public perceptions of augmented reality technologies, but also highlights the need for more research to establish a better understanding of mental models of AR.
