Exploring the Implications of Handheld Augmented Reality in Collaborative Practices

Wells, Thomas and Houben, Steven (2025) Exploring the Implications of Handheld Augmented Reality in Collaborative Practices. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

Text (2025WellsPhD)
2025wellsphd.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs.
Download (98MB)

Abstract

It is well known that Augmented Reality (AR), particularly handheld mobile AR, holds great potential for enhancing co-located collaborative experiences. However, despite the significant advances in AR, there is still a fundamental gap in the absence of a unifying framework that addresses the challenges in understanding group dynamics, device configurations, and interaction techniques. This thesis addresses the overarching problem of a lack of a framework for designing and evaluating collaborative AR experiences by systematically investigating the cognitive and physical demands of handheld AR on users. This research explores how these factors influence group behaviours. Through empirical studies, this work aims to contribute a deeper understanding of the interplay between AR technology and collaborative work, paving the way for more effective and intuitive collaborative AR applications. Building on the technological advancements of handheld mobile AR, this research aims to shift the focus from individual user-device interactions to a broader interaction space of co-located collaborative applications. We investigate how different device configurations affect user engagement and collaboration, revealing that larger devices like tablets enhance interaction through effective screen sharing and shoulder surfing. In comparison, smaller devices like smartphones impose higher cognitive and physical loads. Additionally, the research highlights the need for AR systems to support seamless transitions between AR and face-to-face interactions to maintain collaboration efficacy and reduce these negative impositions. By integrating key Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) concepts such as proxemics, territoriality, and shared interaction spaces, this thesis presents a comprehensive framework for designing collaborative AR experiences. The findings underscore the importance of ergonomic and social considerations in developing AR interfaces that are not only functional but also intuitive and accessible for users. This thesis contributes to the field of HCI and CSCW by providing empirical evidence, design principles, and a conceptual framework that guides the future development of AR applications. It addresses core challenges in collaborative AR, such as managing cognitive and physical demands, optimising device configurations, and developing effective interaction techniques that stretch beyond the physical reality. The ultimate aim is to enhance handheld mobile AR’s effectiveness and user experience, making it a more intuitive tool for collaborative interactions.