Influence of Interactivity in Shaping User Experience and Social Acceptance of Mobile XR

2026-03-09

AI Summary

This study investigates the impact of interaction fidelity on user experience and social acceptability in mobile augmented reality (MAR), with a focus on user comfort and social barriers in public settings. By comparing two commercially available MAR applications—IKEA and Virtlo—that differ substantially in interaction complexity, and through in-situ user experiments, the research analyzes bodily movements, interaction behaviors, and subjective feedback. It uniquely integrates social acceptability into conventional user experience evaluation frameworks. Findings reveal that while higher interaction fidelity enhances immersion, it may concurrently reduce social acceptability in public contexts, uncovering a nuanced trade-off among interaction design, perceived usability, and social situational factors. These results provide empirical grounding and novel design insights for future AR applications aiming to balance compelling user experiences with seamless social integration.

Technology Category

• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction
• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Application Domains: Humanities & Computational Social Science

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the Degree of Interactivity on User Experience (UX) and social acceptability (SA) in Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) applications. As AR technologies become more prevalent, understanding how varying levels of interactivity influence both user perception and social dynamics is crucial for their design and adoption. Two commercially available MAR applications, IKEA and Virtlo, which differ significantly in their interactivity levels, were used to conduct a user study. The study examines how body movements required for interaction with AR content affect both UX and SA, shedding light on users' comfort levels and potential social barriers in public settings. The findings suggest a complex relationship between interactivity, perceived usability, and social considerations, emphasizing the need for a balanced design approach. This research provides valuable insights into the development of future AR applications by addressing not only usability but also the broader social implications of AR interactions. By integrating social acceptability into traditional UX evaluations, this study highlights its significance in ensuring the seamless integration of AR technologies into everyday environments.

Problem

• Interactivity
• User Experience
• Social Acceptability
• Mobile Augmented Reality
• Human-Computer Interaction

Innovation

• Interactivity
• User Experience (UX)
• Social Acceptability
• Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR)
• Interaction Design