Author:

Kazakova, Polina
Supervisor:Prof. Gudrun Klinker
Advisor:

Dr.rer.nat. David A. Plecher, M.A.

Submission Date:15.06.2022

Abstract

Not only has the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic altered the perception of travel and enjoyment of cultural heritage sites, but it has also impeded the user studies for mobile applications. In this Bachelor thesis we contribute by evaluating the influence of a cultural heritage application with the augmented reality feature in a remote setting. For this we slightly modify an existing application about the column of Trajan to make it more accessible for the general public. We conduct a literature review about augmented reality (AR) evaluation in the field of cultural heritage (CH).

User Study summary

For the user study we randomly divide 30 participants into two groups: one group receive an application with the AR functionality, the other has no AR mode.

We choose pre and post-test research design. During pretest we collect demographic data (sex, age) and information about previous knowledge (experience with AR, history expertise). Time on task is measured seamlessly, while users engage with an app (see video below for a short demo of the application). Instructions that accompanied moderated remote user study can be found in the "User Study Instruction.pdf" file below.

trajans_column_demo(1)-no_sound.mp4

In the course of the post-test we ask about gained knowledge, measure workload (with NASA-TLX questionnaire), assess  pragmatic and hedonic qualities of the user experience (with UEQ-S) and collect feedback

Conclusion

Results of the t-test show that the were no significant differences between two groups in terms of workload and usability. Both groups gained knowledge about Roman Emperor Trajan and Dacian Wars. According to UEQ-S the application can be overall described as exciting, interesting, conventional, supportive, easy, leading edge, efficient and confusing. The volunteers form the AR-group were astonished by the technology.
Thus augmented reality 
can be used to raise awareness about cultural heritage and to enrich the user experience.