A quality of experience evaluation of example versus procedural instruction formats for augmented reality based procedure training

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that can enhance the user’s world view with computer generated information. This information can take the form of the domain-specific instructions required for successful completion of novel procedures. A procedure is a suite of steps that must be followed in strict order for successful completion. A novel procedure is one that is new to the user. Instruction format is a consideration concerning efficient use of limited power and computation resources on mobile AR devices. Procedural instructions describe how to complete tasks in a stepwise manner and examples demonstrate how instances of the task are carried out. Crucial to user acceptability of AR for the procedure assistance role is high quality of experience (QoE). QoE is concerned with the degree of fulfilment of the user’s pragmatic and hedonic needs and expectations which will be influenced by instruction format. This is measured in terms of the user’s degree of delight or annoyance i.e., emotional response to stimuli, manifesting as changes in physiology and thought patterns which are measurable using sensors and questionnaires. Although the individual human experience is subjective, it is underpinned by this common physiological mechanism. However, it is influenced by personality, context, technical, social and psychological factors.