Augmented Reality for Enhancing Engagement in Public Art Installations

Thesis Abstract

Public art installations serve as vital cultural and social spaces that foster community identity and artistic appreciation; however, many such installations face challenges in attracting sustained public engagement and creating meaningful interactions. This study aims to explore the efficacy of augmented reality (AR) as a technological intervention to enhance visitor engagement with public art. The primary objective is to develop and evaluate an AR-based interactive model that integrates visual storytelling, contextual information, and interactive features to increase visitor participation and emotional connection with public artworks. To achieve this, the research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to generate comprehensive insights. The population comprises 600 visitors to selected urban public art installations in a metropolitan city, with a purposive sampling technique used to select a representative sample of 200 participants. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires measuring engagement levels, perceived aesthetic value, and user experience, alongside semi-structured interview guides to explore user perceptions and behavioral responses. The validity and reliability of survey instruments are established through pilot testing and Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8, ensuring robustness of the quantitative data. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to identify relationships between AR engagement features and visitor responses. Qualitative data will be examined through thematic analysis, allowing for the identification of key themes related to user experience and interaction dynamics. The study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Uses and Gratifications Theory as theoretical frameworks to interpret user acceptance and motivations for engaging with AR-enhanced artworks. It is anticipated that findings will demonstrate a significant positive correlation between AR features—such as interactivity, storytelling, and contextual information—and increased visitor engagement, emotional involvement, and perceived value of the artwork. Moreover, the analysis is expected to reveal that users’ prior familiarity with digital technologies moderates their engagement levels, confirming hypotheses derived from TAM. The contribution to knowledge lies in providing empirical evidence on the role of augmented reality as an effective tool for transforming passive art viewing into interactive and participatory experiences in public spaces. This research advances understanding of design principles for AR applications in art contexts, emphasizing the importance of user-centered features and cultural relevance. The main conclusion will highlight that AR significantly enhances engagement metrics and emotional responses to public art, fostering deeper community connections. Based on these findings, recommendations will address strategic implementation guidelines for urban planners, cultural institutions, and artists seeking to leverage AR to revitalise public art spaces and promote cultural participation. Additionally, the study suggests avenues for further research, such as longitudinal studies on sustained engagement and the impact of culturally specific AR content on diverse demographic groups. Overall, this investigation underscores the transformative potential of augmented reality in enriching public art experiences and informing future technological interventions aimed at fostering inclusive cultural dialogue and civic pride.