Augmented Reality for Interactive Art Installations in Public Spaces

Thesis Abstract

Urban public spaces serve as dynamic platforms for cultural expression and civic engagement; however, traditional art installations often lack interactive engagement and technological integration that can enhance visitor participation and experiential richness. This study addresses the challenge of increasing audience engagement in public art by exploring the integration of augmented reality (AR) as a transformative tool for creating interactive art installations. The primary aim is to develop, implement, and evaluate AR-enabled art installations in urban settings to assess their impact on visitor engagement, perception, and overall aesthetic experience. Specific objectives include examining users' attitudes towards AR-enhanced art, identifying design factors that influence interaction quality, and proposing a sustainable framework for deploying AR artworks in public spaces. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to yield comprehensive insights. The quantitative component employs a quasi-experimental design involving a sample of 300 participants recruited from diverse demographic backgrounds within the urban environment. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires measuring variables such as perceived interactivity, aesthetic appeal, and user satisfaction, analyzed via SPSS using multivariate regression analysis to determine the predictors of engagement. The qualitative component involves focus group discussions with 30 participants to explore in depth their experiences, attitudes, and suggestions, analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and interpretative nuances. The study also tests the applicability of several theoretical frameworks, notably the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) to understand user acceptance of AR art, and the Aesthetic Experience Theory to evaluate the emotional and perceptual responses elicited by AR-enhanced environments. The expected findings indicate that AR integration significantly enhances user engagement, perceived novelty, and emotional responses to public art, with design features such as gesture-based interaction and multimedia content playing a pivotal role. It is anticipated that the regression models will reveal perceived usefulness and ease of use as significant predictors of continuous AR engagement, aligning with TAM assumptions. The focus group discussions are expected to uncover barriers to adoption, such as technical challenges and accessibility concerns, contributing to the design guidelines for future AR art projects. This research advances knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness and user perceptions of AR as a participatory medium within public art contexts, filling gaps related to sustainable implementation strategies and user-centered design frameworks. The conceptual model developed synthesizes technological, aesthetic, and socio-cultural dimensions influencing AR art engagement, serving as a reference for practitioners and policymakers. The study concludes that AR-based interactive art installations can significantly augment traditional public art, fostering deeper civic participation and cultural appreciation. Recommendations include establishing design standards for AR artworks, developing user education programs, and promoting collaborations between artists, technologists, and urban planners to ensure accessibility and sustainability. Future research avenues suggested encompass longitudinal studies on the social impact of AR public art and explorations into emerging technologies such as mixed reality to expand immersive experiences. Overall, this project demonstrates the transformative potential of augmented reality in redefining the role of public art and enhances the theoretical and practical understanding required to harness this technology for cultural development.