Design and Evaluation of Interactive Installations Using Augmented Reality for Public Engagement

Thesis Abstract

The increasing integration of augmented reality (AR) into public spaces offers unprecedented opportunities for enhancing engagement through interactive installations, yet limited empirical research exists on the design principles, user experiences, and evaluative frameworks that maximize such engagement. This study aims to develop, implement, and systematically evaluate innovative AR-based interactive installations within urban public environments to foster community participation and cultural appreciation. The specific objectives include identifying effective design features for AR installations, assessing user engagement and experiential outcomes, and establishing a robust evaluative model grounded in relevant theoretical frameworks. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study combines qualitative explorations with quantitative measurements to provide a comprehensive understanding of user interactions and perceptions. The qualitative component employs thematic analysis of focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 60 diverse participants from a metropolitan municipality to explore user motivations, preferences, and perceived barriers. The quantitative phase involves a quasi-experimental design with an experimental group of 120 participants engaging with the AR installations and a control group of 120 participants exposed to traditional static exhibits. Data are collected through structured questionnaires measuring engagement levels, usability, emotional response, and perceived cultural value, with instruments validated through pilot testing and confirmed for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.85. The data analysis employs descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression analyses to determine the impact of specific design features on engagement metrics. Thematic analysis is applied to qualitative data to extract recurring patterns related to user experience and contextual factors influencing engagement. The study applies relevant theoretical models such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to interpret user adoption patterns and the Experiential Learning Theory to understand how AR experiences facilitate deeper cultural learning. Expected findings indicate that interactive AR installations with contextualized storytelling, multisensory stimuli, and intuitive interfaces significantly enhance user engagement, emotional connection, and perceived cultural value compared to static exhibits. Results are anticipated to reveal that user motivation is positively influenced by personalized content and social interaction opportunities, which in turn correlate with increased durations of engagement and knowledge retention. The analysis aims to identify key design elements—such as interface simplicity, content relevance, and multisensory integration—that positively predict engagement outcomes. The contribution to knowledge includes the development of a validated framework for designing culturally engaging AR installations and an evaluative model that can guide practitioners and researchers in technological and artistic integration in public spaces. The findings fill existing gaps by providing empirical evidence on the specific design features that foster sustained public engagement and offering actionable insights for policymakers, artists, and technologists aiming to incorporate AR in urban cultural projects. The study concludes that well-designed AR interactive installations have significant potential to transform public engagement strategies, promoting community involvement and cultural literacy. It recommends further research into long-term engagement effects, inclusive design practices for diverse populations, and cost-benefit analyses of large-scale AR deployment. Ultimately, the study advocates for integrating user-centered and culturally sensitive principles in AR design processes to maximize their social and educational impact within urban environments.