Digital Augmented Reality for Interactive Public Art Engagement

Thesis Abstract

The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has transformed the landscape of public art engagement, presenting both opportunities and challenges for enhancing interaction between artists, artworks, and diverse audiences through augmented reality (AR). Despite increasing implementation of AR in commercial and entertainment sectors, its application in public art remains underexplored, particularly regarding its potential to foster meaningful engagement and cultural participation within urban environments. This study aims to develop and evaluate a framework for implementing digital AR solutions to augment public art installations, thereby increasing community involvement, educational value, and aesthetic appreciation. The specific objectives are to identify key design elements of effective AR-enhanced public art, assess user engagement and perception, and determine the socio-cultural implications of integrating AR into municipal art programs. To accomplish these aims, the research employs a mixed-methods approach grounded in interpretivist and pragmatist paradigms. The quantitative component surveys a sample of 400 urban residents, selected through stratified random sampling across two metropolitan areas with active public art initiatives, using structured questionnaires to capture perceptions of AR-based engagement and preferences. Concurrently, qualitative data are gathered via 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with artists, urban planners, and community members, complemented by focus group discussions with 8 groups comprising 6-8 participants each, to explore contextual meanings and barriers related to AR integration. Data collection instruments include validated Likert-scale surveys, interview protocols, and observational checklists during AR pilot implementations. The validity and reliability of instruments are ensured through pilot testing, expert reviews, and Cronbach's alpha assessments exceeding 0.85. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to examine relationships between AR features and engagement levels. Thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework is applied to qualitative data, facilitating the identification of emergent themes related to user experience, cultural resonance, and technological acceptance. A convergent parallel design allows for integrating findings to refine a conceptual model that elucidates factors influencing interactive engagement with AR-enhanced public art. Expected outcomes include evidence that thoughtfully designed AR interfaces significantly increase visitors’ aesthetic appreciation, emotional involvement, and perceived accessibility of public artworks, as demonstrated through significant regression coefficients (p < 0.05). The study anticipates uncovering barriers such as technological unfamiliarity and infrastructural limitations, alongside enablers like user-centered design principles, contextual storytelling, and community participation. These findings are expected to contribute to the theoretical discourse on media-rich art engagement, extending existing models such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) within the specific context of public art. The study advances knowledge by providing a comprehensive framework that guides sustainable integration of AR into urban artistic programs, emphasizing participatory design and cultural inclusivity. It concludes that digital AR, when strategically deployed, can significantly enhance communal experience and cultural education, fostering a deeper appreciation of public art. The research recommends policy shifts towards collaborative design processes involving stakeholders, investment in infrastructural support, and scalability studies across diverse cultural contexts. Suggestions for further research include longitudinal investigations on the long-term impacts of AR engagement on community identity and cultural preservation, as well as exploring technological innovations such as augmented reality wearables and spatial computing in public art settings. Ultimately, this work underscores the transformative potential of AR to redefine the interface between public art and society, promoting active participation and cultural vitality in contemporary urban environments.