Introduction:
The IDUNN project has recently published a significant paper titled “Preference in Voice Commands and Gesture Controls With Hands-Free Augmented Reality With Novel Users,” appearing in the Jan.-Mar. 2024 issue, vol. 23, pages 18-26. This study delves into the usability and user experience (UX) of hands-free augmented reality (HAR), comparing two primary interaction techniques: voice commands and gesture controls.
Authors:
Mikko Korkiakoski, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Paula Alavesa, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Panos Kostakos, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Keywords:
Task Analysis, Usability, Three Dimensional Displays, Subspace Constraints, Tutorials, Augmented Reality, Haptic Interfaces, Speech Synthesis, Speech Recognition, Federated Learning, User Experience, Logic Gates, Gestures, Speech Understanding, Gesture Recognition, Individual Differences, Mobile Phone, Prior Experience, User Experience, Development Of Applications, 3D Space, User Preferences, Entire World, Head Mounted Display, User Acceptance, Interaction Techniques, Augmented Reality Applications, Physical World, Mean Rank, Main Techniques, Differences In Usage, Cup Of Coffee, System Usability Scale.
Abstract:
Hands-free augmented reality (HAR) has the potential to become our gateway to the Metaverse. Despite its promise, HAR devices are often too expensive for most consumers. Additionally, novel interaction techniques can present challenges when users interact with holographic content in 3D space. This article describes a mixed-method user study involving 34 inexperienced HAR users, using an augmented reality (AR) map application and HoloLens 2. The study aimed to compare the usability, user experience (UX), and preferences between two common HAR interaction techniques: gestures and voice commands. The findings suggest no significant difference in overall UX between these controls when using an AR map. However, individual preferences varied, with gestures being favored for their playfulness and voice commands for their efficiency. This indicates that developers should tailor interaction techniques to specific contexts, from gaming to collaborative work.
Study Overview:
The study involved 34 participants who were new to HAR, utilizing an AR map application on the HoloLens 2. The researchers employed a mixed-method approach to assess usability, UX, and user preferences for gestures and voice commands.
Key Findings:
- Usability and UX: No significant difference in overall UX was found between gesture controls and voice commands when interacting with the AR map.
- Individual Preferences:Gesture controls were preferred for their playfulness, making them suitable for gaming and entertainment applications.
Voice commands were appreciated for their efficiency, indicating their potential for productivity and serious collaborative work. - Variability in Preferences: The study highlighted the importance of individual differences in user preferences, suggesting a need for flexible interaction options in HAR applications.
- Implications for Developers: The findings suggest that HAR application developers should consider the context in which their applications will be used. For example, gesture controls may enhance the user experience in gaming scenarios, while voice commands could be more effective in professional environments. By focusing on context-specific interaction techniques, developers can improve user acceptance and satisfaction with HAR applications.
Conclusion:
This study provides valuable insights into the preferences of novel HAR users regarding gesture and voice command interactions. While no overall UX difference was found, the individual variability underscores the importance of offering multiple interaction options. As HAR technology continues to evolve, understanding these user preferences will be crucial for creating applications that are both effective and enjoyable to use.
For more detailed information, please refer to the full paper: DOI Bookmark: 10.1109/MPRV.2024.3364541
link to article in open access