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Two Explorative Studies on Tangible Augmented Reality for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Francesco Vona, Giulia Valcamonica, Franca Garzotto

TL;DR

The paper addresses accessible therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) by proposing Tangible Augmented Reality (TAR) that couples AR with tangible Smart Objects. It reports two exploratory studies, Along the Oceanic Flow (ATOF) and Holomarket, to evaluate usability and likeability in NDD populations. Results indicate generally positive engagement and perceived usability, despite hardware and interaction challenges that underscore the need for design refinements. The work suggests TAR as a promising direction for NDD interventions, highlighting the importance of customization, safer multisensory interfaces, and larger, longer-term studies to establish efficacy.

Abstract

Tangible Augmented Reality (TAR) is an interaction paradigm that integrates physical and digital worlds to create immersive, interactive experiences. This paper explores two TAR applications, Holomarket and Along the Oceanic Flow (ATOF), and presents insights from two exploratory studies evaluating their usability and likeability among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Holomarket is designed to simulate a supermarket shopping experience, helping users develop essential life skills such as item selection, basic arithmetic, and money handling. Participants interacted with augmented food items and a smart cash register, navigating a virtual supermarket environment. While participants enjoyed the realistic setting and tangible interactions, some usability challenges, such as difficulty manipulating virtual objects and discomfort with prolonged headset use, were noted. ATOF transforms the user environment into an oceanic world, where participants use a dolphin-shaped smart object to complete tasks like collecting items and solving puzzles. This application aims to improve motor coordination and cognitive skills. Participants appreciated the immersive experience, the customizable tasks, and the tangible dolphin interface. However, some faced difficulties interacting with specific virtual elements. Overall, both applications demonstrated potential as therapeutic tools for NDD, offering engaging and immersive experiences. Despite some usability challenges and hardware limitations, the positive feedback suggests that TAR could play a crucial role in future therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to refine these applications and enhance user interaction and comfort.

Two Explorative Studies on Tangible Augmented Reality for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

TL;DR

The paper addresses accessible therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) by proposing Tangible Augmented Reality (TAR) that couples AR with tangible Smart Objects. It reports two exploratory studies, Along the Oceanic Flow (ATOF) and Holomarket, to evaluate usability and likeability in NDD populations. Results indicate generally positive engagement and perceived usability, despite hardware and interaction challenges that underscore the need for design refinements. The work suggests TAR as a promising direction for NDD interventions, highlighting the importance of customization, safer multisensory interfaces, and larger, longer-term studies to establish efficacy.

Abstract

Tangible Augmented Reality (TAR) is an interaction paradigm that integrates physical and digital worlds to create immersive, interactive experiences. This paper explores two TAR applications, Holomarket and Along the Oceanic Flow (ATOF), and presents insights from two exploratory studies evaluating their usability and likeability among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Holomarket is designed to simulate a supermarket shopping experience, helping users develop essential life skills such as item selection, basic arithmetic, and money handling. Participants interacted with augmented food items and a smart cash register, navigating a virtual supermarket environment. While participants enjoyed the realistic setting and tangible interactions, some usability challenges, such as difficulty manipulating virtual objects and discomfort with prolonged headset use, were noted. ATOF transforms the user environment into an oceanic world, where participants use a dolphin-shaped smart object to complete tasks like collecting items and solving puzzles. This application aims to improve motor coordination and cognitive skills. Participants appreciated the immersive experience, the customizable tasks, and the tangible dolphin interface. However, some faced difficulties interacting with specific virtual elements. Overall, both applications demonstrated potential as therapeutic tools for NDD, offering engaging and immersive experiences. Despite some usability challenges and hardware limitations, the positive feedback suggests that TAR could play a crucial role in future therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to refine these applications and enhance user interaction and comfort.
Paper Structure (17 sections, 2 figures, 8 tables)

This paper contains 17 sections, 2 figures, 8 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Work
  3. First Study - Along the Oceanic Flow
  4. Application Overview
  5. Participants
  6. Research Goals and Questionnaires
  7. Procedure
  8. Results and Discussion
  9. Second Study - Holomarket
  10. Application Overview
  11. Participants
  12. Research Goals and Questionnaires
  13. Procedure
  14. Results and Discussion
  15. Conclusion
  16. ...and 2 more sections

Figures (2)

  • Figure 1: On the left: the room after the spatial mapping transformed in a sea environment. On the right: Infinity Mode; the user correctly collected a ring
  • Figure 2: On the left: A green check is shown if food is released in front of a correct image; otherwise, a red cross appears. On the right: correct food passed in Each Price Mode with price text boxes initialized