You're making things AR-kward: Exploring Augmented Reality In-the-Wild MHCI041
Helen Stefanidi, Jan-Hendrik Sünderkamp, Markus Tatzgern, Alina Itzlinger, Alexander Meschtscherjakov · Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction · 2025
Even though recent technological advancements have led to a growing interest in Augmented Reality (AR) head-mounted displays (HMDs), their actual deployment in everyday, outdoor and on-the-move applications remains uncertain. Most AR research is conducted in controlled laboratory settings, leaving a gap in our understanding of AR’s potentials and complexities in real-world environments. This paper explores the social aspects surrounding AR use in public spaces, by investigating the use of AR HMDs during two distinct use cases: shopping at a farmers market and outdoor presentations. Based on the analysis of observations and interviews with participants, passersby and vendors, we explore social impact of AR and share methodological and technological insights. We contribute seven lessons learned for researchers conducting AR studies in-the-wild. Our findings show that the current understanding of non-users should be revisited for in-the-wild AR studies. Furthermore, current AR HMDs lack social components, inducing awkwardness in social situations, which might fade with continuous exposure.