Is Functionality All That Matters? Examining Everyday User Opinions of Augmented Reality Devices

How users feel towards Augmented Reality (AR) is often shaped by the context of use. This paper reports from a study with 112 participants on how users experience AR in everyday situations. The respondents in an online survey were queried about comfort, aesthetics, functionality, privacy, and physical limitations. The responses revealed a range of opinions, from general enjoyment to key issues and features that users are concerned with, such as pain and tiredness, device size, social acceptance of AR devices, and accessibility. Considerations for future work regarding these issues are discussed. These include balancing functionality with appearance, involving a variety of users in the design process, and focusing on devices that the everyday person is likely to use. Overall users appear keen to see AR device improvements resulting in more practical and accessible devices.