Usability Study and Design Implications for Novice AR-Based 3D Model Design Tools.

This study explores how novices of 3D model designing can use an AR-based 3D model design tool. In the experiment, users used Microsoft HoloLens2 and Microsoft Mesh App to complete two 3D model design tasks. In Task 1, participants were given an image of a 3D model and asked to create the same 3D model; in Task 2, participants were asked to freely design three 3D furniture models. The participants’ experience was evaluated using the System Usability Scale and the NASA Task Load Index. Simultaneously, the task process was videotaped for later analysis. After task completion, video analysis was performed, and user actions, gestures, and interface interactions were manually annotated to identify human errors that occurred. Based on the results of the two questionnaires and video analysis, in this paper, we provide some insights into challenges and opportunities associated with AR-based 3D model design applications, particularly for novices. Furthermore, we proposed some design ideas and solutions to help AR-based 3D model application designers in the future.