Enhancing art gallery visitors’ learning experience using wearable augmented reality: generic learning outcomes perspective

Abstract

The potential of ICT-enhanced visitor learning experience is increasing with the advancement of new and emerging technologies in art gallery settings. However, studies on the visitor learning experience using wearable devices, and in particular those investigating the effects of wearable augmented reality on the learning experience within cultural heritage tourism attractions are limited. Using the Generic Learning Outcomes framework, this study aims to assess how the wearable augmented reality application enhances visitor’s learning experiences. Forty-four volunteers who were visiting an art gallery were divided into two groups, an experimental group and a control group. Following their visit to the gallery, the volunteers, who had and had not used wearable computing equipment, were interviewed, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the wearable augmented reality application helps visitors to see connections between paintings and personalise their learning experience. However, there are some drawbacks such as lack of visitor-visitor engagement and the social acceptability.