Abstract
Shared Augmented Reality (Shared AR) is an emerging technology that enables multiple users to interact synchronously within a collocated AR environment. Yet, there is limited research on the group interactions and dynamics in Shared AR, particularly in the context of gaming. To address this gap, we investigate Shared AR group interactions using a phone-based Shared AR mobile game called Urban Legends. Through in-situ observations, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews with 22 participants, we examine how users collaborate and communicate within the game. Our findings reveal that while verbal communication predominates, non-verbal cues are often overlooked by collocated participants, and users initially struggle to recognize the expansive virtual space and the need for physical movement. Over time, users adapt to the hybrid environment, demonstrating increasing spatial awareness and more dynamic collaboration. Based on these insights, we present a suite of design recommendations for enhancing spatial awareness, supporting multi-modal communication, and fostering engaging group dynamics in future Shared AR applications.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Publication Date
8-14-2025
Document Type
Article
Department, Program, or Center
Information, School of
College
Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences
Recommended Citation
Jiangnan Xu, Sanzida Mojib Luna, Garreth W. Tigwell, Nicolas Lalone, Michael Saker, Samuli Laato, John Dunham, Yihong Wang, Alan Chamberlain, and Konstantinos Papangelis. 2025. Understanding the Interplay Between the Digital and the Physical in Shared Augmented Reality Gaming: Probing through Urban Legends. ACM Trans. Comput.-Hum. Interact. Just Accepted (August 2025). https://doi.org/10.1145/3749841
Campus
RIT – Main Campus
