AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES DURING CO-CREATIVE DESIGN SUPPORTED BY SPATIALIZED AUGMENTED REALITY

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanisms by which spatial augmented reality (SAR) technology can affect socio-cognitive processes in groups involved in co-creative design sessions. A protocol analysis has been conducted to investigate three different design sessions involving experienced designers and end-users on a product design task: a design session supported by classic design representations (usual design practices), a design session supported by non-spatial augmented reality (AR), and a session supported by SAR technology. While results don’t clearly show that SAR or AR technology increase end-user/client commitment, they illustrate the ability for these technologies to allow browsing through more ideas during a co-creative design sessions. Furthermore, it tends to reduce time spent on ideas, compared to a traditional session. We also noted that the introduction of these different technologies does not modify the profiles of the sessions in terms of cognitive activities. This tends to demonstrate that the technology itself does not impair the design activity.