Examining Pair Dynamics in Shared, Co-located Augmented Reality Narratives

Augmented reality (AR) allows users to experience stories together in the same physical space. However, little is known about the experience of sharing AR narratives with others. Much of our current understanding is derived from multi-user VR applications, which can differ significantly in presence, social interaction, and spatial awareness from narratives and other entertainment content designed for AR head-worn displays. To understand the dynamics of multi-user, co-located, AR storytelling, we conducted an exploratory study involving three original AR narratives. Participants experienced each narrative alone or in pairs via the Microsoft Hololens 2. We collected qualitative and quantitative data from 42 participants through questionnaires and post-experience semi-structured interviews. Results indicate participants enjoyed experiencing AR narratives together and revealed five themes relevant to the design of multi-user, co-located AR narratives. We discuss the implications of these themes and provide design recommendations for AR experience designers and storytellers regarding the impact of interaction, physical space, spatial coherence, and narrative timing. Our findings highlight the importance of exploring both user interactions and pair interactions as factors in AR storytelling research.