HeritageSite AR: Design and Evaluation of a Mobile Augmented Reality Exploration Game for a Chinese Heritage Site

This article explores the use of a mobile Augmented Reality (AR) exploration game to enhance immersive storytelling and enrich cultural experiences. Specifically, we present the prototype design and evaluation of HeritageSite AR, an AR exploration game for a Chinese heritage site known as the Relics of Arhat Monastery and Twin Pagoda , or Shuangta . To develop the AR game for use in heritage sites, we employed a holistic approach, beginning with a review of technical means for cultural application development. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with domain experts and administered an online survey to identify user requirements and design goals, which informed our prototype design. An evaluation study showed positive feedback regarding the impact of game design on meaningful and playful cultural heritage site experience and identified areas for potential refinements in future iterations. We discuss the implications and lessons learned for our future work, which may also interest researchers and practitioners exploring the use of AR technologies and game design in heritage site contexts.