The Effects of the Complexity of 3D Virtual Objects on Visual Working Memory Capacity in AR Interface for Mobile Phones

The current study aims to investigate the effects of 3D virtual object complexity on visual working memory capacity in mobile augmented reality (MAR) interfaces. With the popularity of augmented reality technology in mobile applications, 3D virtual elements play a key role in interaction. However, prior studies ignored the correlation between virtual object presentation and visual working memory (VWM). Given that visual working memory capacity is closely related to overall cognitive ability, the current study explored the relationship between the complexity of 3D virtual objects and VWM capacity in AR interfaces. Sixty volunteers participated in a 5-point Likert scale rating to eliminate the interference factors of familiarity, concreteness and similarity in 3D virtual material objects. Then, we further conducted an MAR change detection paradigm experiment and successfully manipulated the complexity of 3D virtual objects and the set size. Thirty-one subjects completed the formal experiment. Three measurements (reaction time, proportion correct, and Cowan’s K) were analyzed for nine experimental conditions (three object complexity levels and three object set sizes). The results confirmed that the visual working memory capacity in mobile AR interfaces is modulated by the complexity of the 3D virtual objects and set size, which decreases with the increase in complexity and set size of the displayed 3D virtual objects. As the complexity of the 3D virtual objects increases, the amount of resources allocated to each item decreases, resulting in a decrease in memory capacity and memory accuracy. This study highlights the effectiveness of VWM capacity in MAR interface design research and provides valuable insights into determining the best way to present 3D virtual objects.