Risk perception and awareness in an augmented reality flood response game: The role of player perspectives

This study investigates the role of player perspective (first-person vs. third-person) in influencing risk perception, situational awareness, and preparedness in an augmented reality (AR) flash flood scenario. Using a within-subjects design, we examine how these perspectives shape user experience and their implications for AR-based disaster training. The results indicate that while the first-person perspective increases perceived vulnerability and intentions to take proactive measures, the third-person perspective enhances situational awareness and perceived response efficacy. This study contributes to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives in AR disaster training and provides insights for designing effective AR tools for emergency preparedness. • Participants indicated an increased sense of perceived vulnerability and a greater intention to undertake proactive measures in the first-person perspective compared to the third-person perspective. • When interacting with the game from a third-person avatar perspective, a higher level of situational awareness and response efficacy was reported compared to the first-person viewpoint. • No significant differences were found between perceived workload and perceived severity in the two perspective conditions.