Tracing Efficiency in Peri-Personal Space Using Transparent Head-Mounted Displays: A Comparison with Conventional Displays

This study investigates how display modality affects user performance in Augmented Reality (AR)-guided manual tracing tasks within peri-personal space. It compares a direct-view system using a Head-Mounted Display (HMD), the Microsoft HoloLens 2, which co-locates visual and motor space, against an indirect-view conventional screen that decouples these spaces. Using a crossover design, 20 participants performed connect-the-dots tasks under both AR conditions. Task performance (accuracy and speed) and user feedback were collected. Results showed that the direct-view HMD significantly outperformed the indirect-view display, with tasks completed about one third faster and with better accuracy. This advantage was more pronounced on 3D surfaces. Demographic differences were explored, but no firm conclusions could be drawn due to the small subgroup sizes. Findings suggest that direct-view AR HMDs enhance close-range task performance but face limitations such as Vergence-Accommodation Conflict. These results point to a performance benefit of co-located AR guidance for close-range interaction.