A comparison of physical- and 3D models’ advantages and limitations

AR Visualization

Overview

Visualization is a method of showing an object or data to better see and understand it. In this research I focus on 3D- and physical models to visualize objects. The goal of this project is:

Research Set-Up

Initial Questionnairre

Collected participants' demographic information

User Study

Study 1: Users were tasked with identifying features on two physical models:

  • A simple object (Skull)
  • A complex object (Brain)

Study 2: Users were tasked with identifying the same features on 3D AR models of the same two objects

  • A simple object (Skull)
  • A complex object (Brain)

Semi-Structured Interview

Interviews were conducted in person

Duration: 40-60 minutes

Data Analysis

Quantitative Analysis: MS-Excel

Qualitative Analysis: Thematic Analysis (NViVo)

App Design

The app design is as follows:

The 3D models were implemented on Unity 3D integrated with Vuforia , which is a cloud based software used to store and organize the 3D models.

Key Insights

Simple objects:

For the simple objects users slightly preferred physical models.

Pros

  • "Freedom of rotation"
  • "More intuitive"
  • "Provides an idea of the actual size"

Cons

  • "Lack of detail"
  • "Can’t zoom"
  • "Size might become an issue"

Complex objects:

For complex objects users heavily preferred using 3D models.

Pros

  • "Provides more detail"
  • "Easy to switch from close up and far out"
  • "More freedom to inspect the model"

Pros

  • “You need to rely on technology”
  • “Need prior computer knowledge”