How do you conduct usability testing for AR applications?

Usability testing for AR applications requires a structured approach to evaluate how users interact with digital content in their physical environment. Start by defining clear objectives, such as testing intuitiveness of gestures, clarity of visual feedback, or ease of completing specific tasks. Design realistic scenarios that mirror actual use cases—for example, testing a furniture placement app by asking users to position virtual objects in a room. Recruit participants representing your target audience and ensure they have varying familiarity with AR to capture diverse feedback. During testing, combine observation (e.g., tracking task completion rates, errors, or hesitation) with post-test interviews to gather qualitative insights. Tools like screen recording, eye-tracking hardware, or motion sensors can help capture precise interaction data.

The testing environment must reflect real-world conditions. For apps reliant on spatial mapping, conduct tests in varied physical spaces (e.g., cluttered rooms, outdoor areas) to assess tracking accuracy. If the app uses specific hardware like AR glasses, ensure participants use the actual device rather than a simulated environment. For example, testing a navigation app might involve users walking through a busy street while following AR waypoints. Record not just user actions but also environmental factors—lighting, surface textures, or obstructions—that could impact performance. Developers should also monitor technical metrics like frame rate, latency, or battery usage, as these directly affect usability. Tools like Unity’s Profiler or ARCore’s performance APIs can help track these metrics during tests.

Iterative testing is critical. Start with low-fidelity prototypes (e.g., paper sketches or basic 3D models) to validate core interactions before investing in polished assets. For instance, test a prototype of an AR repair guide using simple animations to confirm users understand instructions. Refine based on feedback, then retest with higher-fidelity versions. Pay attention to edge cases, such as how the app behaves when markers are occluded or when users deviate from expected workflows. Finally, document findings in a way that ties usability issues to actionable technical fixes—for example, adjusting gesture sensitivity if users struggle to rotate objects. By combining user-centered scenarios, real-world testing, and iterative refinement, developers can create AR experiences that are both functional and intuitive.