Can Augmented Reality playgrounds get kids moving or are they dangerous?
Abstract Overview
Background: Augmented reality (AR), where a computer-generated image is overlaid on the real world viewed through the camera of a smart device, is becoming increasingly available in children’s lives. AR has been shown to increase participation in physical activity and social interactions in an adult population but also induce simulator sickness. However, the potential benefits and risks of AR use by young children is unclear.
Purpose: To investigate the potential benefits (physical activity and enjoyment) and risks (simulator sickness and loss of peer connection) of an AR enhanced laboratory playground on young children.
Methods: In pairs, thirty-four 5–8-year-old children and their caregivers attended a laboratory set-up as in an indoor playground. They completed four animal search tasks, in either toy or AR (Apple iPhone) play conditions. Thigh-mounted accelerometer (SENS) data was analysed to assess time spent in different postures and movements. Children rated their enjoyment, peer connection and simulator sickness on questionnaires. Caregivers also rated their child’s enjoyment.
Results: Children spent longer engaging in the AR conditions (279 vs 235secs). Time spent walking was the same, but more time was spent performing squats in AR (diff=7.3secs) and running in toys (diff=24.3secs). Children rated AR more enjoyable than toy play (84% in favour of AR), with parents reporting the same preference. The same level of connection with their peers was reported during AR and toy play (4.9±2.2 vs 4.7±2.2). Most children reported no simulator sickness symptoms.
Conclusions: AR can encourage physical activity and more enjoyment without a negative impact on peer connection or simulator sickness symptoms.
Practical implications: AR enhanced playgrounds could motivate young children to be physically active while still engaging with their peers.
Funding: The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child and a Curtin School of Allied Health 2023 Teaching and Research Grant.
Additional Authors
Name: Sarah Stearne
Affiliation: School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Amber Beynon
Affiliation: School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Charlotte Lund Rasmussen
Affiliation: School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: yes
Name: Juliana Zabatiero
Affiliation: School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Louise Paatsch
Affiliation: School of Education, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Daniel Johnson
Affiliation: School of Computer Science, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Leon Straker
Affiliation: School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Amity Campbell
Affiliation: School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Information
Study Type: Intervention
Subtheme: New Technology
Population Group: Children
Setting: Community
Submitting Author
Sarah Stearne
Research Fellow
Curtin University
Australia