Users experience perspective in exploring an ancient manuscript using augmented reality application.

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) has begun to play an important role in the preser-vation of cultural heritage. It has been used to make artefacts and cultural heritage en-vironments accessible to the general public by utilizing the real world as a substrate and augmenting it with computer-generated information. This paper presents the use of digital technology, in particular augmented reality, in a mobile application for exploring an ancient manuscript in the cultural heritage gallery. This study measures what effect the use of AR in mobile applications has on the Visitor Experience (VX). Terengganu Cultural Heritage Mobile Application (TCHMA) is an AR mobile application that has been developed to portray rare and ancient Quran manuscripts in the cultural heritage gallery, taking account of all essential criteria for each artefact’s unique characteristics. A study with 31 participants was conducted to investigate visitor experience using the Museum Experience Scale (MES). The results showed a positive experience score on all MES components, with the component of engagement having the highest score, followed by knowledge and learning. The findings indicate that the TCHMA as an AR artefact, incorporates all four components and succeeds in creating an engaging experience for visitors. This study provides insight into the role of AR in depicting artefacts and the visitor’s experience in interacting with them.