Exploring the Effects of Narrative Augmented Reality in Cultural Heritage: A Study on Emotional Arousal, Intrinsic Motivation, Cognitive Load, and Learning
Qiang Li, Zhe Chen, Tianqi Wu, Chutong Shen, Yang Yang, Zhao Xi
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of narrative exploration design in mobile augmented reality (AR) cultural heritage applications on user emotional arousal, motivation, cognitive load, and learning outcomes compared to regular AR interaction design. Two versions of AR applications (narrative AR and non-narrative AR) were developed based on the Shenyang Palace Museum. A between-subjects experiment was employed with 60 participants, measuring their user emotion arousal, intrinsic motivation, cognitive load, user experience, and learning outcomes using standardized instruments. Data were analyzed using t-tests and MANOVA. The results indicated that the narrative AR design significantly enhanced user engagement, intrinsic motivation, overall user experience, and learning outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating narrative elements into AR applications to create more immersive and effective educational tools. By embedding cultural heritage content within engaging narratives, developers and cultural institutions can offer users a dynamic and enriched experience, thereby enhancing the educational impact.