Wednesday 19 March 2025
A recent study has shed light on the best way for people to collaborate using shared whiteboards in augmented reality (AR). The researchers found that giving users more control over the initial setup of their collaborative space can lead to a better overall experience.
The study focused on how users interact with shared virtual surfaces, such as whiteboards, when working together remotely. In AR, these surfaces are projected into physical spaces, allowing users to work together as if they were in the same room. However, setting up and navigating these virtual surfaces can be tricky, especially when done remotely.
The researchers tested three different methods for initializing shared whiteboard sessions: manual control, discrete choice, and automatic selection. In the manual control method, users drew their own whiteboards directly into the environment until they agreed on a placement. The discrete choice method provided users with pre-set options for whiteboard size and location, which they could then choose from. Finally, the automatic selection method allowed the system to automatically create a whiteboard that fit within each user’s environment.
The results showed that participants generally preferred having more control over the initial setup of their collaborative space. The manual control method was the most popular, as users appreciated being able to customize their virtual surface to their specific needs. However, this method did require more effort and time from the users.
In contrast, the automatic selection method was the fastest way to get started, but users had less control over the final result. Some participants mentioned that they would have liked to be able to adjust the automatically generated whiteboard if it didn’t quite fit their needs.
The discrete choice method fell somewhere in between, providing users with a range of options while still requiring some effort and decision-making on their part. However, some participants found this method confusing or frustrating, especially when trying to agree on a single option with their collaborators.
Overall, the study suggests that giving users more control over the initial setup of their collaborative space can lead to a better overall experience. While it may require more time and effort upfront, users are more likely to feel satisfied with the final result. The researchers also highlight the need for future studies to investigate other aspects of remote collaboration in AR, such as communication and task management.
The findings have implications for industries that rely heavily on remote collaboration, such as software development or architecture. By providing users with a more customizable and flexible collaborative environment, these industries can improve productivity and efficiency.
Cite this article: “Customizing Collaboration: The Impact of Initial Setup Control on AR Shared Whiteboard Experiences”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Augmented Reality, Remote Collaboration, Shared Whiteboards, Collaborative Space, User Control, Initial Setup, Virtual Surfaces, Manual Control, Automatic Selection, Discrete Choice
