A Design Framework for Contextual and Embedded Information Visualizations in Spatial Augmented Reality

Spatial augmented reality (SAR) displays digital content in a real environment in ways that are situated, peripheral, and viewable by multiple people. These capabilities change how embedded information visualizations are used, designed, and experienced. But a comprehensive design framework that captures the specific characteristics and parameters relevant to SAR is missing. We contribute a new design framework for leveraging context and surfaces in the environment for SAR visualizations. An accompanying design process shows how designers can apply the framework to generate and describe SAR visualizations. The framework captures how the user’s intent, interaction, and six environmental and visualization factors can influence SAR visualizations. The potential of this design framework is illustrated through eighteen exemplar application scenarios and accompanying envisionment videos.