This thesis investigates augmented reality (AR) as a potential support for DIY furniture assembly. Traditional paper manuals use static 2D diagrams to explain 3D processes, which can lead to confusion, mistakes, and frustration. The research proposes ARchitect, a mobile AR application that offers interactive, spatially guided assembly assistance. The study follows a practice-based and user-centered design methodology, combining 3D modeling, animation, and AR development to create a functional prototype. Built with Unity, AR Foundation, and ARCore, ARchitect overlays step-by-step instructions onto physical components. Its main features include barcode-based product recognition, animated assembly sequences, real-time interaction, and a mobile interface designed to be accessible without specialized hardware. A comparative pilot study was conducted with ten participants assembling a single furniture product. Participants were divided into a Paper Manual Group, using printed instructions, and an ARchitect Group, using the AR application. Both groups completed the same task under comparable conditions, allowing an exploratory comparison between conventional and AR-based guidance. The results suggest modest differences between the two approaches. Participants using ARchitect reported greater clarity, confidence, and satisfaction, while also showing slightly better assembly performance. However, the differences were limited, and both methods enabled successful task completion with acceptable user experience outcomes. These findings indicate that mobile AR-assisted assembly may support user understanding and engagement compared with paper instructions. However, the evidence should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample, single-product evaluation, and exploratory nature of the study. The design principles and implementation approach documented in this research contribute to accessible AR-supported instruction systems, while larger-scale studies are needed to assess broader effectiveness and generalizability.
La tesi indaga la realtà aumentata (AR) come supporto per l’assemblaggio fai-da-te di mobili. I manuali cartacei tradizionali usano diagrammi 2D statici per spiegare processi tridimensionali, generando spesso confusione, errori e frustrazione. La ricerca propone ARchitect, un’applicazione mobile in AR che offre assistenza interattiva e spazialmente guidata. Lo studio adotta una metodologia practice-based e user-centered, combinando modellazione 3D, animazione e sviluppo AR per realizzare un prototipo. Sviluppato con Unity, AR Foundation e ARCore, ARchitect sovrappone istruzioni passo dopo passo ai componenti fisici. Le funzioni principali includono riconoscimento tramite codice a barre, sequenze animate, interazione in tempo reale e interfaccia mobile senza hardware specializzato. È stato condotto uno studio pilota comparativo con dieci partecipanti impegnati nell’assemblaggio di un singolo prodotto di arredamento modulare. I partecipanti sono stati divisi in un Gruppo Manuale Cartaceo e un Gruppo ARchitect. Entrambi hanno completato lo stesso compito in condizioni comparabili, consentendo un confronto esplorativo tra guida convenzionale e guida AR. I risultati suggeriscono differenze modeste tra i due approcci. I partecipanti che hanno usato ARchitect hanno riportato maggiore chiarezza, fiducia e soddisfazione, mostrando anche prestazioni leggermente migliori. Tuttavia, le differenze sono risultate limitate, ed entrambi i metodi hanno consentito il completamento del compito con risultati accettabili. Questi risultati indicano che l’assemblaggio assistito da AR può supportare comprensione e coinvolgimento rispetto alle istruzioni cartacee. Tuttavia, le evidenze devono essere interpretate con cautela per il campione ridotto, la valutazione su un solo prodotto e la natura esplorativa dello studio. L’approccio progettuale contribuisce a sistemi di istruzione accessibili supportati da AR, mentre studi più ampi sono necessari per valutarne efficacia e generalizzabilità.
ARchitect: enhancing DIY furniture assembly through interactive augmented reality experiences
REZAEI, GOLNAZ
2025/2026
Abstract
This thesis investigates augmented reality (AR) as a potential support for DIY furniture assembly. Traditional paper manuals use static 2D diagrams to explain 3D processes, which can lead to confusion, mistakes, and frustration. The research proposes ARchitect, a mobile AR application that offers interactive, spatially guided assembly assistance. The study follows a practice-based and user-centered design methodology, combining 3D modeling, animation, and AR development to create a functional prototype. Built with Unity, AR Foundation, and ARCore, ARchitect overlays step-by-step instructions onto physical components. Its main features include barcode-based product recognition, animated assembly sequences, real-time interaction, and a mobile interface designed to be accessible without specialized hardware. A comparative pilot study was conducted with ten participants assembling a single furniture product. Participants were divided into a Paper Manual Group, using printed instructions, and an ARchitect Group, using the AR application. Both groups completed the same task under comparable conditions, allowing an exploratory comparison between conventional and AR-based guidance. The results suggest modest differences between the two approaches. Participants using ARchitect reported greater clarity, confidence, and satisfaction, while also showing slightly better assembly performance. However, the differences were limited, and both methods enabled successful task completion with acceptable user experience outcomes. These findings indicate that mobile AR-assisted assembly may support user understanding and engagement compared with paper instructions. However, the evidence should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample, single-product evaluation, and exploratory nature of the study. The design principles and implementation approach documented in this research contribute to accessible AR-supported instruction systems, while larger-scale studies are needed to assess broader effectiveness and generalizability.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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2026_07_Rezaei.pdf
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https://hdl.handle.net/10589/259641