Comparing Virtual and Augmented Reality: In Which One Would You Like to Live in?

Today there are two competing, but similar technologies that exist for improved user experience: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). They are on the cutting edge of several research fields including computer vision, sensor fusion and human-computer interaction. In this paper two technologies are compared through ODG R7 AR glasses and HTC VIVE VR glasses in practical application scenario(s). The comparison is made on several levels: ease of installation and usage, technical characteristics, price and most importantly user experience. With that goal in mind a within-user study on 40 test subjects was performed. The age of test subjects ranged from 19 to 55. Each test subject performed predefined tasks with AR and VR systems after which she or he completed a short survey. Obtained results were statistically analysed, and based on them and other comparison criteria, conclusions about user experience and preferences were drawn.