Designing Immersive Reading: Augmented Reality, Printed Books, and the Future of Natural AR Interfaces

Abstract

This article examines the evolving landscape of augmented reality (AR) applied to printed books, focusing on narrative fiction, technological evolution, human–computer interaction (HCI), and design strategies for immersive reading. It builds on previous work in immersive book design, where AR and dramaturgical techniques extend the sensory and cognitive dimensions of printed novels. While current AR books, typically mediated by smartphones or tablets, can enhance comprehension and engagement, they also impose cognitive and attentional costs by forcing readers to divide focus between page and screen. Studies on AR storybooks show that tightly aligned augmentations improve recall and understanding, yet often fail to support a fluid, embodied reading experience, underscoring the need for more natural, integrated interfaces. A key shift is toward lightweight AR glasses and interfaces based on gaze, gesture, and spatial computing, which reduce cognitive load and enable hands-free, context-aware augmentations within the reader’s perceptual field. In narrative fiction, subtle AR layers—spatial visualizations, ambient soundscapes, dramaturgical annotations—can deepen immersion while preserving the material qualities and cultural significance of printed books. Building on the author’s prior work on “immersive books,” this paper proposes a reader-centered, HCI-informed framework that uses AR glasses to transform printed novels into hybrid experiences, positioning AR as a sustainable, enriching complement rather than a replacement for print.

Keywords: Design, Immersive Books, Augmented Reality, Wearable AR Glasses, Human–computer Interaction

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007666