Enhancing XR Interface Design through Immersive AR Co-Design and 360-Degree Photospheres

Abstract

This paper presents a co-design methodology applied to the development of Mixed Reality (MR) interfaces within the Motivate XR project, targeting industrial training and operational support scenarios. The proposed approach emphasizes a user-centered design process, achieved through the continuous involvement of end users alongside developers, with the objective of improving usability while addressing ergonomic and operational constraints. The design process was structured around a systematic, ergonomics-driven methodology, tailored to the specific use cases of multiple industrial pilots. Insights derived from individual case studies were combined to define a design solution adaptable across heterogeneous real-world environments. A series of co-design workshops were coordinated to iteratively present, evaluate, and refine interface concepts based on direct user feedback, ensuring alignment with operational goals. To validate the proposed designs, 360-degree photos and videos of real industrial environments were used to simulate MR interactions within the actual pilot contexts. Interface layouts and visual elements, such as contrast, spatial arrangement, and content readability, were optimized through the creation of MR mockups, supporting both functional effectiveness and perceptual clarity. The methodology placed strong emphasis on real-time user feedback, enabling rapid iteration and continuous refinement of design decisions. The co-design activities were supported by a combination of UX tools and MR technologies, including 2D prototyping platforms and immersive VR environments, facilitating collaborative evaluation and validation. Results demonstrate that co-design represents an effective strategy for the development of scalable, user-centered XR interfaces in industrial contexts, contributing to improved usability and stronger alignment between technical solutions and end-user needs.

Keywords: Mixed Reality, Co-design Methodology, Industrial XR, Usability Engineering

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008030