Markerless versus marker-based augmented reality: comparative usability insights from a museum context

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) has become a pivotal tool for enhancing museum engagement through interactive experiences. This study developed and evaluated an Android-based AR application for the Popa Eyato Archaeological Museum, comparing marker-based (Vuforia), and markerless (EasyAR) tracking methods. While previous studies often focus on technical development, this research provides empirical insights into usability within the Southeast Asian Museum context. Using a mixed-methods approach with 35 participants, the application was evaluated using the system usability scale (SUS) and handheld augmented reality usability scale (HARUS). Results show that the application achieved an average SUS score of 78, classified as “Good” and “Acceptable”. The comparative analysis reveals that while marker-based AR offers higher stability, markerless AR provides greater flexibility for spatial exploration. However, environmental factors like museum lighting significantly impact markerless tracking performance. These findings offer practical recommendations for museum curators and AR designers in selecting appropriate tracking technologies based on infrastructural constraints and visitor demographics. The study concludes that balancing technical stability with user mobility is essential for optimizing digital heritage preservation and educational engagement in regional museums.