Characterizing the Cognitive Impact of Tangible Augmented Reality

This study examines how cognitive processes that support mission planning are influenced by the physical ability to touch and manipulate sand, compared to passively observing the same action. It employs a systematic investigation on terrain conceptual knowledge, terrain recognition and, landmark memory using the ARES sand table. Sand tables are topographic models that support learning through the physical creation of scenarios. In the military, sand tables support strategic exercises for soldiers to practice the process of collective decision making and communication. Operational mission planning typically occurs with one person shaping the sand, followed by a larger group of individuals observing. It is the relationship between the person shaping terrain and those observing that is of specific interest. A total of 96 participants were recruited, from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences (CABCS). Results indicate that physically shaping the terrain improved recognition but did not have an effect on conceptual knowledge or recollection of landmarks compared to observers. This experiment supports the need for further investigation to determine how tangible interaction can contribute to cognitive understanding.