Digital Natives in Cultural Heritage Sites: The Impact of Augmented Reality
Durmaz, Melin (2025)
2025
Yhteiskuntatutkimuksen maisteriohjelma - Master's Programme in Social Sciences
Informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekunta - Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2025-06-02
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202506026509
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202506026509
Tiivistelmä
Immersive technologies are increasingly used in various aspects of life to create memorable experiences and attract visitors to cultural heritage sites, making them a promising tool for engaging new generations. This thesis explores the impact of immersive technologies on heritage sites, with a particular focus on augmented reality (AR) tools. Previous studies examined immersive tools in heritage sites, yet a gap exists in understanding generational perspectives on different settings. This study aims to address that gap by considering commonly accepted user experience (UX) criteria and behavioral implications.
This research was conducted in collaboration with Tampere Cathedral and involved eight high school students aged 16 and 18. The findings indicate that digital natives are noticeably motivated by external factors such as peer impact. Additionally, the type of heritage site plays a crucial role in engagement, alongside UX factors like ease of use and perceived value. Lastly, previous experience had a limited impact, concluding that digital natives are generally open to new experiences.
This research contributes to the field of engaging experiences with immersive technology by highlighting the interconnected nature of user experience and motivational factors. It encompasses shaping technological advancements according to generational needs and expectations. Cultural heritage sites, among others, can benefit from these findings by providing an engaging and entertaining environment for their visitors.
This research was conducted in collaboration with Tampere Cathedral and involved eight high school students aged 16 and 18. The findings indicate that digital natives are noticeably motivated by external factors such as peer impact. Additionally, the type of heritage site plays a crucial role in engagement, alongside UX factors like ease of use and perceived value. Lastly, previous experience had a limited impact, concluding that digital natives are generally open to new experiences.
This research contributes to the field of engaging experiences with immersive technology by highlighting the interconnected nature of user experience and motivational factors. It encompasses shaping technological advancements according to generational needs and expectations. Cultural heritage sites, among others, can benefit from these findings by providing an engaging and entertaining environment for their visitors.