Design Strategies For Using Virtual Objects In Extended Reality As Narrative Affordances For Heritage Education In Urban Spaces

The latest ongoing technological advances allow virtual elements to be integrated into the physical world in a more accessible way. Extended reality (XR) and spatial computing technologies have the potential to improve communication modalities, particularly in heritage education. In recent years, XR techniques have been increasingly adopted for cultural heritage education and preservation, making it easier to visualize and interact with digital twins of existing, damaged or lost heritage sites. However, technology by itself is not enough to provide an effective learning experience; narrative contextualization and intrinsic motivation are as essential, especially in informal learning contexts. This article explores how visual aids and symbolic objects in XR experiences can enhance on-site heritage education. Through usability testing, we investigated user interaction with signage objects in a visualization experience of lost historical heritage, highlighting the importance of a design that facilitates communication and the transformation of information into knowledge.