Exploring the efficiency, usability, and future potential of Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays.
From October 5–9, 2026, our colleague Margaréta Baumgärtner attended the 25th IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR 2026) in Bari, Italy, one of the world’s leading international conferences dedicated to augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR).
The event brought together researchers, technology experts, and industry professionals to share the latest scientific findings, explore emerging technologies, and discuss the future of immersive experiences.
Presenting Research on AR Head-Up Displays
As part of the conference’s scientific poster program, Margaréta presented the research poster titled “Efficiency and Usability of Static and Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays.”
The research, authored by Margaréta Baumgärtner, Boglárka Sándor, Ábel Sulyok, and Pál Maák, investigated how conventional static Head-Up Displays (HUDs) compare with eye-tracked Augmented Reality HUDs in terms of driving performance, navigation efficiency, cognitive workload, and user experience.
The study involved 56 participants in a driving simulator, examining how different HUD technologies support drivers in situations involving unexpected road hazards.
The findings revealed promising trends for AR HUD technology, particularly in navigation efficiency and user experience. While reaction times and cognitive workload remained largely unchanged, the results highlighted the importance of balancing advanced AR functionality with intuitive, easy-to-understand interface design.
The poster was presented on Friday, October 9, during the Interaction & XR Interfaces (Posters 3B) session, under Poster ID 9914.
Connecting Research with Real-World Innovation
Participation in ISMAR 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge with the international research community and explore new perspectives on human-centered AR technology.
At aHead Photonics, we believe that the future of automotive displays lies not only in technological advancement but also in understanding how drivers perceive, interpret, and interact with information.
Research like this contributes to the development of AR HUD solutions that make driving information more intuitive, relevant, and seamlessly integrated into the real-world environment.
We are proud of Margaréta and the research team’s contribution to this important international scientific event!
Learn more about the conference: https://www.ieeeismar.net/
