Toward Site-Aware MR Art Exhibitions: A SLAM-Based Deployment Pipeline for Spatial Coherence and Exhibition Experience

Research Context and Approach

Mixed Reality (MR) is increasingly used to integrate digital artworks into physical exhibition spaces. However, most existing applications are limited to small-scale prototypes or case-specific deployments. A critical technical challenge is spatial alignment—ensuring virtual objects remain correctly positioned relative to the physical environment. This paper investigates how different alignment methods—marker-based versus SLAM-based (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)—impact the quality of the exhibition experience. The authors conducted a pilot study with 13 participants to compare these methods, followed by the development and evaluation of a comprehensive, site-aware deployment pipeline for large-scale MR exhibitions.

The pilot study revealed that marker-based systems often suffer from spatial disconnects, such as artwork drifting or failing to align with physical surfaces, and require visitors to actively scan markers, which interrupts immersion. In contrast, the SLAM-based approach was found to be significantly more effective at fostering presence, immersion, and a natural, continuous exploration of the space. Participants reported that the SLAM-based method felt more innovative and less distracting, allowing them to focus on the artwork rather than the technology. The proposed pipeline integrates these technical insights with exhibition curation, providing a repeatable framework for deploying large-scale, coherent MR art experiences.

This research bridges the gap between technical MR development and practical exhibition design. By demonstrating that spatial alignment is not merely a technical requirement but a fundamental design decision that shapes how visitors interpret and engage with art, the authors provide a grounded reference for curators and developers. The proposed pipeline offers a scalable, user-centered approach that moves beyond one-off prototypes, facilitating the creation of more immersive and professionally viable MR art exhibitions.