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Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) are increasingly envisioned as the next generation of personal computing platforms, enabling seamless access to digital information in everyday life. However, existing AR interface paradigms often rely on fixed mid-air displays that are poorly suited to dynamic real-world environments. Such designs limit comfort, contextual acceptability, and usability, particularly in mobile and socially diverse situations. This thesis investigates how different parts of the human body – specifically the hand, arm, torso, and head – can serve as the reference frame for anchoring AR interfaces to support contextual and mobility-aware interaction. Through six empirical studies, this dissertation systematically evaluates how body-anchored AR interfaces can support context-appropriate interaction across diverse mobility and social conditions. The first explores user preferences for anchoring AR interfaces across on-body, mid-air, and physical surfaces, while the second study further examines how users transition interfaces between these spaces with varying levels of automation and user control. Findings show that users prefer body-anchored interfaces over mid-air in all usage scenarios, and semi-automatic transitions that balance autonomy and control. The third study investigates different parts of the body (e.g., palm, forearm, lap) for anchoring UI across different mobility conditions (sitting, standing, walking) and social contexts (private, semi-private, public). Results reveal that the outer forearm and palm are the most preferred locations for AR interfaces. The fourth study further shows that vertically oriented enlarged layouts of such UIs improve comfort and performance. The fifth study evaluates six on-hand reference frames while walking, identifying the Pinch Grip With Offset (PGWO) configuration as the most effective and user-preferred. Finally, the sixth study confirms that PGWO outperforms traditional head- and torso-anchored UIs in both target selection and information access tasks. Together, these studies offer empirical insights and a comprehensive guideline for designing body-anchored, context-appropriate AR interfaces. By grounding interface anchoring in mobility, social context, and embodiment, this research advances the development of AR systems that are ergonomically sustainable, cognitively efficient, and socially appropriate for everyday use.