Augmented reality views: Discussing the utility of visual elements by mediation means in industrial AR from a design perspective

In this paper we present and discuss common visual elements in Augmented Reality which create a distinct information context while presenting them in either video- or optical-see-though setups, and which align with the promise of AR being able to bridge the gap between real world objects and the digital information space about them. Reflecting on nowadays common elements with these premises in mind, we collected and categorized a variety of visual elements, e.g. annotation & labels, visual highlights, assisting visual aids and trans-media elements. Focusing on industrial AR applications, we discuss their suitability in terms of mediation and communication goals, instead of technological and implementation considerations. In doing so, we seek to identify the currently most relevant visual elements and discuss the deployed meaning that can be created in utilizing these elements for a informed and successful communication. From there we introduce a first framing meta-model that on the one hand helps clarifying the mediation strength of these elements and on the other enables to reflect their suitability on a more strategic level.