Contributions of mixed reality in a calligraphy learning task: Effects of supplementary visual feedback and expertise on cognitive load, user experience and gestural performance

The learning of handwriting and calligraphy can be improved by supplementary sensory feedback. Emerging technologies such as mixed reality devices can implement appropriate visual, auditory, or proprioceptive feedback. Yet there have been few studies on supplementary visual feedback. Our study was designed to fill this gap, by comparing the effects of two visual feedback types implemented on a graphic tablet with touchscreen (PenWidthFB versus ColoredVelocityFB feedback), in two groups with different levels of expertise in calligraphy (novice versus expert). We collected measures of cognitive load, user experience and gestural performance. Results showed that 1) there was no significant difference in cognitive load between experts and novices, but PenWidthFB feedback created a higher cognitive load than ColoredVelocityFB feedback, 2) for the user experience, there were no obvious differences between experts and novices, and between the two feedback types, 3) concerning the gestural performance, the experts were faster than the novices, and the applied pressure with ColoredVelocityFB feedback was higher than with PenWidthFB feedback.