Samenvatting

This research investigates the integration of Mixed Reality (MR) and local multiplayer
functionalities in training simulations to enhance realism and immersion, thereby improving
learning outcomes for students. The study addresses three primary sub-questions: examining the
effects of local multiplayer on user engagement, identifying the challenges and benefits of
implementing hand tracking, and understanding how the ability to see real-life surroundings
affects user engagement.

An MR training application was developed incorporating these features, and approximately five
different iterations were created and tested. The final version was tested with 23 participants from
various organisations, including ten from the primary target audience; Landstede.

The findings reveal that users prefer using the multiplayer functionality, which enhances
collaboration and engagement. Hand tracking was found to provide a more natural and intuitive
interaction method compared to controllers, significantly enhancing user immersion. The ability
to see real-life surroundings facilitated social interaction and communication among users, further
increasing engagement and the effectiveness of the training simulation.

Overall, the study demonstrates that MR, combined with local multiplayer and hand tracking, can
create highly immersive and realistic training environments. These findings suggest that MR has
the potential to significantly enhance educational training simulations, making them more
engaging and effective for learners. Future work should address the identified technical challenges
and explore additional features to further improve the training experience.