Immersive Education with Mixed Reality: A Case Study at a Zoological Museum

Technological advancements in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) have enabled innovative applications in education and cultural heritage. This study presents the development and implementation of a MR experience at the Zoological Museum 'Francesco Cambria' of the University of Messina, aimed at enhancing visitor engagement and learning. The MR system integrates 3D models, interactive assets, and gesture-based controls through Microsoft HoloLens 2, providing users with an immersive, multisensory experience. The system offers two visit modes: an Autonomous Mode, where visitors interact with 3D reconstructions and contextual information, and a Guided Mode, which delivers audio-narrated content based on spatial triggers. Usability and user experience were evaluated based on the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ).