Advancing Anatomy Outreach: A Systematic Comparative Study of Mixed Reality, Computer-assisted, and Conventional Methods

Anatomy outreach is vital for improving public knowledge of human biology and health, helping individuals understand anatomical structures and their significance in daily life. As advanced technologies continue to reshape the education landscape, immersive technologies, particularly Mixed Reality (MR) have demonstrated significant potential in science outreach. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive research examining the specific effectiveness of these technologies in the context of anatomical education for the public. In this study, we deliberately selected three representative outreach approaches - traditional brochures, computer-assisted methods, and MR, and designed and developed corresponding systems and experimental setups, designing comprehensive experiments for a thorough analysis and evaluation. The evaluation focuses on four key areas: Learning Outcomes, User Experience, System Usability, and Task Load. Results indicate that MR-assisted method stands out as the most effective, delivering superior user experiences and significantly higher learning outcomes. This not only provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of MR in anatomy outreach but also highlights the key interactive features that contribute to its impact, underscoring its potential in reshaping public science communication.