Designing Augmented Reality for Preschoolers on the Move

Abstract

Advancements in augmented reality (AR) technologies offer immense potential for mobile experiences. However, most commercial and educational AR systems assume a baseline of predictable user behavior and stationary interaction. Preschoolers and children in early childhood education, specifically ages 3 to 8, are naturally erratic, physically dynamic, and prone to rapid locomotion, making them the ultimate stress test for mobile spatial computing. Through a focused analysis of recent literature on physical activity and spatial learning in AR for preschoolers, this paper identifies points of friction in current mobile deployments. We highlight recurring failures in camera tracking during dynamic movement, physical safety hazards caused by screen-induced distraction, spatial crowding around physical markers, and the privacy risks of continuous environmental surveillance. To address these challenges, we propose AnchorPlay AR, a conceptual prototype for a privacy-preserving, audio-first spatial application. By explicitly separating locomotion from visual tracking, AnchorPlay AR uses audio cues to safely guide movement and reserves visual augmentation for stationary moments, offering a safer framework for preschoolers in constant motion.