Development of a Marker-Based Augmented Reality Application for Interactive Tourism at the Ratu Boko Heritage Site

Abstract

The Ratu Boko Heritage Site possesses significant historical and cultural value. However, many of its remaining structures exist only as fragmented architectural elements, making them difficult for visitors to interpret using conventional informational media such as signage and brochures. This research aims to develop a marker-based Augmented Reality (AR) application as an interactive tourism medium to support visitor understanding of selected architectural elements within the Pendapa area of Ratu Boko. The research adopts the ADDIE development model consisting of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation phases. Data collection was conducted through field observation, literature review, analysis of existing informational media, and discussions with an archaeological and a professional tour guide. The application was developed using Unity, Vuforia SDK, and Android Studio. The system integrates marker-based AR features, audio narration, textual explanations, and point-of-interest information. System evaluation consisted of black-box testing, compatibility testing, content validation by experts, and usability evaluation using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The results indicate that the application functions according to its intended design and operates across multiple Android devices with acceptable performance. Expert validation confirmed that the presented content is accurate, relevant, and suitable for visitors, while usability evaluation produced a SUS score of 82.916, which falls within the “Excellent” category. These findings demonstrate that marker-based AR can effectively support the interpretation of fragmented heritage structures and enhance visitor engagement within cultural heritage tourism environments. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential contribution of AR technology as a tool for cultural heritage interpretation and education tourism at the Ratu Boko Heritage Site.