Seamless Crime Scene Reconstruction in Mixed Reality for Investigation Training: A Design and Evaluation Study

Abstract

Investigation training in the real crime scene is a critical component of forensic science education. However, bringing young investigators to real crime scenes is costly and faces significant challenges. Mixed Reality (MR) is one of the most evolving technologies that provide unlimited possibilities for practical activities in the education sector. This paper aims to propose and evaluate a novel design of an MR system using Microsoft HoloLens 2.0 and it is tailored to work in a spatial 3D scanned and reconstructed crime scene. The system was designed to be a costly-effective experience that helps young Kuwait police officers to enhance their investigation skills. The proposed system has been evaluated through system usability, user interaction and performance metrics quantitatively via 44 young police officers, and qualitatively using the Think-aloud protocols via a group of experts. Both groups showed positive levels of usability, user interaction and overall satisfaction with minimal negative feedback. Based on the positive feedback, the system will be taken into the commercialisation stage in the future. Despite the high cost of the MR device, it was stated by experts that the system is needed to be provided as an essential tool for crime scene education and investigation practices.