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

Investigation training at 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 provides unlimited possibilities for practical activities in the education sector. This article aims to propose and evaluate a novel design of an MR system using Microsoft HoloLens 2.0 that is tailored to work in a spatial 3-D-scanned and reconstructed crime scene. The system was designed to be a cost-effective experience that helps young Kuwaiti police officers 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 commercialization stage in the future. Despite the high cost of the MR device, experts stated that the system is needed as an essential tool for crime scene education and investigation practices.