Augmented Reality-Based Training for Gardening: Enhancing Skills for Individuals with Special Needs at Il Seme Social Cooperative

Teaching gardening skills to individuals with special needs presents distinct challenges, largely due to diverse learning preferences and accessibility limitations. Augmented Reality (AR) offers a compelling solution by delivering interactive, adaptive, and immersive educational experiences. This study introduces the design, development, and evaluation of an AR-based training application, specifically tailored for gardening activities and delivered through the Microsoft HoloLens 2 device. The application provides step-by-step visual and auditory instructions, dynamically adjusts content based on the user’s abilities, and supports skill acquisition through engaging, simulated practice. To assess the usability and effectiveness of the tool, the System Usability Scale (SUS) protocol was administered to participants with varying cognitive and physical needs. The paper details the conceptual framework, technical implementation, and insights gained from a pilot study involving users with diverse disabilities. Findings indicate that the use of AR—particularly via the HoloLens 2—significantly enhances accessibility, learning outcomes, and user engagement. Overall, the system demonstrates strong potential to empower individuals with special needs to build gardening skills and achieve greater independence.