Augmented Reality (AR) is an odd subject altogether, particularly in relation to its use on the mobile phone. If you look-up Augmented Reality on Wikipedia, it can get a bit confusing to say the least! Basically, it’s the placement and manipulation of 2D and 3D digital objects within a virtual 3D mobile phone screen environment. This is superimposed into a ‘real’ environmental setting. Certainly sounds like gobbledygook, but the benefits when you use augmented reality for heritage are clear. It’s undoubtedly an area open for further investigation, particularly if you manage a heritage attraction or centre.
Here are 6 practical examples of how augmented reality could help solve problems or improve visitor experience:
An artefact that’s important to your attraction’s story, is not available
For whatever reason, you’re missing an artefact that has exceptional history attached, which you’d like to show to visitors, but obviously cannot. Consider recreating the artefact by modelling in 3D, or perform a 3D scan of the object (that may be situated at another location). Then incorporate into an augmented reality experience, adding interactive digital labelling and animations also.
There’s more information we’d like to deliver, but the setting is sensitive
You have more fascinating information to show visitors, but the site is sensitive to ugly signage which would badly impact on the setting. Augmented reality information would solve this problem. A simple QR code would enable visitors to access this information at the appropriate location. This information is overlaid onto the exhibit in virtual 3D.
You would like visitors to see all the way around an important exhibit, but there isn’t the space available
The artefact could be scanned in 3D and then made interactive. Visitors would then be able to rotate this in AR with contextual labels popping out at relevant timings.
There’s an empty area that would benefit from something striking
There’s a great opportunity to show visitors something interesting and you have an area of your site that would benefit from an augmented reality storytelling experience.
You want visitors to view a timeline, but signage would dominate and could be one dimensional
Having an augmented reality timeline could totally change the experience, making it interactive and visually rich.
Your marketing team want something to entice visitors to visit the attraction in the flesh
Create an augmented reality experience for one of your star highlights. Use this in marketing channels with a simple url link for people to enjoy the experience remotely. This would provoke interest leading to a visit.
Need ideas on using augmented reality?
Granted, it can be a confusing area to get a grip on and understand for sure. In reality there are many practical factors than need analysing before implementation. And there certainly is one issue that you should be wary of in terms of augmented reality, which is wayfinding – read more.
Clear benefits when you use augmented reality for heritage and culture
There are undeniable benefits when you use augmented reality for heritage. If you have an idea for an installation, but aren’t sure of the possibilities, then call us for a no obligation chat. Find out more about us…