Although Museums, especially Historical sites, provide users with an immersive experience that activates certain senses (sight, hear, the sensation of touch is neglected. As a result, visitors often run into trouble when they unknowingly attempt to satisfy this need.
Museum employees know this “reach” to historical objects is not done with malice in mind, but still, employees must prevent visitors from touching priceless objects to avoid potential damage. Just as children gain a sensory experience using touch to explore a children’s museums, adults are also interested in connecting historical though sensory means. To them, this chance to be fully immersed in their surroundings adds to their visit.
Through this filter application on phones or tablets, users can add more to their experience by utilizing their sense of touch. This not only immerses users into history but also offers a unique experience at a specific museum. Users will be presented with a replica of selected historical objects, scan a code on the object, and be given a 360-color display covering the replica. Users will be able to safely interact without the threat of accidental damage to artifacts or a stern shout from the nearby security guard.
Users who are also interested in the object would be encouraged to read the object description included with the filter.
Note: Since the Zappar application didn’t present a 360 filter option for objects, I focused on creating a design that presented a filter on an image.
Alt Text: Since moving to New York several months ago, Angela has found much fun visiting the many museums every couple of months- usually by herself.
Angela doesnt look for specific exhibits or artists. Usually she prefers to brows the artwork at the site
Early sketch drawings of filter app
When considering ideas for the layout of the object, I focused on simplicity to support individuals in our focused demographic. These would be individuals who are tech savvy but might not be exposed to AR/VR on a daily basis. The other reason for simplicity is to allow an individual to interact with their phone using one hand, while the other interacts with a presented replica. Simple shapes would be used for directions and navigation. These shapes would easily recognizable when out of focus as the user examines the replica covered with a filter. Although the freedom of AR/VR programs allows more space to place the navigation, presenting the shapes on the same axis would ensure the user is able to reach the necessary filters they want to access.
Image of Wireframe of Application
As sketched during the brainstorming section, I sought to create wireframe designs with simple navigation. An improvement I made from the sketches was the shape of the navigation buttons. Originally small, I provided a wider range of space for users to press when handling the phone with one hand. This would also aid visually impaired individuals to see the buttons that would otherwise blend into the background.
With the wireframe set, I asked 5 individuals to test and see if the navigation was accessible. Although users accepted the layout, they did request the same colors/shade for the navigation and exit buttons for continuity. Users were also hoping that the art description box would include a darker background color and potentially thicker text for easy reading.
Instructions: Scan the QR code, then grant access and permissions asked by Zappar App. Once done, overlay pottery image on phone over the pottery image next to the QR code.
For the prototype the main additions I made in the layout mainly focused on the colors and the positioning of the navigation buttons.Additions would include: green buttons to indicate direction and/or the choice of direction, and a darker background text to highlight white text descriptions. These additions would allow for easy reading and easier multitasking while users interacted with the filters.
When tested through in-person interviews, users appeared to enjoy the simplicity of the filters. However, in regards to the navigation buttons, users felt the previous positions of the buttons were favorable. But for now, they did agree that the buttons were easier to press with one hand. Other users addressed their issues focused away from the screens. Many users felt that proper instructions on how to use the app would've led them to rate this prototype on a higher level.
Preview image of the project presented on a phone screen
Although users did find the main part of the app to be enjoyable, users unfamiliar with AR/VR technology found the process to reach the main section difficult. This was due to the limited explanation provide by both me and the Zappar app. For this I realized that it may be necessary to include a tutorial/explanation outside the phone. This can be done by providing a written or picture tutorial at the start of the exhibit or aside each of the replica objects. From this outside assistance I believe users will gain more confidence following the provided prompts instead of feeling overwhelmed with a new technology.
