Using Augmented Reality to Reflect on National History
The May 4th Augmented Reality Experience is designed to engage and immerse users as they journey through the events of May 4th, 1970 and reflect on its meaning for today. The experience invites users to view multiple perspectives of the Kent State shootings through the lens of augmented reality using historical imagery, audio, and related experiences that highlight past and current humanitarian struggles.
At the heart of the experience is the ability to physically retrace and digitally experience the events across a region of Kent’s campus by visiting historically relevant stops to support the underlying narrative. At each stop along the tour users are immersed in media content depicting the events via cellular phone interaction with the AR website accessible by clicking the blue Start the Tour button.
Using Augmented Reality to Reflect on National History
The May 4th Augmented Reality Experience is designed to engage and immerse users as they journey through the events of May 4th, 1970 and reflect on its meaning for today. The experience invites users to view multiple perspectives of the Kent State shootings through the lens of augmented reality using historical imagery, audio, and related experiences that highlight past and current humanitarian struggles.
At the heart of the experience is the ability to physically retrace and digitally experience the events across a region of Kent’s campus by visiting historically relevant stops to support the underlying narrative. At each stop along the tour users are immersed in media content depicting the events via cellular phone interaction with the AR website accessible by clicking the blue Start the Tour button.
Using Augmented Reality to Reflect on National History
The May 4th Augmented Reality Experience is designed to engage and immerse users as they journey through the events of May 4th, 1970 and reflect on its meaning for today. The experience invites users to view multiple perspectives of the Kent State shootings through the lens of augmented reality using historical imagery, audio, and related experiences that highlight past and current humanitarian struggles.
At the heart of the experience is the ability to physically retrace and digitally experience the events across a region of Kent’s campus by visiting historically relevant stops to support the underlying narrative. At each stop along the tour users are immersed in media content depicting the events via cellular phone interaction with the AR website accessible by clicking the blue Start the Tour button.
Using Augmented Reality to Reflect on National History
The May 4th Augmented Reality Experience is designed to engage and immerse users as they journey through the events of May 4th, 1970 and reflect on its meaning for today. The experience invites users to view multiple perspectives of the Kent State shootings through the lens of augmented reality using historical imagery, audio, and related experiences that highlight past and current humanitarian struggles.
At the heart of the experience is the ability to physically retrace and digitally experience the events across a region of Kent’s campus by visiting historically relevant stops to support the underlying narrative. At each stop along the tour users are immersed in media content depicting the events via cellular phone interaction with the AR website accessible by clicking the blue Start the Tour button.
Using Augmented Reality to Reflect on National History
The May 4th Augmented Reality Experience is designed to engage and immerse users as they journey through the events of May 4th, 1970 and reflect on its meaning for today. The experience invites users to view multiple perspectives of the Kent State shootings through the lens of augmented reality using historical imagery, audio, and related experiences that highlight past and current humanitarian struggles.
At the heart of the experience is the ability to physically retrace and digitally experience the events across a region of Kent’s campus by visiting historically relevant stops to support the underlying narrative. At each stop along the tour users are immersed in media content depicting the events via cellular phone interaction with the AR website accessible by clicking the blue Start the Tour button.
Timeline 3 months
Team
Erin Thames (UX Design) and Hannah Bragg (Graphic Design)
My Role
Creative Direction, Deliberation, Information Architecture, Visual Design
Tools Used
Google Slides, Adobe XD, Indesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
THE CHALLENGE
The IdeaBase team was called in by the university to perform some user tests and propose actionable strategies to streamline the onboarding experience and overall usability.
Field Testing
IdeaBase tested a low-fidelity prototype of the mobile app by simply walking through the experience in the intended space of use. By using GPS, the mobile application activated access of imagery, audio, and other archival data to the user.
After a detailed walkthrough, the team discussed issues in usability and possible solutions. Our Lead UX Designer consolidated the research and created a presentation for our clients.
Key Findings
DEFAULT SATELLITE VIEW
The satellite view of the map provides a more in-depth overview of the geolocations the user should navigate to, especially if they are unfamiliar with the area. It should be the default option for viewing the map.
LEGIBILITY CONCERNS
Overlays and outlines used in the buttons mitigate important text, making the interface harder to read and navigate.
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
A "help" button should remain accessible throughout the experience. The “Help” section can be a simple bulleted list with step-by-step directions.
ONBOARDING EXPERIENCE
It must be taken into account that many people from different backgrounds in technology will be using this application, and they should be offered guidance on how to operate it from the start.
PHONE ORIENTATION
The default vertical orientation does not correspond well with the UI. It was not clear that the phone is meant to be held horizontally in order for an optimal experience within the app.
IDENTIFYING HOTSPOTS
There were no clear markers to distinguish the hotspots the users should stand in. These same markers should also indicate what direction to point their phones in.
OUR APPROACH & OUTCOME
Custom UI & Wayfinding Design
The IdeaBase team successfully delivered both digital and physical design solutions for the experience through a mobile UI and print design. These solutions were based on the key findings from our field testing.
We implemented our changes to the onboarding process through a lo-fi prototype in Adobe XD and hi-fi wireframes seen below. The print design included hotcards and floor decals to inform the wayfinding experience in physical space.
Each hotspot has a library of links, audio and/or imagery associated with the event shown in the AR experience. The UI compensated by incorporating an accordian menu for each topic.
Hotcards and business cards were placed in offices around campus to promote the experience. QR Codes were printed on them as a means to access the website.
Floor Decals
Seven floor decals (26.7x30 in) were created to indicate a specific hotspot and what occurred there. A QR code was also included as another point of access. The arrow on the floor decal shows the user what direction to stand in for the most optimal AR experience through the mobile app.
The visual language our team came up with was slightly altered in the final outcome of the experience. However, you can still see many elements of the architecture we provided by following the link below.
Contact me.
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