This week, we submitted the evaluative report and learning log updated by 27 Nov, finally!!
Blew updated research and progress about AR did not mention in the evaluative report because I just had an idea at that stage, but now I can focus on consolidating and explaining the details on why applying AR and 3D could be beneficial to my project , some good examples applied in the museums and experts’ views collected from the Internet, as well as learning how to make the cultural maps generated by AI integrated in the reality world by AR, which could also be considered to showcase in the Festival. And let my project be more attractive, funny and interactive.
WHY AR (Augmented Reality) and 3D effect?
In my project, I’m using Augmented Reality (AR) and 3D effects because they make experiencing and understanding complex cultural identities more vivid. As Chris Kluwe mentioned in his TED Talk, AR lets us experience new perspectives by ‘walking in someone else’s shoes,’ enhancing our ability to empathize. It’s not just a visual enhancement; it helps us deeply understand and feel different cultural backgrounds and experiences. Like museums using AR to make exhibitions more interactive and explanatory, I aim to transform flat personal cultural maps into 3D, offering a more immersive and interactive experience. This not only adds dimensions to the display but also deepens participants’ understanding of their cultural identities.
Reference:
The Progress
During my project, I learned to turn flat maps into 3D forms using Playground, and separately, to present flat maps in AR using Reality Composer. This progress felt like a victory, but it also led me to think deeper about creating a unique portal. The abundance of similar platforms on the market made it challenging to stand out and engage participants with my project’s concept.
And then, I got inspiration by an app named Artificial initiated by the student of MA Visual Communication, RCA. I explored how AR can visually bring to life what we wish to see in real-world scenarios through AI-generated images. Testing the app showed me the power of visually representing things we want to see, like imaging a Chinese beef noodle showing in the French style restaurant, or snow man showing in the summer days, even AI can’t always meet our exact expectations.
https://2023.rca.ac.uk/students/max-olivazzo/
Reflection
As the evaluative report mentioned, my vision is to create a portal named “Hybrid City Atlas” which is a safe space for helping individuals visualise their complex cultural identity into personal cultural maps using AI and AR technology, while also connecting them with others from different cultural backgrounds in an empathic and non-judgmental atmosphere. This approach aims to facilitate easy understanding and self-reflection among diverse participants living in the “hybrid City”. And based on the development of the knowledge of AI and AR technology, I started to think about adding a feature to my portal that allows participants to truly see and hear the complexity and diversity of cultural identities, aligning with my project’s goal of ‘understand yourself, connect with others.’To make this vision a reality, I need to find a technology expert for support, ideally forming a team to get this project truly off the ground.