Augmented Reality (AR) as a Tool for Engaging Museum Experience: A Case Study on Chinese Art Pieces

Abstract

The research explores the efficiency of augmented reality (AR) technology as a tool for the positive triggering museum experience. This article shows the design, development, and evaluation of an AR prototype for information visualization based on a famous Chinese art piece named Along the River During the Qingming Festival. In total, 58 participants were invited to evaluate the prototype. Results suggest that AR technology can trigger users’ engagement, learning, meaningful experience, and emotional connection, and hence arouse their interest and learning process. These findings may interest researchers and designers to develop a broader range of innovative AR applications to prompt a digital learning experience.

Evaluation of an Augmented Reality for Historical Context Experiences of 3D Restored Court Paintings

“…Furthermore, the AR system includes a touch screen with additional explanations of the paintings [8] or provides information such as the appearance of the other side of the image which the visitor cannot usually see [9]. Other researchers [10] have developed a system that implements the environment in a traditional painting with a 360-degree-based 3D animation and shows it as virtual reality. However, in the AR environment created in the initial research described above, the historical space and story expressed in the painting cannot be experienced in detail.…”

The role of digital interactive technology in cultural heritage learning: Evaluating a mid‐air gesture‐based interactive media of Ruihetu

“…10 And the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) technology as an interactive medium for Chinese ancient painting-Along the River During the Qiangming Festival-was investigated. 14 A nineteenth-century Korean manuscript (the 1809 Uigwe) was recently studied as an interactive digital experience employing innovative algorithms and gesture-based technology, and the findings of a survey evaluating users' participation were recently presented. 13 These studies only looked at the installation's role and did not look at the relationship between the interactive installation and the real exhibit in the museum setting.…”

“…Due to the use of advanced 3D technologies, the rich cultural heritage can be preserved and activated 9 . In previous studies, for example, digital interactive technologies such as VR/AR and serious games were used directly in interactive media to present and disseminate cultural heritage content 10–14 . However, the majority of these interactive media primarily focus on providing high‐quality 3D renderings of artifacts or immersive virtual spaces in which users can freely travel or observe.…”

“…In addition, the traditional Chinese paintings were presented using an immersive virtual reality (IVR) environment and a multi‐touch tabletop (MTT), and the user experience was evaluated 10 . And the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) technology as an interactive medium for Chinese ancient painting Along the River During the Qiangming Festival was investigated 14 . A nineteenth‐century Korean manuscript (the 1809 Uigwe) was recently studied as an interactive digital experience employing innovative algorithms and gesture‐based technology, and the findings of a survey evaluating users' participation were recently presented 13 …”

“…9 In previous studies, for example, digital interactive technologies such as VR/AR and serious games were used directly in interactive media to present and disseminate cultural heritage content. [10][11][12][13][14] However, the majority of these interactive media primarily focus on providing high-quality 3D renderings of artifacts or immersive virtual spaces in which users can freely travel or observe. The lack of an authentic and engaging experience in these mediums makes it difficult to stimulate visitors' interest and inspire learning.…”