August 30, 2024
L'Art de Mirar per la Finestra" (The Art of Looking Through the Window) - Mixed Reality Installation
L'Art de Mirar per la Finestra" (The Art of Looking Through the Window), is an art experience that combines traditional aesthetics with Web AR to transform how user enhance their cognitive perception.
This installation is designed around handcrafted cubes that, when viewed through Augmented Reality (AR), open up a tiny world of visual and cognitive exploration. As user gaze through these virtual windows, the world outside is not just seen , but reimagined.
Much like staring out of an actual window, the mixed reality experience is an invitation to pause, observe, and reflect. There is a swaying trees, the flight of birds .. You can look at the same windows again and again , but you will be see the exact same things, neither think the same thing!
Design Process
1. Conceptualization and Ideation
The foundation of this project began with the concept of reimagining how we view our surroundings, using the metaphor of looking through a window. I wanted to create an experience that encourages mindfulness and reflection through the use of Augmented Reality (AR). The idea was to use simple, everyday objects—cubes—that could be an interactive portals with AR.
2. Prototype Development
The physical components of the project—the cubes—are designed as templates that visitors can easily recreate at home. I chose to use carton material for the prototypes because it is lightweight, easy to manipulate, and accessible. I designed templates featuring various window illustrations and integrated QR codes that trigger AR content when scanned. These templates were printed, cut out, and folded into cubes, making the assembly process simple and accessible for anyone. The inclusion of QR codes enables a mix of physical object and mixed reality interaction, to capture the essence of looking through a window into another world.
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3. AR Content Creation
To build the virtual content, i used Onirix for the WebAR capabilities.
Content Design: I created different scenes paired with different auditory and animated components to tell a story . Each visual is designed to be triggered by the physical cubes, revealing different scenes or interactive elements when viewed through the AR app inside the window.
User Interaction: The AR experience is designed to be intuitive. Users can move around the cubes, change their perspective, and interact with the digital overlays by moving their physical object just like their natural hand movement.
Some of the content 3Ds are made in Blender , some from a local artist and some details component are from sketchfab being refined.
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4. Physical UX and Simulation
To ensure the installation would work well in a physical space, I used Bezi, to create a digital mock-up of the gallery setup. By simulating the gallery space, I experimented with different cube placements to ensure visual appeal and accessibility from various angles. This simulation allowed me to optimize the layout by mapping visitor movement and interactions. It helped me to identify potential issues with UXbefore installation.
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5. Installation
With both the physical and digital elements ready, I proceeded with the final setup in the gallery, i carefully placed the carton cubes in their designated spots, ensuring they were stable and easy for visitors to interact with.
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6. Exhibition
By combining physical craftsmanship with AR , "L'Art de Mirar per la Finestra" invites users to explore new perspectives and engage with the world around them in a deeper, more mindful way. The feedback from visitors are very heartwarming , many had told me that this is a great idea for merchandising which is great feedback :)
