Augmented QArt:
Interactive Art Recreation
Overview
Problem: In a traditional museum, visitors may face limitations such as time, distance, and cost, and art installations may encounter challenges related to space availability and attracting more visitors
Solution: With the use of aesthetically detectable codes, known as QArt codes, I enhanced accessibility and visual appeal and enriched traditional art experiences in settings where space is limited.
My role: Digital Media Designer
Organization: UofC
Team: Me and my interviewees
Tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, Vuforia, Unity, 3D print
Timeline: Jan 2021 - Aug 2023
Responsibility
I created a detectable art piece to connect physical and virtual worlds. I started by designing the digital code and connecting that to Unity (Augmented Reality feature), continued by generating the 3D version of the code and used both versions in my showcase for user study.
Design: 2D digital in Adobe Suite, 3D design in Unity
Fabrication: 3D print
User experience test: Observation, Interviews
Analysis and data visualization
Design & Fabrication
Using a part of the Harlequin painting from Picasso, I generated a scannable design - QArt - in Illustrator and the Vuforia platform to visualize the 3D animated form of the painting and its information panel on the mobile screen.
QArt enhanced user access and engagement with artworks by implementing an interactive exhibition utilizing HCI and Mobile AR, resulting in an immersive art experience.
User experience test
Qualitative user research through interviews and observation including individuals with art backgrounds in my showcase to assess the QArt project's effectiveness, and gather valuable feedback and insights.
By data visualization and analysis, I refined the exhibition's user experience.
Users’ Quotes in Interview
Someone like me who struggles with abstract art likes to have a tool like this to have a deeper understanding of such an art.
I can think of situations that there is a limited space. This could help the presenter to show the most out of his or her work in a very little space.
Galleries are becoming more interactive, and some people complain about that. But I think that making art more accessible and more interesting by using these tools is a good thing. I think there is a place for digital art to make it more challenging. If it is done well, there is a huge opportunity for different kinds of views
Analysis
QArt codes open new possibilities for artists, curators, and designers to explore the convergence of physical and digital art experiences, ultimately enriching the way we perceive and interact with art in the modern age. The interaction with the QArt codes has left a lasting impression on all users, providing them with a unique and engaging experience of Picasso's Harlequin paintings.
With Python programming and visualization skills, I displayed the user research data to analyze the project.