Augmented Reality - seeing things that aren't there

Here I go, talking about other realities again. It's partly down to all of the awesome and amazing things that museums are currently attempting with digital technologies. Although, the fact that I've started watching the X-Files (from season 1) probably has a lot to do with it as well. 

At the moment, museums are focusing on two kinds of digital realities - your virtual and your augmented. Virtual Reality (VR) is basically a crafted digital space, which you would usually experience through some sort of headset (think Oculus Rift, Samsung VR or HTC Vive). Augmented Reality (AR), however, is slightly different. With AR, it basically does what it says on the tin - it augments your reality. It adds another layer to what's already there, rather than creating something new from scratch. 

So what potential does AR bring to us museum folk? Well, a hell of a lot is your basic answer. What? You want to know more. FINE.

AR integration by a museum could be really simple. You could add a missing piece to a statue by holding up a mobile device to it, or bring it to life in front of someone's eyes. You could highlight important parts of objects, or even documents - to both increase access and the visitor's understanding of that item. You could add context to objects when they're scanned, or supply further information through links, videos and pictures. This is something that this AR beacon app is currently trying to accomplish. 

But there's an even bigger picture, and AR could really be a part of it. You could potentially use AR to create a fully interactive museum experience. One where information is everywhere, and not just on the exhibitions. Institutions are already using AR to overlap images onto historical sites, including the Museum of London, and this isn't necessarily far from that. You can highlight parts of your building, or utilise empty spaces that might not be suitable for exhibiting. Perhaps in an area where it's difficult to control lighting, or even in outdoor spaces, you can create temporary virtual exhibitions. Ones that are supplemented with images from your archives, with videos, stories and even 3D objects on display. You can utilise both your content, and your space, to make the full use of everything that your institution has to offer - all without losing anything from your physical exhibitions. 

Being creative with this new tech is the key. But one of the best ways to being creative is to think about your current limitations. Consider the things that you're currently limited by, and then see if there's technology out there which could help you overcome these limitations. AR is a great way to overcome limitations of space, amongst other things, and (without sounding like a complete arse) it's time to start thinking outside of our usual four walls.

I found some really cool examples of AR projects on this Pinterest.