Doorways into Open Access

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational augmented reality app, developed by Lorem Ipsum, transports users to 1912 Paris. The app utilizes a device's camera to open a virtual portal into the user's physical space, revealing a curated environment from the "La Belle Époque" era. Within this immersive space, the interface facilitates exploration of meticulously recreated 3D models of artifacts drawn from the Smithsonian's Open Access collection. The experience is augmented with approachable text to provide historical context for each object.

Development & Context

• The app was developed as a prototype for the "Activating Smithsonian Open Access" initiative, a program launched by Cooper Hewitt's Interaction Lab and supported by Verizon 5G Labs.
• It was one of seven projects selected from 102 proposals, with the development team receiving $10,000 in funding to build the initial concept.
• The news coverage notes the project's goal was to bring historical artifacts to people who may not have access to or have ever visited a physical museum.
• The design integrates accessibility features, such as custom navigation beeps, haptic feedback, and voiceover, to align with the device's native functions.

Intended Use & Scope

This app is designed for general audiences, particularly individuals in communities who may lack direct access to museum collections. Its purpose is to provide an accessible, educational experience by connecting historical artifacts with contemporary themes. As a prototype, its scope is limited to a curated selection of objects from Paris's "La Belle Époque" era.