Augmented Reality

Once the trouble has been taken to create 3D assets it's worth looking at the different things that might be done with them and in a world where smart devices are becoming much more common AR (Augmented Reality) appllications offer all kinds of opportunities for education and engagement.
Many people think of exhibitions as being either real or virtual but augmented reality gives designers/curators a way of mashing these two worlds together adding virtual layers to the physical environment.

In terms of free applications for the non-expert to experiment with AR is less mature than 3D modelling with fewer free applications available - but developments in these areas tend to be rapid so it's a space well worth watching. If you have gone down the route of creating a 3D object you can use metaio.com to create simple AR scenes that can be viewed in metaio's mobile apps for both Android and Apple (IOS) phones and tablets - the basic service at metaio is free of charge.

If you're interested in seeing an example then download the Junaio app here once this is installed on your device you can use it to scan the QR code shown below, this will open a test channel after which pointing your device at the trigger image, shown below to the left of the QR code, will augment the image. The scene includes a sound file, a short musical snippet but it could have equally have been a voice-over giving more information about the object.

AR at the Smithsonian

AR Bayerisches Museum

AR trigger image

QR for Junaio app