MASTER | GRADUATION PROJECT
Augmented Reality for Zoo Education
M2.1 Project | Exploring VR & AR at zoos
My final master project consists of two projects, both in collaboration with safaripark Beekse Bergen.
During my M2.1 project, I explored the different possibilities Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality had
to offer zoos. In this project, I conducted a few user studies on the current interactive education at
the zoo. What were their strengths? What were their shortcomings?
I did an observational study, where I observed how users interact with the various educational
exhibits, and also interviewed a number of users to gain an understanding of their opinions on the
education at the zoo. These insights were used throughout the rest of the project, and eventually my FMP
as well.
I developed a few AR and VR prototypes to try with users at the zoo, one of these prototypes let
visitors use their phone to see the tigers through the eyes of their prey, showing how the camouflage of
a tiger works.
The response to this prototype was very positive, which led me to further explore it in my FMP.
Final Master Project | Focusing on Augmented Reality
Whereas the M2.1 project was an exploration of a variety of methods, going quite broad, but not very deep, in my FMP I wanted to dive deep. I decided to pick AR on mobile phones, and explore how I could use these to technologies to make a fully realized educational experience for the zoo.
I developed 5 prototypes, covering a variety of AR-types, interaction styles, types of games and types of educational topics. It was important to me to create this sense of variety, to keep each experience fresh for the user. Still, I also wanted to keep a degree of cohesion with these experiences. Making them visually, but also mechanically consistent.
The experiences were tested out with users at the zoo, and the responses have been overwhelmingly positive.
Over the course of this project, I feel like I have been able to show all my strengths, and the progress I have made over the course of my time at industrial design. I am super proud of the end result, and can’t wait to see the project evolve in the future, if possible.
Project Demos (EN) Project Demos (NL)
