Northshore Underwater
— prepared by Caitlin, Dawi, Lyza and Joon
Project Concept
Our project concept involves a temporary installation of a physical space that will be a feature that is interconnected with our virtual space. Our outer world space will have a similar concept to that of a maze using the timber wood for the structure and construction. Our virtual space can be engaged through an AR mobile app that will showcase the project's marine life theme where users can navigate their way through the maze while also being able to experience the precious and historic river life of Brisbane.
The purpose of our project is to increase public engagement and interest on the importance of preserving Brisbane’s river life whereby giving the audience a fun and immersive virtual experience of the river life. The foundation of our concept is to be educational as well as enjoyable for the audience to connect and be aware of the environmental changes.
Response to Client
The Northshore Underwater project responses to the client brief in a way that it falls under the pillars of supportive ecosystem and culturally vibrant.The designing of the project will require to involve other creatives in doing a collaborative work to make the maze construction and AR app design a success. QUT architecture and gaming design students will be involved in the process, however, other options regarding company collaboration in terms of the AR design will be considered. Furthermore, the project is also culturally vibrant which would attract more people in participating and immersing themselves with the AR product. The project will also be aligned with the client’s measurements of success in a way that it will improve the Norhtshore’s brand awareness with the AR maze activity and increase visitation to the site especially during the holidays.
Primary Audience
The primary target audience that we are identifying in this maze project will be families with young kids. An audience of families is very relevant for this maze project, As the location of Northshore happens to be within areas of family suburbs such as Albion, Hamilton, Ascot, where there is a bustling population of full house families (2016 Census QuickStats, 2016). This is very convenient as it allows for many local families to have access to this nearby interactive event. Parents will be attracted to the site because it serves as both a fun option for a family day out, and allows opportunities for kids to explore and have fun in a learning environment. Families can gain good bonding memories out of this exhibit and kids can be apart of an adventurous playground that can teach them about marine life.
Secondary Audience
Our secondary target audience would be high school and tertiary students (including international students) this is because young people are more likely to explore and interact with the AR app. To illustrate, since our project involves a mobile app, it would be more suitable for these students because, according to the Pew Research Centre more than 9 in 10 millennials own smartphones (Vogels, 2019). Also, Wheeler (2019) states that 97.6% of Gen Z across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand own smartphone. This just shows how it will be relevant and more attractive for this target audience to be engaged with the maze installation as well as the AR app. In addition, AR also offers “...limitless opportunities for novel experiences to immediately immerse students” (DSBS Group, n.a.). It will also benefit them in a way that they are made aware of the environmental changes and are educated through the theme of the marine life history. Therefore, this applies to the client brief target audience’s objectives.
Key Design Features
App Layout
Augmented reality allows for so much creative freedom to be brought to life, which is why it is the perfect platform to utilize for this underwater themed exhibit. Utilizing AR never fails to appeal to audiences, no matter what background they come from. The final result to be achieved with the app is for it to be equipped with effective features, and innovative interactions, that are both uniquely entertaining, and educational to the audience.
Accessibility implications allow users with disabilities or concerns to still interact with the app, without having to feel inconvenienced in any way. Because of the immersive and interactive nature of the app and the exhibition, consideration for accessibility implications is vital. Range of usability guides such as sound effects, visual effects, touch effects, and many more, will be utilized to bring emphasis to the whole user experience. However, these sensory guidelines don’t cater to those marginalized with disabilities which is why, accessibility settings will be placed within the app to give the users freedom and wide variety of choice of which accessibility implications they need.
Northshore Underwater app will be prioritized on both IOS and Android software, but most of all, the app will prioritize accessibility options such as age and language options, to tie in with the family friendly aspect, and for the international audience who want to be able to experience the exhibit in their native tongue. Visual and auditory impairment options will also be made available.
