Ko.ARt
Dec 2024
Project Overview
The idea of Ko.ARt started from the idea of exploring museums and galleries as a child. Concerns like not being able to touch the artwork, not understanding the artist’s intent, or not knowing where to look next can make the exhibition feel distant and unwelcoming. As a result, kid's interest would gradually fade.
To address these challenges, I created Ko.ARt, a conceptual AR docent app designed to make museums and galleries more accessible and engaging for children. By tackling five key issues—curiosity, engagement, accessibility, respect for the artwork, and learning—I’ve designed a platform that enhances their experience.
Wireframe
5 Barriers, 5 Solutions
1. Forgetting Basic Manners?
Children sometimes forget basic manners.The exhibit guide function addresses this by providing easy-to-understand information about the artist and the exhibition, along with clear guidance on essential manners. It helps children understand what to expect and how to behave respectfully, making the exhibition experience both educational and enjoyable.
2. Feeling Lost?
When faced with a large number of artworks, children might feel unsure about where to start or which piece to engage with first. The Navigator feature solves this by providing a clear list. Children are guided by AR arrows which turn navigation into a fun and interactive mini-adventure.
3. Wanna Get Closer?
Art is often displayed for adults, which can make it hard for children to fully appreciate the art. This function allows children to explore each piece up close. Once they arrive, they can tap to see a detailed explanation and close-up images. These images satisfy the natural curiosity of touching the artwork, offering a fun, interactive challenge of guessing which part of the artwork these close-ups show. It encourages deeper observation and helps children engage with the artwork.
4. I Want To Tell You Something!
Many children find it hard to share their true thoughts or feelings about art, often because they feel it's too complex or difficult to understand. The Comment Space is an interactive feature that encourages children to express their thoughts about the artwork. Through AR speech bubbles, children are invited to share their feelings or discover new insights by reading others' comments. This provides an opportunity for children to express their impressions in a safe, supportive environment.
5. Getting Too Close!
Children, in their excitement, might forget basic exhibition manners, such as standing too close to the artwork. When they get too close to a piece, a clear red warning pops up, signaling them to stop. This visual cue helps manage their curiosity by encouraging them to maintain a respectful distance, teaching them how to appreciate art without touching it. It serves as a gentle reminder to maintain exhibition etiquette while fostering a deeper respect for the artwork.
**Ko means “little beings” in Japanese.