Browsing by Author "Dash, Soumyakant"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Augmented heritage: AR and QR code integration for interactive cultural storytelling in the UAE
    (IEEE, 2025-12-05) Lal, Mily; Dash, Soumyakant; Keerthika, J; Kumar, Bura Vijay; Ali, Guma; Shukla, Vinod Kumar
    This study has outlined a mobile-augmented reality (AR) storytelling framework utilizing Quick Response (QR) code technology to provide cultural engagement at heritage sites in the United Arab Emirates. The project set out to merge traditional heritage with augmented immersive technology and focused on a four-phase methodology: (1) Content curation and narrative design through historians and cultural experts; (2) Planning QR codes in spaces cooperatively designed through spatial design and semiotics of culture; (3) Content development of AR experiences in Unity and Vuforia using finite state machine for stability and usability; and (4) User testing in three major heritage locations. The quantitative and qualitative evaluations measured user engagement, narrative retention, usability of the system, and cultural sensemaking. Relative to baseline digital experiences, the AR-QR platform saw significant gains: 25-30% improvement in engagement; 20-25% improvement in narrative retention; and over 15% improvement in usability and cultural relevance. The study evidence demonstrates the promise of AR-QR storytelling and approach to deliver contextually rich and interactive heritage experiences. Although there are limitations in device affordances/conceivability and longer-term evaluations, this study suggests---immersive storytelling can make heritage more engaging, accessible, and meaningful to a diverse population.