Description: Interactive exhibitions are spaces designed to encourage active user participation, allowing them to interact dynamically with the content. These exhibitions often incorporate advanced technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), which overlays digital information onto the real world, enriching the user experience. Through devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses, visitors can access additional data, visualize 3D models, or experience immersive narratives that complement the presented information. The main features of these exhibitions include interactivity, experience personalization, and the ability to attract a diverse audience, from children to adults. The relevance of interactive exhibitions lies in their ability to transform how information is presented and consumed, making learning more engaging and memorable. In a world where attention is a scarce resource, these experiences offer an innovative way to capture the public’s interest, fostering curiosity and discovery through direct interaction with the content.
History: Augmented reality as a concept began to take shape in the 1960s, but it was in the 1990s that it gained popularity with the development of technologies that allowed its implementation in various applications. One important milestone was the augmented reality system developed by Louis Rosenberg in 1992, known as ‘Virtual Fixtures’. Since then, AR has evolved significantly, driven by advances in mobile technology and the availability of low-cost devices. In the realm of interactive exhibitions, AR has found a prominent place in museums, fairs, and events, where the aim is to enhance the visitor experience.
Uses: Interactive exhibitions with augmented reality are used in a variety of contexts, including museums, art galleries, trade fairs, and educational events. Their main application is to enhance the visitor experience, allowing for a deeper interaction with the content. For example, in museums, visitors can scan QR codes or use mobile apps to see additional information about artworks or displayed objects. They are also used in educational settings to facilitate learning through simulations and interactive visualizations.
Examples: A notable example of interactive exhibitions with augmented reality is the Natural History Museum in London, where visitors can use an app to see 3D dinosaurs in the context of the exhibits. Another case is the use of AR at trade fairs, such as the Mobile World Congress, where companies use this technology to showcase products in an innovative way. Additionally, applications like ‘Google Lens’ allow users to obtain instant information about real-world objects through their mobile devices.
