Improving heritage experiences with AR

More and more of our heritage clients are choosing to incorporate Augmented Reality (AR) into their public engagement strategies, and for a good reason. AR is a brilliant way to bring history to life while improving visitor recommendations, repeat visits and revenues.

AR, VR – What’s the difference?

Some of our clients (understandably) get augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) confused. This simple explanation should help. VR completely replaces what a viewer sees with an alternate picture, whereas, AR overlays a real-world view with additional explanatory words and images.

While VR necessitates additional equipment, such as a helmet or sensor, meanwhile, all that AR requires is a smartphone, something that most visitors have in their pocket. As a result, AR is ideal for enhancing and enriching any visitor’s experience, allowing them to learn more about what interests them on the spot.

Why bother with Augmented Reality?

Heritage sites are fertile ground for AR. AR tools can be used to bring historic people and places to life in front of visitors’ eyes. They can be used to provide access to artefacts and archival documents that are too fragile or precious to handle.

In the right hands, memorable engagement experiences can be provided through the use of AR. In addition, AR can be a powerful tool for extending learning and increasing access to your collection and estates. Key outputs in any engagement strategy.