Exploring the visitors experience and perceptions of hyperreality at cultural attractions

This research develops a new and comprehensive understanding of ‘travels in hyperreality’ in the tourism studies, and in relation to visitors’ immersive experience and cultural attractions. The term hyperreality is explored within the context of multiple possible realities which are contingent upon the agency of heritage and arts interpretation, visitors experience and visitor subjectivities. Instead of focusing on developing future applications of emerging technologies, the research stresses the role of individual visitors’ subjectivity in the hyperreality at cultural attractions. The research aims at finding out the interrelationship between the visitors’ subjective experience versus the immersive attractions from the visitors’ perspective. By applying the qualitative research methods, the research reveals that the meanings of ‘travels in hyperreality’ has been constructed by both objectivity and subjective; the organization and the tourists. Four themes have emerged from the current research that refers to the representation, the imagination, the sensations and the interactions. The visitors’ multi-sensor domains are stimulated by their interactions and their encounters with the surrounding environments and individuals onsite that brings them the authentic experience as ‘becoming part of the scene. Most importantly, the finding stresses the importance of the visitors’ creativities and subjectivities as the co-creators of the hyperreal productions, which relates to their subjective imaginations and their understandings that add the final link to achieve the immersive experience as ‘being there’

Guided discussion or immersive play? Influence of on-site presentation platform on visitor satisfaction in a heritage attraction

Extensive research has been conducted on visitor experience and visitor satisfaction at tourist attractions. Few studies have addressed the influence of different types of on-site factors on visitor satisfaction at heritage sites. This study combined observation, in-depth interview, and a survey to examine the underlying factors of visitors’ perceptions of on-site attributes and their effects on overall visitor satisfaction while considering the influence of visitors’ interest and visitor type at Iron Age Farm in Stavanger, Norway. The findings suggest four sub-categories of visitors’ perceptions of the presentation platform (technology, immersive play, guided discussion, and autonomy), in addition to one support service platform category. Guided discussion, autonomy orientation, and support service platforms have a significant influence on visitor satisfaction. The findings suggest that visitors’ perceptions of the on-site factors do not differ significantly by visitors’ interest or type. The results only partly confirmed previous research and provided a different perspective on the role of on-site presentation attributes in heritage attractions. Knowledge of presentation platforms can function as a practical framework to analyze heritage sites based on visitors’ experiences and expectations.publishedVersio

Revival of the Silk Road using the applications of AR/VR and its role on cultural tourism

This research project seeks to investigate the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology with human-computer interaction (HCI) in order to revitalize the Silk Road - specifically in Kermanshah, Iran - and its effect on cultural tourism. Kermanshah has underexplored the rich historical significance of the Silk Road, despite the presence of 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the 2nd century BCE to the 18th century CE, the Silk Road was a vital trade route connecting the West and the East and had enormous cultural, economic, religious, and political effects. The purpose of this study is to examine the application of AR/VR technologies in HCI for the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of the Silk Road's tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Kermanshah, as well as their impact on cultural tourism development. The study also investigates how these innovative technologies can enhance visitors' experiences through immersive and interactive approaches, promote sustainable tourism practices, and contribute to the region's broader socioeconomic benefits. The research will analyze the challenges and opportunities of implementing AR/VR technology in HCI within the context of cultural heritage and tourism in Kermanshah and the Silk Road region more broadly. By combining HCI, AR/VR, and cultural tourism, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into the development of user-centered, immersive experiences that promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Silk Road's distinctive cultural heritage

The Scottish Heritage Partnership Immersive Experiences: Policy Report

No abstract available

The Scottish Heritage Partnership Immersive Experiences: Policy Report

No abstract available

Enhancing heritage fruition through 3D virtual models and augmented reality: An application to Roman artefacts

The spatial characteristics of museum exhibitions may limit visitors' experience of the artefacts on display. In the case of large artefacts, limited space may affect their whole visualization, or inhibit the visualization of the details farthest from the observer. In other cases, the storage of artefacts in distant sites (museums or archaeological areas) may influence their knowledge process or the possibility for comparative analysis. Moreover, the precarious state of preservation of some artefacts, with damaged or missing parts, makes it difficult to perceive their original appearance. To overcome these limitations, we propose an integrated approach based on 3D virtual models and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance the fruition of artefacts, improving their visualization, analysis and personal/shared knowledge, also by overcoming space and time constraints. The final AR application is an easily accessible tool for most users from a mobile device, used both inside and outside museums, opening new perspectives for fruition. The framework encourages the use of free and open source software and standard devices, to maximize their dissemination and exploit the potential of such technologies, which is far greater than current use in the cultural heritage field. Selected case studies to test and validate the integrated framework are proposed, dealing with some Roman artefacts found in the area of Modena (Italy). The first is a Roman floor mosaic, found in Savignano sul Panaro (near Modena) in 2011, of which less than half of its original 4.5 x 6.9 m surface is preserved. The others are two Roman funerary lion sculptures: the first is one of two lions flanking the main door of Modena Cathedral, and the second, well-preserved but damaged, is housed in the Museo Lapidario Estense of Modena. Finally, the application was tested by museum experts and visitors both inside and outside the museum, and positively assessed

Mejora de la difusión de contenidos culturales del patrimonio mediante modelos virtuales 3dD y realidad aumentada: una aplicación a los artefactos romanos

[EN] The spatial characteristics of museum exhibitions may limit visitors’ experience of the artefacts on display. In the case of large artefacts, limited space may affect their whole visualization, or inhibit the visualization of the details farthest from the observer. In other cases, the storage of artefacts in distant sites (museums or archaeological areas) may influence their knowledge process or the possibility for comparative analysis. Moreover, the precarious state of preservation of some artefacts, with damaged or missing parts, makes it difficult to perceive their original appearance. To overcome these limitations, we propose an integrated approach based on 3D virtual models and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance the fruition of artefacts, improving their visualization, analysis and personal/shared knowledge, also by overcoming space and time constraints. The final AR application is an easily accessible tool for most users from a mobile device, used both inside and outside museums, opening new perspectives for fruition. The framework encourages the use of free and open source software and standard devices, to maximize their dissemination and exploit the potential of such technologies, which is far greater than current use in the cultural heritage field. Selected case studies to test and validate the integrated framework are proposed, dealing with some Roman artefacts found in the area of Modena (Italy). The first is a Roman floor mosaic, found in Savignano sul Panaro (near Modena) in 2011, of which less than half of its original 4.5 x 6.9 m surface is preserved. The others are two Roman funerary lion sculptures: the first is one of two lions flanking the main door of Modena Cathedral, and the second, well-preserved but damaged, is housed in the Museo Lapidario Estense of Modena. Finally, the application was tested by museum experts and visitors both inside and outside the museum, and positively assessed. Highlights: Digital practice is not understood as a prerogative of a small number of people, but as a tool to guarantee and expand artefact fruition, using standard devices and free and open source software. Experimentation of new settings to re-contextualize artefacts and establish possible links among them, offering engaging and customized experiences to improve their accessibility and enjoyment. Promotion of artefact fruition not only in but also outside museums, such as in a classroom or an open and shared space, opening to new approaches in the fruition of cultural heritage.[ES] Las características espaciales de la exhibición en museos puede limitar en los visitantes la experiencia de los artefactosque se presentan. En el caso de artefactos de gran tamaño, la limitación de espacio puede afectar su visualización completa o inhibir la visualización de los detalles más lejanos al observador. En otros casos, el almacenamiento de artefactos en sitios lejanos y apartados (museos o zonas arqueológicas) puede influir en su proceso de conocimiento o en su análisis comparativo. Es más, el precario estado de conservación de algunos artefactos, con partes dañadas o perdidas, hace difícil percibir su aspecto original. Para superar estas limitaciones, proponemos un enfoque integrado de modelos 3D y realidad aumentada (RA) que mejore el disfrute de los artefactos, mejorando su visualización, análisis y conocimiento personal/compartido, incluso sobrepasando las limitaciones de espacio y tiempo. La aplicación final es una herramienta fácilmente accesible para la mayoría de usuarios mediante un portátil, que se use dentro, pero también fuera de los museos, abriendo nuevas perspectivas de disfrute. El enfoque promueve el uso de software libre y gratuito y herramientas estándar, con vistas a maximizar su amplia distribución y reivindicar las potencialidades de dichas tecnologías, que son superiores a su actual uso en el campo del patrimonio cultural. Se proponen casos de estudio seleccionados para testear y validar el enfoque integrado, a partir de algunos artefactos Romanos encontrados en la zona de Módena (Italia). El primero es un suelo de mosaico Romano, encontrado en Savignano sul Panaro (cerca de Módena) en 2011, que conserva menos de la mitad de sus 4.5 x 6.9 m de superficie originales. Los otros son dos esculturas funerarias romanas de león: el primero es uno de los dos leones que flanquean la puerta principal de la Catedral de Módena, y el segundo, bien conservado pero dañado, se almacena en el Museo Lapidario Estense de Módena. Finalmente, la aplicación se prueba por expertos del museo y visitantes dentro y fuera del museo, y se evalúa positivamente.Gherardini, F. 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