Project Overview
This case study details the development of an augmented reality (AR) experience designed to enrich the visitor experience at the PHENOMENTA Lüdenscheid exhibition, specifically focusing on the awe-inspiring Foucault's Pendulum. The physical pendulum, while impressive, presented limitations in fully visualizing Earth's rotation. This enhanced AR solution overcomes these limitations and offers visitors a more interactive and informative way to engage with this scientific marvel.
Problem
The traditional presentation of the Foucault Pendulum, while captivating, had the potential to be more impactful. Visitors might struggle to:
• Visualize Earth's Rotation: Observing the subtle shift in the pendulum's swing plane over time can be difficult to connect to the concept of Earth's rotation.
• Gain In-Depth Knowledge: Limited information might hinder a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind the pendulum's movement.
Goal
The goal was to add value by enhancing the physical experience with an augmented reality experience that will spark entertainment and help visitors gain more knowledge by immersing themselves to an AR experience
Solution
Our initial AR app addressed these challenges by overlaying an interactive Foucault's Pendulum onto the real world. To further enhance the experience, we implemented two key features:
• A 3D Earth Model: We incorporated a 3D Earth model within the AR experience. This provides a clear visual representation of the Earth beneath the pendulum, directly showcasing how Earth's rotation influences the swing plane's gradual shift.
• Informative Content via Info Button: An "info button" was added to the AR interface. When clicked, the button reveals comprehensive information about the Foucault Pendulum experiment. This can include details about its history, the scientific principles at play, and the significance of its discovery in proving Earth's rotation.
Benefits for Visitors
These enhancements significantly elevate the value proposition of the AR experience for visitors:
• Enhanced Understanding: The 3D Earth model and informative content create a more holistic learning experience. Visitors can readily grasp the connection between Earth's rotation and the pendulum's movement.
• Deeper Engagement: The interactive elements of the AR app, combined with the readily available information, keep visitors actively engaged. They can explore the model, view the pendulum from different angles, and delve into the scientific principles at their own pace.
• Increased Accessibility: The information button caters to visitors seeking a deeper understanding. This makes the AR experience inclusive for those curious about the science behind the phenomenon.
The Impact
By enriching the AR experience with a 3D Earth model and informative content, we have significantly enhanced the educational value of the Foucault's Pendulum exhibit at PHENOMENTA Lüdenscheid. Visitors can now actively engage with this scientific marvel, gaining a deeper understanding of Earth's rotation and the fascinating physics behind the pendulum's movement.
Thanks to shoutr labs UG and Phaenomenta Lüdenscheid for this experience.
