BavAR[t], an augmented reality game for democratizing art and culture.

Project Information

BavARt

Grant agreement ID: 101113968

DOI

10.3030/101113968

Project closed

EC signature date 30 May 2023

Start date 1 June 2023

End date 31 May 2024

Funded under

• European innovation ecosystems

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 75 000,00

Coordinated by

ART STUDIO
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BavARt (BavAR[t], an augmented reality game for democratizing art and culture.)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Background and Motivation
The BavAR[t] project addresses post-pandemic challenges in the art sector, including reduced museum attendance and revenue, and a gap in cultural engagement among low-income individuals. Augmented Reality (AR) offers a way to expand cultural reach and improve experiences, though it can be complex and costly for many institutions.

What is BavAR[t]?
BavAR[t] is an AR platform that creates a virtual museum experience through a Pokémon Go-like app. Users capture virtual artworks from global museums to earn rewards, allowing interactive exploration outside traditional museums. It offers broad accessibility and cost savings for institutions, with fast deployment across Europe, particularly appealing to younger users.

Objectives
BavAR[t] aims to:
- Enhance Engagement: Use gamified AR to make art more engaging.
- Support Institutions: Provide an easy-to-use B2B AR platform.
- Promote Diversity: Enable digital exhibitions of diverse artworks.
- Drive Innovation: Improve marketing with immersive AR.
- Ensure Scalability: Deliver consistent quality across regions.

Expected Impact
BavAR[t] will:
- Boost Participation: Increase engagement, especially among younger and diverse groups.
- Generate Revenue: Support financial stability for cultural institutions.
- Promote Culture: Enhance appreciation of European diversity.
- Provide Educational Benefits: Offer informal learning and cultural awareness.

Project Objectives
- Adapt Infrastructure: Scale BavAR[t] for Europe to enhance museum collaboration.
- Implement Tours: Create curated AR exhibitions linking points of interest.

In summary, BavAR[t] aims to transform cultural experiences with AR, democratizing art access, enhancing engagement, and supporting sector growth.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

European-Scale Deployment
Our primary objective was to scale the BavAR[t] application infrastructure for widespread use across Europe. To achieve this, we undertook several key actions:

- Optimization of Python API: We enhanced our Python API to reduce request processing times, allowing us to handle a higher volume of simultaneous requests.
- Load Balancer Testing: Utilizing the k6 Python framework, we conducted load balancing tests to determine the server's capacity limits. Based on these results, we upgraded to a more robust server tailored for European-scale deployment.
- Server Migration: In response to our load test findings, we migrated our Python API to a more powerful server capable of accommodating increased request volumes.

As a result, we now have a scalable architecture ready to support BavAR[t] at a European level.

Guided Tour Functionality
The guided tour feature was a highly requested addition from our partners, including museums and cultural institutions. This functionality allows users to explore themed points of interest on the BavAR[t] map and experience curated augmented reality exhibitions. Upon completing a tour, users can unlock rewards, such as entrance coupons, free tickets, or books, provided by our partners. To develop this feature, we carried out the following:

- Database Migration: We updated our database to manage connections between different points of interest and associated rewards.
- Integration of Google Directions API: This integration enables navigation between points of interest.
- UI/UX Design: We designed and implemented user interfaces, including screens, visual elements, and guidance for first-time users.
- Front-End Integration: Using Unity, we integrated the new UI/UX features into BavAR[t].
- User Testing: We conducted extensive testing during various cultural events, gathering feedback for further improvements and bug fixes.

The guided tour functionality is now fully operational and has been successfully utilized by our teams and partners to curate augmented reality exhibitions. For more details, see the exploitation activities section.

Additionally, we have completely revamped BavAR[t]'s design and visual identity, enhancing its attractiveness and ease of use.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Project Key Results and Impacts
European-Scale Infrastructure:
-Result: BavAR[t] upgraded its infrastructure for European use, improving processing and request management.
- Impact: This scalability supports a larger user base and more partnerships, expanding the app's reach across Europe.

Guided Tour Functionality:
-Result: A new AR-guided tour feature lets users explore curated exhibitions and earn rewards.
-Impact: This boosts user engagement and helps institutions enhance visibility and interaction.

Enhanced User Experience:
-Result: Improved UI/UX with better navigation and engaging tutorials.
-Impact: The app is now more user-friendly, especially for younger audiences, increasing cultural participation.

Access to Markets and Finance:
-Result: The tour feature has become a key commercial offer, generating recurring revenue.
-Impact: This supports BavAR[t]'s financial stability and growth.

Key Needs for Further Success
- Complex Game Mechanics: A new model with enhanced gameplay and better visibility for partner collections is in development.
- Simplified Concepts: Storytelling will make AR and geolocation easier to understand.
- Improved Retention: New features like storytelling, badges, and educational quests will boost engagement.
-Partner Collection Visibility: Artworks will be grouped into virtual collections for better visibility.
- Enhanced KPIs and Analytics: Improved tracking will provide better insights for partners.

The new game model is ready for implementation, pending financial support.

Overview
BavAR[t] has become a leading AR platform with scalable infrastructure and interactive features. Ongoing development and strategic planning are crucial for maximizing its impact and ensuring long-term success.

Guided Tour UI for BavAR[t]

Flyer Project Slaphead

An example of our new UI for 3D view

New Visual identity of BavAR[t]