AR-Powered Interactive Artifacts

In 2021, the Interaction Lab at Cooper Hewitt, supported by Verizon 5G, launched Activating Smithsonian Open Access (ASOA) to use cutting-edge technology to bring to life millions of 2D objects in the Smithsonian’s Open Access Collection.

Lorem Ipsum was selected to participate and developed “Doorways Into Open Access,” an innovative project that uniquely connects the physical and digital worlds. Aiming to bring history to people in neighborhoods and cities without museum access, we created an augmented and virtual reality mobile app that transports users back in time to experience artifacts from the collection.

Curating a selection from La Belle Époque, we contextualized artifacts from this fascinating era, linking them to contemporary issues such as vaccinations, music, and fashion. Our team designed 3D models of the artifacts based on photographs, meticulously recreating every detail to closely replicate the objects. Users could engage with each artifact as if it were right in front of them, appreciating the craftsmanship and beauty firsthand.

To further enhance the experience, we recreated a sitting room from La Belle Époque, inspired by period imagery and design, allowing users to discover the artifacts in their original environment within the app.

To ensure an inclusive and accessible experience, we incorporated accessibility standards into the app’s foundation, including custom wayfinding navigation beeps, haptic feedback, and voiceover, fully aligning with the iPhone’s native accessibility features.