Exploring immersive AR
For “Nerd Night at the Museum” hosted by Minneapolis Institute of Art, the challenge was placing users inside a layered environment where digital elements responded to movement and perspective. The project explored how augmented reality could turn abstract themes from Machines of Loving Grace into a spatial experience.
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Visitors moved physically through the museum to activate AR layers embedded in the environment.
Spatial cues and environmental context guided interaction instead of heavy UI controls.
Exploration relied on intuitive navigation, making discovery feel natural and immersive.
Early testing revealed hesitation points and how first-time users approached AR.
Observed moments of delight informed refinements to scale, pacing, and clarity.
The final beta balanced experimentation with accessibility for unfamiliar users.
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Designed for first-time AR users, reducing intimidation through minimal interface complexity.
Used clear spatial cues to prevent confusion and accidental disorientation.
Avoided overstimulation by balancing visual intensity with environmental context.
Ensured guidance was available without forcing intrusive instructions.
Considered physical fatigue and device ergonomics during prolonged use.
Prioritized emotional comfort, allowing users to explore at their own pace.
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Delivered a functional AR beta within two weeks
Successfully deployed during a live public event
Demonstrated effective cross-disciplinary collaboration under tight constraints
Gained actionable insight into onboarding users new to mixed reality
Established a rapid iteration model for future immersive work
