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Personal Project- AR Disney Buddies
I was really inspired by the ingenuity and innovation seen in Dubai’s World Expo that recently occurred. One of the products- an interactive app really caught my attention and the attention of attendees as they experienced the expo in augmented reality and I wanted to apply that concept to Disney Parks to bring more magic to children and adults attending!
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Disney and any Disney characters or images belong completely to Disney!
TOOLS: Figma, Unity, Protopie
TIMELINE: March 2023
INDEX:
Background Info: Dubai Expo
Introduction of AR Disney Buddies
Goals of Product
Research
Ideation/Design Directions
Final Prototypes
Further Ideas
Background- Dubai Expo
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Expo Dubai Xplorer App
The Xplorer App is a downloadable app that allows users to experience the expo with a robot, connect you with pavilions and the expo in new ways and gives users fun tips and history about the environment around them! It also allows users to experience the expo without physically being there!
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Children's Tours & Interactive Games
Interactive robots and mascots for young kids to explore the pavilions in different ways. Each robot and mascot has different functions and allow children to play games or go on treasure hunts around the exposition all while learning!
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Personalized Ambassadors and Avatars
Other mascots are available for different ages of users, guiding them through the expo and giving them fun interactive points for all levels of users. Users can also create their very own avatar to attend events or explore the expo in different ways!
Introducing Disney Buddies
Disney theme parks are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. While waiting in line for rides or events, visitors often become bored and impatient, which can lead to negative experiences. To address this issue an interactive AR buddy system can be created that engages visitors and enhances their park experience.
Disney Buddies also create excitement and buzz for visitors as they choose their avatar the night before and help them discover fun things around the park they might miss otherwise.
Product Goals of Disney Buddies
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The interactive AR buddy system I designed for Disney can further engagement in several ways. Here are some possibilities:
Gamification: The system can incorporate game-like features such as challenges, achievements, and leaderboards to motivate users and encourage engagement. For example, users could earn points for completing challenges or collecting digital items throughout the park.
Social interaction: The system can encourage social interaction by allowing users to connect with each other and share their experiences. For example, users could compete with each other in scavenger hunts or share photos and videos of their avatars on social media.
Augmented reality experiences: The system can offer augmented reality experiences that allow users to interact with the park in new and exciting ways. For example, users could scan a QR code to unlock hidden digital content related to an attraction or use their device's camera to see virtual characters and creatures in the real world.
Surprise and delight: The system can incorporate surprise and delight features that add an element of fun and surprise to the experience. For example, users could discover hidden Easter eggs or unlock special content after completing certain challenges.
Overall, the interactive AR buddy system offers a range of features and experiences that can increase engagement and encourage users to explore and interact with the park in new ways. By incorporating game-like features, social interaction, and augmented reality experiences, the system can make the park experience more engaging and memorable for users.
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The interactive AR buddy system I designed for Disney could be used for education in several ways. Here are some possibilities:
Learning about the history of Disney parks: The system could provide historical information about the creation and development of Disney parks. Users could learn about the vision and inspiration behind the parks, the different lands and attractions, and the evolution of the park experience over time.
Exploring science and technology: The system could provide interactive experiences that teach concepts in science and technology. For example, users could learn about the physics behind roller coasters or the engineering principles behind animatronics.
Practicing foreign language skills: The system could offer language-learning content that allows users to practice foreign languages while exploring the park. This could include translations of park signs and descriptions, as well as interactive language games and quizzes.
Encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving: The system could offer challenges and puzzles that require users to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, users could solve riddles related to the park's attractions or complete scavenger hunts that require them to find hidden objects or landmarks.
Promoting cultural awareness: The system could provide educational content that highlights the cultural significance of Disney parks. This could include information about the different countries represented in Epcot's World Showcase or the historical context behind attractions like the Jungle Cruise.
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The interactive AR buddy system I designed for Disney can be used for personalization to enhance the user's experience in the park in several ways. Here are some possibilities:
Customized avatar: The system allows users to choose from a popular Disney character that excites them!
Adaptive content: The system offers different themes and content options that users can choose based on their interests and age group. For example, younger visitors may prefer content about Disney characters and stories, while older visitors may be more interested in historical and cultural information about the park.
Personalized recommendations: The system can recommend attractions, shows, and experiences based on the user's preferences and previous interactions with the app. For example, if a user spends a lot of time exploring the Star Wars content, the system could recommend other Star Wars-themed experiences.
Real-time information: The system can provide real-time information about wait times for attractions, showtimes, and other events based on the user's location in the park. This helps users plan their day and optimize their time in the park.
Interactive experiences: The system offers interactive experiences that respond to the user's actions and preferences. For example, users may be able to interact with their avatar in different ways or choose different paths through a digital scavenger hunt.
Overall, the interactive AR buddy system offers a personalized experience that adapts to the user's interests and preferences. By providing real-time information, interactive experiences, and personalized recommendations, the system can enhance the user's experience in the park and help them make the most of their visit.