Museum Narratives Reimagined: Connecting Cultures via Web, AR, and Shared Experiences 

The Museum of Teeth Culture [MoTC] redefines the museum experience, merging cultural heritage and technological innovations. This immersive journey fosters inclusivity and connection among a multi-generational audience, providing a unique blend of diverse cultural experiences and a common ground of discovery related to the universal nature of teeth. Simultaneously, the museum integrates augmented reality and social media, creating a vibrant, interactive space that encourages visitors to share their personal stories and connections to the universal experience of teeth. In doing so, the Museum of Teeth Culture honors our shared heritage while embracing the digital future, creating a space that is both educational and engaging for all. 








Independently advanced the UX Refinement & Integrated Experience Design, building upon the team's spring 2022 efforts to elevate the project's user engagement and narrative flow.

GREETING 

CONTEXT



Contextualizing the Museum of Teeth Culture: Bridging Cultural Gaps through Mixed Reality

Traditional museums have long been cherished spaces for learning, exploration, and the preservation of history and culture. However, they also face ongoing challenges in engaging diverse audiences, remaining relevant in a digital age, and providing inclusive experiences that reflect and celebrate the multiplicity of cultures and perspectives that make up our world. The Museum of Teeth Culture, through its innovative mixed reality and performative experience, addresses these challenges head-on, offering a unique, interactive, and culturally enriching journey for its visitors

   

PROBLEM




Limited Engagement with Diverse Audiences
Struggle to Remain Relevant in the Digital Age
Lack of Inclusive Experiences
Limited Interactive Learning Opportunities
Underutilization of Storytelling and Emotional Engagement
Inadequate Integration of Technology and Real-World Experiences
Challenges in Fostering a Sense of Connection and Community
Insufficient Encouragement for Visitor Contribution and Story Sharing

COMPETITIVE RESEARCH BY MUSEUMS & MULTISENSORY EXPERIENCES

American Museum of Natural History
Metropolitan Museum 
Cooper Hewitt 

Subway Plays | site specific audio theater

Reid Walk︎︎︎| site-specific sound

Improv Everywhere MP3 Experiments︎︎︎| participatory, socialm surprising

Freedom Trail | dispersed storytelling

Lost in Time | ourdoor, dispersed, tech-enabled

IDEA

Virtual Tour, Scan, Explore, Earn, and Share.
Introducing Mixed Reality Museum Experience.


(Idea Process Video will be updated soon)

PRODUCT THINKING | WEB MUSEUM

From Web Museum Experience to Mixed Reality Experiecne: Informative, Inclusive, Performative, Sharable

Web, QR Code, AR, and Social Media





Global Proverbs Onboarding

Visitors are introduced to the museum through a variety of teeth-related proverbs from different cultures, presented alongside the Museum's logo. This sets a global and inclusive tone, highlighting the universal nature of dental folklore.


Museum Welcome Message with Motion Graphics

A brief greeting message follows, posing intriguing questions about teeth and cultural beliefs, and encouraging visitors to explore further. Accompanying motion graphics add a playful and nostalgic element, enhancing visitor engagement and establishing an emotional connection to the museum's theme.

Celebrating Diversity through Folktales around the World

Teeth have held significant meanings and played crucial roles in folktales and stories across different cultures and epochs. MoTC leverages this rich tapestry of narratives to create a vibrant and inclusive space where visitors, All age group, especially children, can immerse themselves in the folklore of various cultures.

Exploring Cultural Significance

Beyond folklore, teeth have been imbued with various meanings and significance across cultures. From symbols of strength and maturity to tools used in rituals and ceremonies, teeth hold a multifaceted role in human history. The Museum of Teeth Culture curates a diverse collection of artifacts, stories, and interactive exhibits that delve into these cultural nuances. Visitors are invited to explore and reflect on how something as universal as teeth can carry such varied and profound meanings across different societies.

Game Experience with MoTC Character, Toothie

To add a fun element to the museum experience, we’ve introduced an arcade game featuring Toothie, the MoTC character. This web-based game is designed primarily for entertainment, providing visitors with a playful break during their museum journey.
Hosting the game on the museum’s website also offers an opportunity for visitors to engage with the museum content from the comfort of their homes, potentially encouraging them to plan a return visit. While the game is a simple arcade-style experience, it serves as an additional touchpoint for visitors to connect with the museum’s themes in a casual and enjoyable manner.

PRODUCT THINKING | PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL MUSEUM

Augmented Reality, Cultural Exploration, Interactive Journey,  and Empathy and Diversity

Museum of Teeth Culture (MoTC) melds Augmented Reality (AR) and social media, inviting visitors to uncover global tales and traditions. This interactive journey not only educates but fosters empathy and celebrates cultural diversity. Visitors receive an expedition kit containing the tools for engagement: Toothie paper doll, Instagram AR filter QR code, story cards, and a map.




Toothie's AR Quest: A Gamified Museum Discovery

Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt with the AR-activated Toothie doll. Visitors navigate Union Square Park, guided by a map hinting at hidden locations. This quest to uncover AR stories and visuals connected to global dental traditions turns each discovery into a game-like achievement. Unfolding stories connect to shared cultural values, making education an exciting pursuit. This interactive escapade enriches the museum experience, merging achievement and exploration in a seamless dance between the virtual and the tangible.

Social Media Integration 

Toothie, the MoTC character, comes to life as an Instagram filter, seamlessly integrating the museum experience with sharing social media platforms.

Visitors are encouraged to share their personal stories and mixed museum experiences related to teeth and charms on Instagram, utilizing a designated hashtag – # This initiative not only extends the museum's reach and impact but also cultivates a virtual community, sparking dialogue and connection around the museum's central themes and messages, ultimately enriching the visitor's experience and contributing to a global conversation on cultural diversity and heritage.

USER EXPERIENCE MAP

 
INTERACTION 


INTERA

UI Design

VISUAL DESIGN

EXPLORATION / DIVERGENT IDEAS

RESULTS