Gerhard SINDELAR
(beyondarts Gmbh, Klosterneuburg, Austria)

Keywords: app concepts, native or hybrid

Abstract:
Smartphones fundamentally change the behavior of users. The result is new formats such as apps, web apps, 3D, virtual and augmented reality for mobile devices. Locative media provide access to historical objects that are normally only accessible to researchers. Location-based visualization means that access and availability are greatly expanded. This requires concepts of what content and how it is offered with locative media. In cultural heritage organizations exist little knowledge of the technology of locative media. As a result, there can be found solutions which offer limited availability of content and inefficient presentation. Another problem area is detected in intuitively functioning user interfaces. Examples show how lack of technical know-how leads to expensive and inefficient solutions. The success of integrating digital solutions to represent Cultural Heritage depends on some factors: choice of appropriate technology, cross-platform, barrier freedom, internet visibility and marketing features. Hybrid forms of apps, which in certain areas, such as navigation via online maps or downloading content need access to the internet, therefore rapidly reaching their limits with regard to availability and function. State of the Art is the implementation of interactive 360° VR, 3D, virtual and augmented reality as well as offline GPS navigation. The locative media open up a range of research fields: How are scientific texts transformed into a generally understandable language? Which forms of interactivity can be provided in locative media beyond conventional social media applications? How can cultural heritage organizations refinance themselves with locative media? What role can tourism companies play in marketing and sales? What role does edited content play for users? What demands do new trends like interactive VR and AR make on research, such as: the visualization of lost buildings based on plans and historical views? Topics and problem areas listed above are shown and discussed.

Relevance for the conference: presentation and analysis of app solutions in the field of cultural heritage
Relevance for the session: effects of new technologies on the research landscape concerning cultural heritage
Innovation: app technology used as marketing instrument by integration of local touristic players
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