A Third Person Perspective
A Third Person Perspective used a novel application of augmented reality technology to investigate accessibility of cultural spaces in the context of the social model of disability.
This project proposed a novel way to investigate accessibility issues in cultural and public spaces for people with mobility problems by using a modified augmented reality device (smart glasses). This allows overlapping a ‘first-person view’ video recording of a subject with mobility problems navigating a crowded exhibition space onto a second subject’s visual field, in real time. In this way the wearer of the experimental device can experience another person’s reality.
By raising awareness of potential accessibility issues in this way, it is anticipated that the project could help modify behaviour patterns in crowded places to facilitate navigation for people with mobility problems. Furthermore, by merging the virtual with the corporeal, this experiment investigated the role of augmented reality devices in the navigation of virtual cultural spaces, with implications for applications for users with various types of disabilities, such as loss of sight or hearing, through the use of location-based audio/visual or haptic cues.
The output of this project will be a short film, following the subjects from first and third person perspectives. This will be used for public engagement purposes, to seek further funding for future development of this project and to repeat the experiment in other locations, such as hospitals or public transport hubs.
Project team
The project is led by Dr Andreas Artopoulos, Clinical Research Fellow in the Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Dental Institute at King’s College London.
Andreas is working in collaboration with the Coutauld Institute of Art who will host the experiment and Mandi Peers from Attitude is Everything will trial the experiment as a wheelchair user.
Software development is by Russell Plunkett, Innovations Director, ThisPlace and camera work by Dr Paul Craddock, Smart Docs.
A Third Person Perspective is a collaboration between the Dental Institute at King's College London and the Courtauld Institute of Art. It was supported by the university's Culture team.