Narrative Approaches to Design Multi-screen Augmented Reality Experiences

Augmented Reality (AR) represents the future of the digital integrated museum experience. There is considerable scope for providing engaging and interactive experiences when using AR combined with traditional museum practices, particularly relative to interpretive narrative. The new relationship created between the ‘real’ and ‘virtual’ object, generates new and engaging experiences and encourage more active visitor participation. AR can simultaneously layer competing accounts of historical events beyond the single voice of ‘authority’. This paper discusses the challenges of adapting and developing the first–hand witness accounts for a multi-screen AR experience of the night Nottingham Castle was attacked during the Reform Bill Riots (1831.) In each case we will present examples demonstrating our interdisciplinary design approach and the strategies we implemented for each story. Unlike many AR projects this approach places storytelling at its heart by integrating traditional theatrical and cinematic narrative techniques to create added suspense and engagement. It has opened up possibilities for learning and experiencing the site’s history within a new interactive context, whilst simultaneously foregrounding the broader socio-political context around protest and riot. The exhibition will open to the public from May 2014 and the digital augmented environments will be fully integrated within the museum exhibition offering visitors a richer narrative with content generated through AR.