Research Proposal: Crafting An Emerging Research Project
Introduction
The advent of augmented reality (AR) has revolutionized how interactive experiences are designed and delivered, particularly within children’s literature. My project, an interactive AR storybook titled Rubi’s Earth Adventure, seeks to leverage the engaging potential of AR to bring traditional storytelling to life. This will storybook follows the journey of Rubi, a curious alien who crash-lands on Earth and embarks on an adventure to repair their spaceship with the help of local animals. By integrating AR technology, the book offers readers an immersive experience where illustrations transform into dynamic 3D scenes that move, make sounds, and interact with the audience when scanned with a device.
The central objective of this project is to create an interactive reading experience that fosters engagement and creativity in young readers. It builds on a growing trend in educational technology, where AR is used to blend physical and digital media, enriching traditional content with immersive features. The target audience includes parents, educators, and children aged 3 to 7, who can benefit from this combination of storytelling, play, and learning. The project aims to support not only reading comprehension but also enhance sensory engagement and problem-solving skills in an enjoyable and interactive manner.
Idea Inspiration
The inspiration for Rubi’s Earth Adventure stems from two distinct sources: a movie poster I designed in my first year, centered on an alien character named Rubi, and the iconic works of children’s author Roger Hargreaves. In my initial design, Rubi was envisioned as a friendly and adventurous alien exploring new worlds. This character concept laid the foundation for further development into an AR-driven storybook, offering a deeper narrative experience by placing Rubi in a relatable Earth setting and allowing for playful interactions through AR.
Artist Research: Roger Hargreaves and Notable Works
Roger Hargreaves, a celebrated British author and illustrator, is best known for his Mr. Men and Little Miss series, which have become iconic in children’s literature since the 1970s. Hargreaves’ work is characterized by simple yet expressive illustrations paired with brief but impactful narratives. His ability to anthropomorphize abstract emotions and traits, such as happiness, grumpiness, and curiosity, into endearing characters made his books highly accessible to young readers.
One of the most notable examples of his work is Mr. Happy, which explores the journey of a perpetually joyful character helping another individual find happiness. The visual simplicity of Hargreaves’ work, with its bold lines and bright colors, serves as a cornerstone for early childhood learning, making complex emotions and social interactions easily understandable. His minimalist approach in both text and imagery ensures the focus remains on the characters, which provides a strong narrative foundation for interactive storytelling, such as the AR-based storybook in this project.
Additionally, Roger Hargreaves’ renowned Little Miss and Mr. Men series has had a profound influence on the visual and thematic elements of this project. Hargreaves’ work is characterized by its simplicity, charm, and the anthropomorphization of abstract traits into characters, making complex ideas accessible to young children. These qualities have directly informed the creation of Rubi’s Earth Adventure, particularly the emphasis on clear, bold visuals and character-driven storytelling. Much like Hargreaves’ work, this project focuses on endearing characters and relatable narratives, enhanced with modern technology to meet contemporary expectations for interactivity and engagement in children’s media.
The intersection of my early design work and the stylistic influences of Hargreaves provides a solid foundation for developing an AR-based storybook that merges the familiar joy of reading with cutting-edge technology, aiming to create a lasting impact on young readers through both education and entertainment.
Figure 5 – Example of Storybook AR by Sixty Two (2020)
Augmented Reality (AR) Books
Augmented Reality (AR) books blend traditional printed pages with digital enhancements, creating an interactive experience where readers can engage with virtual elements layered over physical content. By using a smartphone, tablet, or AR-enabled device, readers can trigger animations, 3D models, and sounds that bring the story or educational content to life. AR books aim to create a more immersive reading experience, particularly popular in educational and children’s literature, where these features can aid comprehension, engagement, and enjoyment.
Popular AR Books
One prominent example is Wonderbook: Book of Spells, an AR-enhanced book based on the Harry Potter universe. This book, developed for the PlayStation with a unique AR system, enables readers to “cast spells” and interact with elements within a magical narrative. The Little Mermaid: An Interactive Augmented Reality Adventure is another popular AR title that brings Hans Christian Andersen’s story to life with 3D scenes and animations through a companion app.
In educational contexts, iDinosaur and iSolar System by Carlton Kids offer interactive 3D models and narrated content to help children visualize dinosaurs and planetary bodies. These AR books add a sensory dimension that supports learning by making abstract concepts more accessible and memorable.
Figure 6 – Example of AR Wonderbook: Book of Spells by PlayStation3 (2012)
Figure 7 – Example of The Little Mermaid – A Magical Augmented Reality Book by Kickstarter (2015)
Figure 8 – Example of iSolar System by Carlton Kids (2013)
Target Audience Research
The target audience for Rubi’s Earth Adventure includes three primary groups: parents, educators, and children aged 5 to 10. Understanding the unique needs of each audience segment is essential for creating a successful AR experience.
Parents: This group seeks educational and entertaining content for their children, preferring materials that engage their children in a meaningful way while also being enjoyable to experience together. AR offers an opportunity to foster both educational and interactive engagement.
Educators: This audience values learning tools that enhance cognitive development and provide opportunities for creative thinking. AR adds an interactive dimension that helps children visualize concepts beyond the limitations of static illustrations.
Children: Young readers are naturally curious and easily captivated by interactive experiences. At this age, they are developing fine motor skills, as well as cognitive and linguistic abilities. An AR storybook can stimulate their imagination while promoting early reading skills through visual and auditory stimuli.
User Experience (UX) Considerations
Usability Goals for the AR Experience
The usability goals established for the Augmented Reality (AR) experience are critical to ensuring an effective and engaging interaction for users, particularly in the context of promoting environmental awareness through storytelling. The following goals outline the desired outcomes for user experience can be found in the image bellow.
These usability goals are integral to the design and development of the AR experience, guiding decisions that prioritize user needs and promote a successful interaction. By focusing on these objectives, the project aims to create an engaging and impactful experience that resonates with both children and the adults who share the narrative with them.
User Persona
The following persona maps delve into the goals, needs, frustrations, and possible solutions aimed at enhancing the user experience for my final AR project. Using personas in this way adds a layer of authenticity and encourages a focus on the user as a real individual with genuine emotions, ultimately guiding the design toward a more user-centered environment.
Miro Link: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVLNkcK8Y=/?share_link_id=232714948404
Design Laws Incorporated
The design principles integrated into the final AR experience include Fitts’s Law, Hick’s Law, and Miller’s Law, as outlined in the diagram below. Applying these principles enhances user experience by supporting intuitive interactions. For instance see the diagram bellow:
Miro Link: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVLNkcK8Y=/?share_link_id=232714948404
The deliberate incorporation of design laws into the final AR experience was instrumental in creating a cohesive and user-friendly virtual environment. By thoughtfully embedding these design principles, the project not only realized its original vision but also fostered a user-centric and visually appealing interface.
Relevant Ethical Considerations
Designing an augmented reality experience, particularly one targeted toward younger users, involves careful attention to ethical considerations, as these shape the safety, privacy, and appropriateness of the content. Key areas of ethical focus include:
Data Privacy and Security
Protecting user data, especially when it involves children, is paramount. The experience should be designed in strict adherence to data privacy laws, such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States, which mandates parental consent for collecting personal data from users under 13. The AR experience should not collect any personally identifiable information or location data. Ensuring the application has secure data storage and transmission protocols further protects users against unauthorized access and data breaches.Age-Appropriate Content
Since the target audience includes children, the content must be crafted with age appropriateness in mind. Storylines, interactions, and language should be designed to avoid any material that could be potentially distressing or confusing for younger users. Visuals should be engaging yet not overwhelming, and interactions should be simple to enhance learning rather than distract. This also means avoiding any subliminal marketing or promotional content embedded within the experience, as younger audiences are particularly susceptible to suggestion.Safety in Physical Interaction
In an AR experience, users often engage with digital elements superimposed on real-world environments, raising potential safety concerns. It’s essential to build in reminders or design cues encouraging users to stay mindful of their physical surroundings, thereby reducing risks of collision or injury. The experience should also avoid prompting users to engage in unsafe physical actions, especially if the environment is designed for indoor use.Inclusive Design
Accessibility should be prioritized to ensure that the experience can be enjoyed by users of all abilities. This might involve designing for visual or auditory alternatives for interactions and ensuring that people with limited movement are not excluded from fully engaging with the content. Additionally, the experience should be enjoyable from a stationary viewpoint to accommodate those who may be unable to walk around comfortably.Ethical Representation and Avoidance of Stereotypes
AR experiences that feature characters or storylines should avoid cultural stereotypes or any content that could perpetuate bias. Diverse character representation should be handled respectfully and accurately to promote inclusivity. In a children’s AR experience, this contributes to a positive, enriching learning environment that respects all users’ backgrounds and identities.
By addressing these ethical considerations throughout the design process, the final AR experience can offer an engaging, safe, and respectful platform that prioritizes user well-being and inclusivity.
Project Plan / Intentions
The objective of Rubi’s Earth Adventure is to develop an interactive AR storybook prototype that combines a compelling narrative with educational, interactive elements. This project includes character and environment design, UX/UI layout, AR integration, and testing. The final goal is to create a working prototype that enhances children’s learning and engagement with digital storytelling through innovative AR technology.
Design Software
- Adobe Aero: For building and animating AR interactions viewable on mobile devices.
- Zapworks Studio: For creating interactive AR elements with sounds, animations, and additional features.
- Blender: Used to model and design 3D characters like Rubi, as well as other story assets.
- Adobe Illustrator: To sketch and finalize 2D illustrations, character concepts, and page designs.
Project Management
To ensure the success of this augmented reality project, I’ve developed a structured project management plan. Using Miro for a detailed Gantt chart and Trello for task management, I’ve mapped out the essential stages and time allocations, with tasks broken down into specific milestones. This systematic approach is intended to maintain focus, keep track of progress, and ensure quality standards are met.
Given the project’s scope and limited timeframe, I’ve dedicated substantial periods to key stages, including concept development, design, and AR implementation. Each phase includes time for testing, refining, and integrating feedback, with the aim of achieving the highest quality possible within the deadline. This structured allocation of tasks helps balance focus areas and allows time for adjustments, ensuring that the project evolves as planned.
Miro Link: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVLNkcK8Y=/?share_link_id=232714948404
Concept storyboard:
This storyboard lays out a concise, straightforward narrative that simplifies the design and modelling process while ensuring smooth AR integration. Each frame represents a key scene, focusing on simple interactions that will create an immersive experience for young users.
Immersive Experience User Journey
The journey begins with discovery as the user “witnesses” Rubi’s arrival on Earth, prompting initial curiosity. As the story unfolds, each scene invites engagement through simple, intuitive interactions (tapping, waving) that enhance the feeling of being part of Rubi’s journey. The experience is enriched through visual and audio cues that make each interaction meaningful, fostering connection with Rubi’s mission.
The user is taken on a guided adventure where their actions drive the story forward, building investment in Rubi’s journey. By the final scene, the user feels a sense of accomplishment and closure, having actively participated in the story’s resolution. This simplified storyboard ensures that AR integration remains efficient, while the narrative maintains an immersive, interactive structure that enhances user engagement.
Potential limitation:
A primary limitation for this AR project is the time required to develop fully animated 3D interactions. Animating 3D models is considerably time-consuming, particularly for creating smooth, detailed animations that respond to user interactions. Due to this constraint, I may need to simplify the 3D models, focusing on static visuals enhanced with sound effects to convey action or movement. For instance, instead of animating a character waving, the model could be static, with added sound effects to suggest liveliness. This approach will streamline the production process, allowing the project to meet deadlines while still offering an engaging experience.
Conclusion
Rubi’s Earth Adventure merges storytelling and AR technology, providing a unique, immersive reading experience for children. By considering user-centered design principles, ethical safeguards, and interactive features, this project aims to enhance children’s learning through storytelling. Inspired by Roger Hargreaves and infused with AR elements, the book prototype will demonstrate the educational and entertainment potential of AR in children’s media.
Reference list:
Books & Magic (2015) The Little Mermaid – A Magical Augmented Reality Book – Kickstarter Video. [Video]. (20) The Little Mermaid – A Magical Augmented Reality Book – Kickstarter Video – YouTube [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
BooksWithBaby. (2021) 50 facts about Roger Hargreaves’ Mr. Men and Little Miss books [Blog Post]. BooksWithBaby. 31 January. 50 facts about Roger Hargreaves’ Mr. Men and Little Miss books – Books with Baby [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
Foster, M. (2024). AR Books, Augmenting the Digital Reading Experience [Blog Post]. GoodEreader. 11 September. AR Books, Augmenting the Digital Reading Experience – Good e-Reader (goodereader.com) [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
Hargreaves, R. (2022) Mr. Men Little Miss: Be Kind – Mr. Men and Little Miss Discover You [Photograph]. Roger Hargreaves · Mr. Men Little Miss: Be Kind – Mr. Men and Little Miss Discover You (Paperback Book) (2022) (imusic.co) [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
Hargreaves, R. (2023) Mr. Men Little Miss: Be Yourself – Mr. Men and Little Miss Discover You [Photograph]. Roger Hargreaves · Mr. Men Little Miss: Be Yourself – Mr. Men and Little Miss Discover You (Paperback Book) (2023) (imusic.co) [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
Hargreaves, R. (2023) Mr. Men Little Miss: Sharing – Mr. Men and Little Miss Discover You [Photograph]. Roger Hargreaves · Mr. Men Little Miss: Sharing – Mr. Men and Little Miss Discover You (Paperback Book) (2023) (imusic.co) [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
Jenkins, P. (2024) Augmented Reality Storytelling: Crafting Immersive Narratives [Blog Post]. Brilliantio. 6 April. Augmented Reality Storytelling: Crafting Immersive Narratives – Brilliantio [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
PlayStation3 (2012) Wonderbook: Book of Spells – Bring wizardry to life in your living room. [Video]. (20) Wonderbook: Book of Spells – Bring wizardry to life in your living room – YouTube [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].
Sixty Two. (2020) New Age of AR in Children’s Storybook [Blog Post]. Medium. 19 August. New Age of AR in Children’s Storybook | by Sixty Two | Sixty Two Tales | Medium [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].