F.AR - Augmented Reality App for Museums
The f.ar app uses augmented reality technology that can bring objects to life or provide information about the items a person is viewing. Unlike virtual reality technology, the f.ar app does not require the use of a headset, which makes it much more flexible and cost effective for both the provider and user.
Once a user has downloaded the free app on their mobile phone or tablet device, they simply hold their device up to a ‘target’ and watch it come to life or access additional information. The target can be an object, an image, a video or even an audio file.
A database of targets is built for each specific museum or gallery so it is relevant to each individual collection. It also allows additional collection items to be viewed, via the f.ar app, over and above those physically on display in the gallery environment.
The f.ar app provides visitors with a far richer experience through increased interaction with a museum of gallery collection. It can tell a story in a way that other technology cannot.
With nearly all (94%*) of the UK adult population owning a mobile phone, and most (76%*) owning a smartphone, this is a technology that is relevant and immediately accessible. The f.ar app is free to download and so there is no additional cost to the user – something that can act as a barrier for some app based technologies.
In addition, the app can be fully branded for each organisation, providing a seamless visitor experience with the app being self-contained and an integral part of their visit.
Field can either build the database on behalf of the museum or gallery, or the museum or gallery team can add targets and content via a simple cloud based content management system.
*Q1 2017 Ofcom research fast facts ‘landline and mobile statistics’
