[ISEA2024] Paper: Patrick Kruse, Ivana Družetić-Vogel, Anja Vormann & Christian Geiger — AR Poengsgenpark: Multiperspective Storytelling with Augmented Reality as an Attempt of Dialogue Facilitation in a Multifaceted Dispute

Abstract

Keywords:
Place-based Storytelling, Multiperspective, Augmented Reality, Research through Design, Interdisciplinary Exploration

By presenting the process of developing an augmented reality (AR) installation, the paper explores the transformative potential of AR as a mediation tool in the context of a multifaceted sociocultural issue. Focused on the removal of a 120-year-old Atlas cedar from a municipal park in the German town of Ratingen, the study employs research through design (RtD) approach, combining qualitative field research and digital documentation. The AR application serves as a platform for location-based storytelling, aiming to foster dialogue among citizens, scientists and city officials through a multi-perspective approach. As the project envisions a future where AR serves as a potent tool for mediating intricate societal challenges, this paper adds to the ongoing discourse regarding the convergence of technology, nature, and public engagement.

  • Patrick Kruse is a communication designer, currently working as a researcher in MIREVI team (Mixed Reality and Visualization) at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf in Germany, where he contributes to advancements in Human-Computer Interaction, particularly in UX design for mixed reality applications. With a background in motion graphics, he is adept at conveying knowledge through storytelling, focusing on making complex topics easily understandable. Patrick works at the intersection of virtual and real space, where he tackles technically savvy and user-oriented problem-solving. Additionally, he freelances on projects related to visual storytelling and content creation, using his expertise in communication design. https://www.patrick-kruse.com
  • Ivana Druzetic-Vogel is a cultural anthropologist and museologist with 15 years of experience in cultural project management and creative industries on international scale. She is currently a member of the MIREVI team at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf in Germany. She conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface between art, culture and mixed reality technologies and has led various digital projects in this field. Her particular interest lies in exploring the effects and potentials of the digital turn in the cultural and artistic sphere. She is dedicated to leveraging her anthropological background to facilitate exchange and understanding between cultural actors and the technical field, thereby driving innovation and collaboration.
  • Anja Vormann is a professor for audiovisual media in the department of Design at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf. Working as a media artist she received the NRW scholarship “Arts and Science”, the scholarshop “Goldrausch Künstlerinnenstipendium”, given by the Senate of Berlin, the “Bergische Kunstpreis” art award, as well as a travelling scholarship of the Cultural Department Düsseldorf to Chongqing, China. Together with Gunnar Friel, she received the german videoart award “12th Deutscher Videokunstpreis Marl” as a special award of the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, the sponsorship award for fine arts of Düsseldorf “Förderpreis für Bildende Kunst der Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf” and the sponsorship award “H.W. & J. Hector” of the Kunsthalle Mannheim.
  • Prof. Dr. Christian Geiger is professor of Mixed Reality and Visualization (MIREVI) at the Faculty of Media, University of Applied Sciences, Düsseldorf (Hochschule Düsseldorf) and leads MIREVI team (www.mirevi.de), a group of 40 students and young researchers. He published over 120 papers in the areas of system design, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, mixed reality and human-computer interaction and served as reviewer and PC member in several conferences including CHI, IEEE VR, UIST and others. Since 2015 he directs the InnovationHub (www.innovationhub.de), an external think tank that is operated in close collaboration with two SMEs. His current work focuses on transfer projects and how applied state-ofthe- art research can directly influence the work of external partners like industry, SMEs and cultural organizations.