Enhancing Accessibility and Advocacy Through AR-Enabled Public Art Experiences

Core Concepts

Augmented reality (AR) can transform public art into an accessible and engaging medium for blind and low vision (BLV) people, empowering them to actively participate in social justice advocacy.

Abstract

This position paper presents the design of ARtivism, an AR-based application that aims to make public art and activism more accessible to BLV individuals. The key insights are:

Public art can serve as a powerful medium for activism, but is often inaccessible to BLV people without visual descriptions. Prior crowdsourcing efforts have shown promise in creating accessible descriptions for public murals.

The ARtivism prototype leverages AR technology to overlay public art with auditory and visual enhancements, including crowdsourced descriptions, artist-narrated accounts, and interactive features like zooming. This allows BLV users to independently experience and engage with the art and its underlying advocacy messages.

Designing accessible AR experiences for public art requires balancing considerations around user preferences (e.g., wearable vs. mobile devices, crowdsourced vs. artist-provided descriptions), technological capabilities (e.g., sound unblending, tactile output), and the unique challenges of public art (e.g., respecting artists' privacy for unsanctioned works).

The impact of accessible public art extends beyond just the aesthetic experience - it can also improve BLV people's access to the advocacy and social justice components inherent in many public art installations. This aligns with the broader goal of making activism and civic engagement more inclusive.

The ARtivism prototype and design rationale presented in this paper provide a starting point for further exploration of how emerging technologies can transform public art into a more accessible and empowering medium for BLV audiences.

Stats

The Ithaca Crowder project yielded 113 descriptions for 14 public murals, submitted by 25 participants across the U.S. and Canada.

Quotes

"Public art humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces... Public art is freely accessible."
"Augmented reality has the potential to improve accessibility to both the aesthetic and advocacy components of public art."

Key Insights Distilled From

ARtivism: AR-Enabled Accessible Public Art and Advocacy

by Lucy Jiang at arxiv.org 04-23-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.13285.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the design of ARtivism be extended to support the accessibility needs of other marginalized groups, such as those with cognitive or motor impairments?

To extend the design of ARtivism to support the accessibility needs of other marginalized groups, such as those with cognitive or motor impairments, several considerations can be taken into account. Firstly, incorporating features like simplified user interfaces, customizable interaction options, and voice commands can cater to individuals with cognitive impairments. Providing clear and concise instructions, visual cues, and easy navigation can enhance the user experience for this group. Additionally, integrating features like text-to-speech functionality, audio descriptions, and interactive elements can benefit users with motor impairments by offering alternative ways to engage with the AR content.
Furthermore, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies and devices commonly used by individuals with cognitive or motor impairments, such as switch controls, eye-tracking systems, or screen readers, can enhance the accessibility of ARtivism. Conducting user testing and gathering feedback from individuals representing these marginalized groups can also help identify specific accessibility needs and preferences to inform the design process. By adopting a user-centered design approach and incorporating inclusive design principles, ARtivism can be extended to effectively support the accessibility needs of a diverse range of users, including those with cognitive or motor impairments.

What ethical considerations should be taken into account when designing AR experiences for public art, especially for works created without the owner's permission?

When designing AR experiences for public art, especially for works created without the owner's permission, several ethical considerations should be carefully addressed. Firstly, respecting the intellectual property rights and artistic integrity of the original creators is paramount. Unauthorized use of artworks, particularly in the context of AR experiences, can raise concerns about copyright infringement and artistic ownership. Designers should seek permission from artists or relevant authorities before incorporating their works into AR applications to ensure ethical and legal compliance.
Additionally, transparency and consent are essential ethical principles to uphold when designing AR experiences for public art. Users should be informed about the origin of the artworks, the intentions behind the AR experience, and any potential implications of interacting with the augmented content. Respecting the autonomy and privacy of both artists and viewers is crucial in maintaining ethical standards in ARtivism and similar projects.
Moreover, considerations around cultural sensitivity, representation, and the impact of AR experiences on the public perception of art should be taken into account. Designers should be mindful of the potential effects of augmenting public art, especially in sensitive or controversial contexts, and strive to promote respectful engagement with the artworks and their cultural significance. By prioritizing ethical guidelines, transparency, and responsible use of AR technologies, designers can ensure that AR experiences for public art uphold ethical standards and contribute positively to the artistic and cultural landscape.

In what ways could the ARtivism concept be adapted to enhance accessibility and advocacy for other forms of public expression, such as protests, political murals, or community-driven installations?

The ARtivism concept can be adapted to enhance accessibility and advocacy for other forms of public expression, such as protests, political murals, or community-driven installations, by leveraging augmented reality technology to amplify the voices and messages of marginalized communities. One way to adapt ARtivism for these contexts is to create AR experiences that provide historical context, educational information, and personal narratives related to the public expressions being showcased. By incorporating audio descriptions, visual augmentations, and interactive elements, AR can offer a multi-sensory and immersive experience that enhances understanding and engagement with the artworks or installations.
Furthermore, AR can be used to bridge physical and digital spaces, allowing for virtual participation in protests or community events through AR-enhanced platforms. By creating virtual tours, interactive maps, and real-time updates, AR can facilitate remote engagement and advocacy for social causes, political movements, or community initiatives. Additionally, AR can be utilized to document and preserve ephemeral forms of public expression, such as temporary installations or street art, ensuring their legacy and impact are accessible to a wider audience over time.
Moreover, incorporating features like multilingual support, audio translations, and community-contributed content can enhance inclusivity and representation in AR experiences for public expression. By empowering diverse voices and perspectives, ARtivism can serve as a platform for social justice, cultural preservation, and community empowerment across various forms of public expression. Through collaborative partnerships, user engagement, and innovative storytelling techniques, ARtivism can adapt to different contexts and amplify the accessibility and advocacy efforts for a wide range of public expressions.