The need
The project was born from the need to make the historical-cultural heritage more accessible, engaging and inclusive, overcoming the physical, cognitive and linguistic barriers that often limit museum use. In a context in which visitors' interest in interactive and personalized experiences is growing, there is a need to integrate immersive technologies and playful-educational approaches to transform the visit into an opportunity for active and memorable learning. It also intends to enhance the cultural heritage through sustainable digital tools that guarantee its preservation and dissemination even at a distance.
The project
HPX – Heritage, Play, Experience envisions the creation of an innovative Augmented Reality experience dedicated to museums. Using a mobile app, visitors are accompanied by a virtual character who guides them through an interactive serious game consisting of puzzles, missions, and 3D reconstructions. Marker-less AR technology allows for the recognition of artworks and spaces without the use of physical markers, allowing visitors to interact with the content simply by framing it. A natural language AI virtual assistant provides personalized information, while accessibility tools such as colorblind filters and visually impaired aids make the experience inclusive. Gamification rewards visitors with points, digital badges, and exclusive content, culminating in a personalized and shareable final report. The approach integrates storytelling, immersion, and interactivity to promote a replicable model of cultural valorization based on emerging technologies.
Project funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU – PNRR – Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.5 “Creation and strengthening of Innovation Ecosystems, building territorial R&D leaders” – Research and Innovation Program Sicilian Micronanotech Research and Innovation Center SAMOTHRACE, identification code ECS00000022 and CUP E63C22000900006 Spoke 1 – University of Catania.
