I facilitated a number of brainstorming sessions with WHIM's artistic director. I identified additional parameters that would later inform ARtifact's final design:

• Each room design was driven by a backstory so I documented key themes, objects, symbols, and characters for later use.

• Core target audiences for WHIM included Influencers or people looking for "Instagrammable" spots and people seeking novel nightlife experiences. I used these personas as a core factor in my final concept.

• WHIM's design ethos is significantly inspired by 'Ruin Bars' in Budapest, which are known for found object installations. I chose to reflect this eclectic sentiment to stay consistent with WHIM's overall vision.

I looked at different AR building platforms. This included, Artvive, Zapworks, Adobe Aero, Lens Studio, and Spark AR.

While each platform demonstrated strong features Spark AR could provide a larger social media reach with direct publication to Meta platforms. It also prove to be relatively intuitive and I was able to learn it quickly.

Influencers/"Instagrammable" moment seekers could immediately and directly share their filter interactions to Instagram while inspiring a sense of play.

Meta also provides robust metrics via Instagram which allows for better data to inform future designs. 

I looked at different AR building platforms. This included, Artvive, Zapworks, Adobe Aero, Lens Studio, and Spark AR.

While each platform demonstrated strong features Spark AR could provide a larger social media reach with direct publication to Meta platforms. It also prove to be relatively intuitive and I was able to learn it quickly.

Influencers/"Instagrammable" moment seekers could immediately and directly share their filter interactions to Instagram while inspiring a sense of play.

Meta also provides robust metrics via Instagram which allows for better data to inform future designs.

I set out to create activation points in the spaces that guests could easily identify.

My initial approach was to use NFC tags (Near Field Technology; e.g. Contactless or Mobile payment, keycards, etc.) combined with 2"x2" holographic stickers.

Because guests would encounter a repeating symbol on the activation points, they would more likely recognize it. So I designed the stickers with a “W” using WHIM’s logo font. The holographic stickers would also catch the light in dimmer areas.

However using NFC tags posed a few technical constraints.

Because NFC technology is somewhat obscure, additional effort would have been needed to educate guests. Scan range was inconsistent and would require phones to be pressed directly on top of the activation points. In some instances thicker phone cases also caused interference. This added friction in the interaction and could lead to guests losing interest.

To make activation point interactions more accessible I opted for QR codes. 

Most guests would be familiar with scanning digital bar and restaurant menus, so QR codes provided an intuitive ‘real-world’ invitation to engage.

To better integrate the QR codes within the spaces, I incorporated them into graphics relevant to each room’s theme. The designs also subtly hinted toward what each filter would be.