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Jadán Guerrero, Janio
Promoting Water Culture Through Augmented Reality and Gamified Experiences
Empowering Food Heritage and Culinary Tourism Through the Development of a Mobile Application
2025
,
Jadán Guerrero, Janio
,
Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio
,
Piedra Ansatuña, Mario
,
Marcos Chacón-Castro
This article examines the design and development process of interactive and immersive learning environments focused on conservation, management and responsible use of water. Using the Game Thinking methodology, interdisciplinary groups were formed, consisting of students from three different Master’s programs, along with designers, programmers, experts from the Quito Metropolitan Public Water and Sanitation Company (EPMAPS), and members of Foundation for the Support of Sustainable Development in Ecuador (FADSE). A total of 135 participants contributed diverse perspectives in education, user experience, technology, and sustainability. The objective was to develop proposals that would connect with children, young people, and adults to raise awareness about responsible water use, the consequences of waste, the contamination of water sources and simulate the consequences of water decisions in urban and rural environments. The study demonstrated that master’s students can play a significant role in addressing real urban challenges and that, when properly guided, their ideas can lead to innovative solutions aligned with emerging technologies. The developed solutions were evaluated by the students themselves alongside their peers, revealing that interactive tools not only promote active participation but also strengthen the emotional connection with the new water culture. Furthermore, the project emphasized accessibility, scalability, and cultural relevance, ensuring inclusive and sustainable educational solutions. In the future, the study will aim to assess the impact of these initiatives on public awareness and behavior.
2025
,
Johann Jadán-Altamirano
,
Carlos Boguerin-Tabarini
,
Jadán Guerrero, Janio
The article addresses the revaluation of food heritage and the development of sustainable culinary tourism in Latin America, with emphasis on Ecuador and Guatemala. It highlights the role of technology as a key driver of these initiatives, proposing the development of a mobile application designed to promote local and ancestral products, facilitate access to information on culinary traditions and directly connect consumers with producers. The study underscores the relevance of preserving and revitalizing gastronomic knowledge, as it contributes to enriching the cultural identities of both countries. It also examines the challenges and opportunities presented by digital tools to increase the visibility of these products in a global market. The initiative seeks to foster sustainable economic development, empower local communities and preserve cultural heritage, all by strengthening interest in indigenous cuisine. A survey of 49 foreigners from Europe and the United States reflected that 85% would be interested in using an app to plan culinary experiences in Ecuador and Guatemala. Also, 72% considered that this tool could attract more tourists and promote traditional cuisine, while 68% would pay for exclusive content and reservations. In conclusion, this proposal combines sustainability and digitalization, creating a platform that connects consumers with the cultural and gastronomic richness of both countries, strengthening culinary tourism and preserving local traditions