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Piedra Ansatuña, Mario
Promoting Water Culture Through Augmented Reality and Gamified Experiences
Smart Signage with Augmented Reality: Inclusive Coworking
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.
2024
,
Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio
,
Borja Galeas, Carlos
,
Piedra Ansatuña, Mario
This project focuses on the implementation of augmented reality signage designed to enhance user experience in a coworking space. The signage integrates 2D animations and virtual tours to provide an intuitive and immersive experience, from entry to the desired destination within the establishment. At the main entrance, a totem with a coworking directory features a QR code that visitors can scan to access an interactive directory. The 2D animations, thoughtfully designed with an inclusive approach, utilize validated corporate colors to ensure accessibility, especially for individuals with color vision deficiencies. Each business in the coworking space is identified by a unique corporate color, and internal business floor plans use analogous colors, adjusted to maintain aesthetic coherence and accessibility. In addition to being an effective navigation tool, these animations reinforce the visual identity of the coworking space. Each business within the establishment has an interactive virtual tour that guides visitors from entry to their final destination, providing real-time visual information for effective orientation. The signage system is based on WordPress to offer a seamless and efficient experience without the need to download a specific application. Upon scanning the QR code, users are redirected to a mobile-optimized web page. This page not only provides access to the 2D animations and virtual tours but also offers useful information such as business hours, links to the businesses’ and coworking space's social media, and other relevant details for the visit. This augmented reality signage approach not only enhances the functionality of the space but also ensures that all visitors, regardless of their needs, enjoy an inclusive and efficient experience in the coworking space.