Abstract
Ensuring access to cultural and educational experiences for all people, including those with disabilities, is a fundamental principle established by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). Among emerging technologies, Augmented Reality (AR) has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing inclusion within museums and learning environments, offering new means for representation, interaction and engagement with culture and the arts. However, accessibility of AR technologies represents a challenge for teachers, curators and museum educators, due to the absence of structured application guidelines addressing the needs of diverse users. In this direction, this study illustrates the co-design process of an AR-based didactic installation, involving people with and without disabilities in the assessment and co-creation of inclusive solutions to ensure the accessibility of AR technologies. Through a multi-step design process and a Mixed-Methods approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected on factors such as usability, perceived learning and aesthetic experience. Accordingly, the research highlights critical user experience aspects, identifies potential barriers and explores strategies to improve inclusion and accessibility of arts and culture through AR-based technologies. Insights emerging from the results reveal the importance of fostering ownership, advocacy and self-determination of people with disabilities in their participation in cultural life. By integrating the epistemological and methodological trajectories of Special Pedagogy and Geography for the design of inclusive AR technologies, this study contributes to the definition of practical guidelines for accessible AR, advocating for the inclusion of people with disability and promoting participation in cultural life for all.
Presenters
Tommaso SantilliPhD Student, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy Catia Giaconi
Professor, Education, University of Macerata, Italy Simone Betti
Professor, Education, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy Lorenzo Virgini
PhD Student, Education, Cultural Heritage, Territories , University of Macerata , Macerata , Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Special Pedagogy, Geography, Accessibility, Co-Design, Augmented Reality
