SMITHSONIAN
COOPER-HEWITT
In 2021, the Interaction Lab at Cooper Hewitt launched a competition titled Activating Smithsonian Open Access (ASOA). The goal was to use cutting-edge technology to bring to life the millions of 2D objects in Smithsonian's Open Access Collection. My team created a solution to develop an augmented reality prototype that connects the physical and digital world in an unexpected way. Doorways Into Open Access is an AR and VR app that takes people back in time to experience artifacts from the Smithsonian's extensive digital asset library.
AIM AND APPROACH
Traditionally, museums aren't perceived as being inclusive or welcoming places for the general public. We wanted to create an experience that brought history to people in neighborhoods and cities who may not have access to or have visited a museum.
THREE MILLION ASSETS.
ONE STORY.
The challenge was telling one story within the millions of archival images. We wanted to contextualize the artifacts, so we curated a selection from La Belle Époque, a fascinating era of enlightenment, and created a connection with contemporary issues.
FROM NYC TO PARIS
Our concept was rooted in providing a museum experience to those unfamiliar with museums. To attract the public's attention to our app, we designed a poster and wheat-pasted it on the streets of NYC.
Though only a prototype, Doorways into Open Access opens the door to limitless possibilities beyond Paris in the 1920s. Experience the app for yourself by downloading it here.