Author: elina.dorzhieva

Prototyping Something I Actually Needed: A DIY Card Holder

Prototyping doesn’t always have to be about complex mechanisms or perfectly rendered 3D models. Sometimes, it’s about solving a real problem in a clever, quick, and personal way. That’s exactly what I did when I created my first low-fidelity prototype: a custom card holder made from an old makeup bag.

The Problem

Like many people living in student housing, I rely on an access card to enter my dorm. The problem? I kept forgetting it or misplacing it. I wanted something that made it easier to carry my card—something I could simply wear around my neck, so I’d always have it on me. And if it could look nice too, even better.

The Prototype

To create the card holder, I used what I had at home. The back piece is cut from a light blue plastic makeup bag—a resin-type material I chose specifically because it’s semi-rigid, waterproof, and still allows a card chip to be read through it.

For the front, I used the transparent part of the bag, which features small printed illustrations of people swimming. I loved how it looked—playful, bright, and just a little bit surreal. It added a fun visual layer to something that could easily be purely utilitarian.

To make the card holder wearable, I punched two holes and tied a pink ribbon I found among my accessories. It’s soft, slightly shiny, and gives the piece a gentle, decorative touch.

User Testing (aka Class Feedback)

We had a feedback session in class, and it was both helpful and encouraging. First of all, everyone immediately recognized what the prototype was and how it worked. That kind of clarity is important in prototyping—if people “get it” without explanation, you’re already off to a good start.

One important point that came up was the strap. While the ribbon looks nice, it’s a bit too short, making it awkward to reach the door reader. A longer or adjustable strap would make it more practical.

On the material side, my classmates liked that the card doesn’t need to be removed to be scanned. The plastic is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. Someone even mentioned that it could be worn while swimming—imagine you’re staying in a hotel by the beach and don’t want to carry anything. You could just wear your room card like this around your neck. Surprisingly useful.

And then there was the design. People really appreciated the look—the little swimmers, the color combo, the ribbon. One person said it perfectly matched my vibe. That made me think: what if this card holder could be customizable? Different prints, colors, or strap styles for different personalities.

Final Thoughts

This was a super simple prototype, but it taught me a lot. It didn’t take long to make, it solved a small but real problem, and I’ve been using it every day since. I even hang it by the door now, so I never forget it again.

What started as a class assignment ended up becoming something personal, practical, and pretty stylish. That’s the kind of prototyping I love: solving real needs in a way that feels truly you.

Projection mapping, also known as spatial augmented reality, uses specialized software to project images and animations onto three-dimensional surfaces. Unlike traditional flat-screen projections, it adapts to the contours of objects, creating dynamic, visually captivating effects. From enhancing historical landmarks to elevating museum exhibitions, projection mapping merges storytelling with technology, providing viewers with an engaging and memorable experience.

What is the impact on Art

Projection mapping offers a unique way to help audiences engage with art and its history. By turning artworks into dynamic, multi-sensory experiences, it allows people to connect more deeply with the stories behind the pieces. This technology can guide viewers through the cultural and historical context that shaped the art, making it easier to understand and appreciate.

One of the key benefits is how it captures attention and draws in people who might not normally feel interested in art. Instead of staring at a static piece, viewers are surrounded by movement, color, and sound that bring the artwork to life. It’s not just about creating a spectacle; it’s about immersing audiences in the time, place, and emotions of the artist’s world. For example, a centuries-old painting can be paired with projected visuals showing its original colors or the environment in which it was created. This adds layers of meaning that make the experience richer and more personal.

Projection mapping also makes art more accessible to broader audiences, including younger generations who might be more accustomed to digital and interactive formats. By blending technology with storytelling, it lowers the barrier for understanding and appreciating traditional works of art, creating a bridge between the past and the present

Case Study: Projection Mapping at the Tokyo National Museum

A great example of this was seen at the Tokyo National Museum during an exhibition called “The Mysteries of Asuka.” One of the key artifacts in the exhibition was the Saru Ishi, or “Monkey Stone,” an ancient carved object.

Projection mapping was used to bring the Monkey Stone to life. Animations lit up its surface, showing its carvings in detail and adding visuals that explained its historical and cultural importance. Visitors could imagine what the world looked like during the Asuka period of Japanese history. Instead of just looking at the stone, they experienced it as part of a bigger story. By projecting historical scenes and explanations onto the artifact, the museum helped visitors better understand the context of its creation and significance.

Van Gogh and the Rise of Projection Mapping in Art

Another popular use of projection mapping is seen in exhibitions like Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience and Van Gogh Alive. These exhibitions transform entire rooms into moving, animated versions of Van Gogh’s iconic works. Walls, floors, and ceilings are covered with projections of his art, accompanied by music and quotes from his letters.

These immersive exhibitions succeed because they provide context in a way that feels immediate and emotional. Instead of just reading about Van Gogh’s struggles or inspirations, visitors are surrounded by the swirling skies of Starry Night or the vibrant yellows of Sunflowers. The combination of visuals and sound pulls audiences into Van Gogh’s world, helping them understand not only his art but also the emotions and events that shaped it. By reimagining his works in this format, these exhibitions make his legacy feel alive and relatable to a modern audience.

Conclusion

Projection mapping is an amazing way to bring the stories behind art to life. It makes it easier to understand and connect with pieces that might otherwise feel distant or hard to relate to.

By making art more engaging, accessible, and contextual, projection mapping has the potential to spark a new level of interest in both classical and contemporary works. The possibilities are endless, and the results could change the way we see and understand art forever.

References:

https://headfull.jp/360-projection-mapping-at-tokyo-national-museum

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/pjab/100/3/100_pjab.100.012/_pdf/-char/en

https://blooloop.com/technology/opinion/future-of-projection-mapping/

https://vangoghexpo.com

By leveraging digital tools, museums can create personalized, immersive, and reflective experiences that deepen our emotional and intellectual connection with existing artworks. Two given projects exemplify how technology can transform art perception: Sensitive Pictures and SMKExplore. Both initiatives demonstrate how technologies such as Affective Computing, machine learning, and interactive design can redefine visitor engagement.

Emotional Journeys with Sensitive Pictures

Sensitive Pictures, a collaboration with the Munch Museum, uses Affective Computing to explore the emotional dimensions of art. Visitors begin their journey by selecting an emotion from options such as love, self-confidence, fear, sadness, obsession, and passion. A mobile app then guides them to paintings associated with their chosen emotion, enriching the viewing experience with layered narratives that combine emotional storytelling, factual insights, and reflective prompts.

Afterward, visitors participate in a simulated conversation with a fictionalized Edvard Munch. The voice on the phone then talked to the visitor about their experience and emotions. Drawing on the data from the web app, “Munch” talked about the painting that the visitor had reported the strongest emotional reaction to as measured by their self-reported values of arousal.

This approach integrates subjective and objective elements, combining self-reported emotions with facial expression analysis. Visitors are presented with a postcard summarizing their emotional data as a keepsake. The result is an experience that not only fosters deep personal reflection but also highlights the interplay between technology and human interpretation.

While most participants described the experience as emotionally impactful and meaningful, challenges emerged in capturing emotions. Both self-reporting and computer vision methods were limited by the complexities of human feelings and the contextual constraints of a museum environment. Nevertheless, Sensitive Pictures succeeded in encouraging visitors to connect emotionally with the art and reflect on their inner states.

Visual Exploration with SMKExplore

SMKExplore focuses on using machine learning for interactive art exploration. This web application employs object detection to allow visitors to browse a museum’s digital collection through specific objects depicted in paintings. By enabling users to navigate from details (e.g., a flower or chair) to the full artwork, SMKExplore offers a bottom-up, open-ended exploration experience.

Participants found this approach intuitive and engaging, often discovering patterns and recurring motifs across different artworks and styles. By isolating objects from their original contexts, the application encouraged users to notice details they might otherwise overlook. Many reported that this method inspired them to think more deeply about the complexity and craftsmanship behind each painting.

Moreover, SMKExplore highlighted the potential of machine learning to enhance art appreciation by revealing connections across large collections. This approach not only provides a fresh perspective on familiar works but also invites visitors to reflect on their personal interests and preferences when engaging with art.

The Broader Implications

Both Sensitive Pictures and SMKExplore illustrate the transformative potential of technology in museums. By incorporating emotional narratives, interactive interfaces, and data-driven insights, these projects create multidimensional experiences that challenge traditional modes of art interpretation. Visitors are no longer passive observers but active participants, engaging with art on intellectual and emotional levels.

These innovations also raise important questions about the role of technology in shaping our relationship with art. How do algorithmic interpretations influence our emotional responses? Can technology truly capture the depth of human experience? While these questions remain open, one thing is clear: the integration of technology into museum practices is unlocking new possibilities for art perception, making it more accessible, personal, and reflective.

As museums continue to experiment with digital tools, they have the opportunity to reimagine how we experience and connect with art. Whether through emotional storytelling or interactive exploration, technology is helping to create museum visits that resonate long after we’ve left the gallery.

References:

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.19174

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2203.01041

Art is often viewed as a visual medium, but there’s a growing recognition that engaging multiple senses can deepen and expand the impact of artwork. With more artists exploring sound, touch, and smell as tools for evoking responses, the blending of art and audio is an exciting space for both creators and audio professionals alike. New technologies are allowing immersive audio experiences that go beyond mere background noise, with sound becoming a vital and integral part of the art itself.

Sound as an Immersive Tool for Art

One of the remarkable things sound can do in a museum setting is to stop time and bring visitors into a present, deeply engaged state. The immersive power of sound offers a break from the constant bombardment of information and distractions in daily life. It creates a unique, curated journey that invites visitors to truly focus on the artwork and its surrounding atmosphere. Whether it’s a subtle hum of a distant conversation or a carefully designed soundscape that matches the theme of an exhibit, sound can enhance emotional responses and provide deeper context for understanding art.

Integrating Spatial Audio in Museum Experiences

Spatial audio, which positions sound within a 3D space, is revolutionizing how visitors experience art. A perfect example of this is the Japan Supernatural exhibit at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney. Through an innovative platform by Art Processors, visitors experienced a spatial soundscape that shifted based on their location. As they moved through the exhibit, they could choose whether to listen to a narrative voice or simply absorb the rich auditory atmosphere surrounding the artwork. This approach allowed visitors to control their experience, making the audio an active, responsive element that enhanced their understanding and enjoyment of the art.

This method of blending sound with visual elements is different from the traditional approach of background audio that merely accompanies an exhibit. Here, the sound is designed to be integral—responding to the visitor’s movements and choices, becoming as essential to the experience as the visual art itself.

Designing for Emotional and Cognitive Impact

Sound can connect directly with our emotions in ways that visuals alone cannot. In designing immersive spaces, curators and sound designers focus on creating a balance between emotional and cognitive experiences. Sound is often used to underscore or trigger specific emotional responses, guiding the viewer’s journey through the space. For instance, more intellectual or factual elements of an exhibit might be complemented with music or sounds that guide the visitor into an emotional moment, creating a dynamic narrative flow.

Accessibility in Audio Design

In the design of immersive audio experiences, accessibility is a central concern. Many museums and cultural institutions are now integrating accessible options for visitors with different needs, from closed captioning to sign language videos and sonified wayfinding for blind or low-vision individuals. These advancements are part of a broader effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage with the museum’s offerings.

The Future of Audio in Museums

The use of spatial audio is still evolving, but studies have shown its potential to significantly enhance the museum experience. In a study conducted in a Cognitive Immersive Room, participants showed a clear preference for soundscapes that were congruent with the exhibition’s theme. This approach was not only more immersive but also helped reduce distractions and increase focus. More than half of the participants preferred soundscapes that complemented the visual art, indicating that a well-designed auditory experience can deepen engagement with the art and the space.

References:

https://acoustics.org/enhancing-museum-experiences-the-impact-of-sounds-on-visitor-perception

https://www.aam-us.org/2022/08/26/transforming-museums-with-immersive-sound/

https://www.artprocessors.net/projects/art-gallery-new-south-wales-japan-supernatural

https://www.inavateonthenet.net/features/article/audio-technology-opens-a-new-frontier-in-the-art-market?

Augmented Reality art is an emerging medium that blends the real and the digital, offering animations and audio overlays that can be experienced through mobile devices. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which immerses users in fully synthetic environments, AR bridges reality and illusion, enhancing existing art with new dimensions of form, motion, and meaning. Its accessibility and relatively low production cost are making it a growing force in contemporary art.

But AR art is much more than a technological novelty—it is a tool for collaboration between viewer and creator, taking traditional works out of static galleries and into interactive, dynamic experiences.

What is Augmented Reality Art?

AR art can involve new compositions or recontextualizations of existing works. These 3D digital objects appear in space wherever a viewer points their camera. The layers AR adds to artworks—be it motion, form, or sound—create new avenues for interpretation and engagement.

For example, Alex Mayhew’s ReBlink at the Art Gallery of Ontario reimagines classical paintings with modern contexts. Through AR, a fire-haired maiden wields a selfie stick, and a 17th-century couple’s bountiful feast transforms into canned goods and hot dogs. This satirical take critiques online absorption while making the classic works relevant to contemporary audiences.

Augmented Reality and Viewer Interaction

AR redefines how we engage with art. Traditional artworks are often seen as passive objects, experienced in isolation. AR, however, turns the interaction into a collaborative process.

Take Xie’s Mona Lisa Effect project, which animates a single photo into a fully 3D experience. Users can see a central figure emerge from the frame, moving between dimensions. This reimagining brings paintings to life, offering an entirely new way of appreciating still imagery.

The Wake Up Photo project builds on this concept by bringing characters from still images to life in 3D. Unlike cinemagraphs, which introduce small motions to a 2D photo, Wake Up Photo creates fully three-dimensional animations from a single photograph. These animations can be experienced as videos or interactively in augmented and virtual reality, allowing characters to emerge from their frames and step into the real world. This innovative approach transforms static images into dynamic storytelling experiences, offering viewers a deeper and more immersive connection to the artwork.

Similarly, Everyday Conjunctive, a project rooted in the aesthetics of Fong Tse Ka, promotes bodily engagement with paintings. Using interactive techniques, viewers physically interact with painterly worlds, deepening their appreciation of the artist’s philosophy and aesthetics.

Expanding Spaces Beyond Galleries

AR takes art beyond the confines of gallery walls, bringing it into the streets, homes, and public spaces. This creates opportunities for greater access and diverse interpretations of the works.

The Flow Room installation exemplifies this by using AR and computer vision to create shared visual and soundscapes between participants in two separate locations. This interactive environment emphasizes community and collaboration, representing the flow of users across virtual spaces.

A New Era of Engagement

AR is not just a method for enhancing visuals; it’s a way to foster deeper engagement with art. By blending technology with tradition, AR encourages viewers to think critically and creatively about the relationships between art, space, and their own role as participants.

From reimagining classics to creating shared spaces for exploration, AR art turns passive viewership into active collaboration, enriching how we connect with and interpret art. The medium offers a glimpse into a future where the line between physical and digital experiences blurs, redefining how we perceive and interact with art forever.

Conclusion
Augmented Reality is revolutionizing the art world, giving traditional works new life and relevance while fostering dynamic, participatory experiences. By transforming how we engage with art, AR not only expands its audience but also deepens its impact.

Whether it’s through a reimagined gallery experience, a 3D animation of a classic painting, or a shared virtual environment, AR is proving that art is not just something we view—it’s something we experience, shape, and carry with us into the future.

References:

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2312.01067

https://monalisaeffect.com

https://openaccess.thecvf.com/content_CVPR_2019/papers/Weng_Photo_Wake-Up_3D_Character_Animation_From_a_Single_Photo_CVPR_2019_paper.pdf

https://lisajamhoury.com/the-flow-room

https://www.museumnext.com/article/akron-art-museum-launches-augmented-reality-experience/

https://cosimo.art/blog/art-and-augmented-reality/

https://www.autodesk.com/design-make/articles/augmented-reality-art

3D printing has expanded its applications in the art world, moving beyond sculptures and artifacts to include the replication of paintings. By capturing and recreating not just the colors but also the textures, relief, and even the gloss of original works, this technology opens up transformative possibilities for museum interactions. This post delves into how 3D printing of paintings enhances visitor engagement and interaction.

Tactile Exploration of Paintings

Traditionally, paintings have been viewed from a distance to preserve their integrity. However, 3D printing allows for the creation of touchable replicas that maintain the visual and physical characteristics of the original works. For example, museums can reproduce the brushstrokes, texture, and relief of a Van Gogh painting, enabling visitors to physically feel the intricacies of the artist’s technique.

Close-up of a 3D print of Vincent van Gogh, Flowers in a Blue Vase, 1885, oil on canvas, 61.5 x 28.5 cm. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo. Photo by author.

This tactile approach is particularly beneficial for visually impaired visitors. Being able to touch the contours and textures of a painting offers a unique sensory experience, allowing them to perceive the artwork in ways that were previously inaccessible.

Interactive Exhibits with 3D-Printed Paintings

3D-printed paintings can play a key role in interactive exhibits, making art more engaging and educational. Museums can encourage visitors to compare printed replicas with digital displays or augmented reality overlays to understand artistic techniques and historical context. Workshops could even invite visitors to paint or modify 3D-printed replicas, fostering creativity and deeper connections with the artwork.

Additionally, in a 3D print aspects of a work can be magnified and physicalized. For example, enlarging the eye of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring makes it possible to understand the artist’s technique and the material changes the work has been through (e.g. the cracks on the surface become clearly visible).

10 times enlarged 3D printed eye of Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665, oil on canvas, 44 x 39 cm. Mauritshuis, The Hague. Photo by author.

This technology also allows for recreations of lost or damaged paintings, providing a window into art history that might otherwise remain closed. Visitors can see and touch pieces of art that no longer exist in their original form, enriching their understanding of the artistic and cultural legacy.

Bridging the Gap Between Art and Audience

While curators may worry about the loss of aura associated with original paintings, 3D printing helps bridge the gap between art and audience by making these works more approachable. Replicas can be displayed in high-traffic areas, touched during guided tours, or used in educational settings without the risk of damaging the originals.

By creating interactive and tactile experiences, museums can attract younger audiences, families, and those who might feel intimidated by traditional gallery settings. This approach transforms the museum visit from a passive viewing experience into an active engagement with art.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

Despite its advantages, 3D printing of paintings raises important ethical questions. How should replicas be labeled to distinguish them from originals? Could the availability of high-fidelity reproductions diminish the value of authentic artworks? Museums must navigate these issues carefully, ensuring transparency and maintaining the integrity of their collections.

Additionally, there is a need for precision and quality in reproductions. Capturing the intricate details of a painting’s texture and gloss requires advanced scanning and printing techniques, which may not always be accessible or cost-effective for smaller institutions.

A New Frontier for Museum Interaction

3D printing is reshaping how museums approach paintings, transforming them into interactive, accessible, and educational experiences. By providing tactile opportunities, fostering creativity, and connecting visitors more deeply with art, this technology brings a new dimension to the museum world. While challenges remain, the potential for innovation and engagement makes 3D printing an invaluable tool for the future of art and cultural heritage.

As museums continue to embrace this technology, they have the chance to redefine the way audiences experience paintings—not just as objects to admire but as pieces to explore and connect with on a profoundly personal level.

 3D print of Rembrandt van Rijn, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Deijman, 1656, oil on canvas, 100 x 134 cm, Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam
Photo by author, 3D print by Factum Foundation

References:

https://www.codart.nl/feature/museum-affairs/3d-printing-works-of-art-an-opportunity-or-nightmare-for-curators/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-archaeological-practice/article/you-can-handle-it-3d-printing-for-museums/5FDE2B8896E09D879B75D77C4530ED1A

https://www.museumnext.com/article/how-museums-are-using-3d-printing/

https://theconversation.com/3d-printing-is-helping-museums-in-repatriation-and-decolonisation-efforts-126449