CSUF Arboretum Project

AR-boretum

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Inspiration

Over 50 years ago, the area that is now the Fullerton Arboretum was initially planned for a parking lot to meet the school's expansion needs. However, the community dreamt of creating a naturally diverse ecological environment. Over these decades, most plants originated from small one-gallon pots, cultivated and cared for collectively. Through collaborative efforts, this vision has turned into reality. The success here symbolizes not only a beautiful landscape but a testament to collective struggle and achievement. Yet, to ensure the sustainable realization of this dream, persistent support and care are essential. Which is why I was inspired to create ARboretum to play my part in supporting the local nature.

What it does

While traditional navigation systems often focus on pathfinding, our app tailors to Arboretum users who seek interesting plants and desire a closer connection with nature. It enhances the nature exploration experience through AR, providing intuitive visual navigation. Simultaneously, it fosters environmental awareness and encourages users to take tangible actions for conservation.

How we built it

To begin, we conducted user research, identifying challenges and opportunities for AR solutions from user expressions and behaviors. Next, we utilized Google My Maps to create custom maps, recording vital checkpoints, routes, and insights with location data. Google Earth provided a comprehensive 3D view of the Arboretum, offering valuable insights into user needs. These insights informed the navigation design in the 3D map and virtual checkpoints. The final implementation of these concepts was executed in Adobe Aero, incorporating 3D models from Blender and leveraging geospatial tools from Geospatial Creator and Google Maps.

Challenges we ran into

We grappled with seamlessly integrating AR technology into user needs, finding the right balance when utilizing apps to maintain harmony with the natural and real-world surroundings. Embedding environmental awareness in the user experience, ensuring interactive content, a fun learning experience, and ultimately elevating users' environmental consciousness and encouraging actionable steps posed significant challenges.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We consistently questioned why AR was a necessity and what unique features made it irreplaceable compared to other mediums. We're proud to have found several answers:

Firstly, at the start of the journey, we provide an intuitive experience using an AR digital installation to impress and motivate users. This creative approach integrates the Arboretum's distinctive plants with seasons, weather, and culture, expressing the botanical garden's features dynamically. It updates bi-weekly to showcase the ecological diversity of the Arboretum.

Secondly, the navigation system built around these featured plants is more intuitive, with each plant acting as data points. By connecting to GPS points, users can choose multiple points to create their unique pathway, enabling a personalized journey based on personal interests rather than place names or regions.

Thirdly, users can interact with avatars in key areas, gaining information and a gamified experience that educates while entertaining.

Fourthly, users can collect avatars from key areas, fostering a sense of accomplishment for local users and serving as a souvenir for visitors, creating a time capsule of cherished memories.

What we learned

The Geolocation challenge prompted us to think in an action-oriented way. Combining AR technology with a gaming experience can make learning more engaging. Compared to traditional classrooms, nature has irreplaceable advantages. Nature provides endless visual inspiration, and we can learn many interactive mechanisms and theories from the natural. This is also a strength of geolocation technology.

What's next for CSUF Arboretum Project

Building on the lessons learned from the Geolocation challenge and the insights gained, the next steps for the CSUF Arboretum Project involve further integration of action-oriented thinking. We plan to enhance the learning experience by leveraging AR technology and incorporating gaming elements, making education more engaging.

Our future endeavors will involve deepening our understanding of interactive relationships and theories derived from natural mechanisms, utilizing the unique strengths of geolocation technology. The project's trajectory will continue to evolve, focusing on creating a seamless blend of technology, education, and environmental consciousness within the CSUF Arboretum experience.

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