Enlarged Fonts and High-Contrast Visuals
For visually impaired visitors, reading small labels or descriptions in low-light galleries can be challenging. AR can instantly adjust font sizes to suit individual preferences, making text more readable and eliminating the struggle of squinting to see small, dimly lit labels. Users can set up their devices to display larger, bold fonts, so exhibit details appear clearly on their screen, in a format that works best for them.
High-contrast visual settings are another vital AR feature, improving readability in darker exhibition spaces where glare or shadows may reduce visibility. These settings let visitors adjust colours and contrasts, ensuring that text, images, and navigation cues are visible against any background or lighting environment.
3D Content to Explore Art and Sculpture Details
AR isn’t limited to just descriptions—it can also generate 3D models that bring out key details on artworks and sculptures. For example, a 3D model could highlight textures on an ancient carving or zoom in on intricate brushwork in a painting. Visitors can explore these elements from all angles through their devices, bringing out tactile details that enhance understanding.
This 3D functionality is particularly effective for sculptures or artefacts with complex forms that may be hard to perceive in full for visually impaired visitors. By generating these detailed visualisations, AR helps bridge the gap between seeing and understanding, giving visitors access to parts of an exhibit that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Traditionally, museum audio guides or labels rely on exhibit numbers or long names for visitors to look up information. AR, however, enables object recognition through the device’s camera, allowing visitors to simply scan an artwork or artefact with their phone or tablet. This means that visitors no longer have to locate or read exhibit numbers; they can simply point their camera at the object, and AR will recognise it instantly, providing relevant information.
Bringing Art to Life with Voice Actors
Rather than reading descriptions or captions, visitors can listen to voice actors narrate the stories behind each piece. AR technology allows museums to create engaging audio experiences that give a “voice” to artworks, artefacts, or even historical figures. Imagine hearing a famous artist describe their technique, or listening to a historical figure speak about their time. These voices can make the experience more immersive and emotional, helping visitors feel connected to the exhibits in a deeply personal way.
The use of professional voice actors adds personality and brings the past to life, creating a unique storytelling experience that’s more engaging than traditional audio guides or text labels.
AI-powered voices are opening up multilingual options, enabling museums to offer audio descriptions in multiple languages without requiring numerous narrators. Visitors can select their preferred language in the AR app, and AI-generated voices will narrate the content accurately and naturally. These AI voices are increasingly realistic, allowing international visitors to enjoy exhibits in their native language, regardless of the language originally used in the exhibition.
This AI integration also allows for on-the-spot language customisation, making museums more inclusive for visitors who speak different languages and giving non-native speakers a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
The Future of Accessible, Inclusive Museum Experiences
AR is transforming museums into more accessible spaces, enabling visually impaired visitors to experience exhibits without barriers. By incorporating larger font options, high-contrast visuals, 3D models, and object recognition, alongside voice-narrated content in multiple languages, museums are making strides in universal accessibility. These tools ensure that every visitor, regardless of their visual ability, can engage meaningfully with the stories, techniques, and histories embedded within art and culture.