By no means is this an exhaustive list of AR platforms out there, but these are the ones that I gleaned from the Amanda Almond (2021) paper “We Are All Related: (Re)Storying With Augmented Reality to Build Indigenous-Settler Relations”. These AR platforms in the form of apps virtually augment user experiences IRL, and would offer Indigenous storytelling, hence learning experiences in various ways. I have provided slogans or offerings in quotations below from each website that help explain what they provide. However, one aspect of these apps that I would like to explore is the protection of the user’s data since Indigenous knowledge is kept with sacred keepers, and only extended to certain initiates.
Wikitude: “Create unparalleled AR experiences with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the world around you.”
Actionbound: “Take people on real-world treasure hunts and guided walks.”
Ruptersland: “Rupertsland AR is an augmented reality app that is contributing to breaking new ground in Métis education with innovative tools for engagement and community building.”
Beaconstac: “Your entire proximity marketing solution [is] seamlessly connected to deliver the best customer experience.” Proximity marketing is a wireless means of communicating advertising to devices with compatible equipment.
Roar: “Scalable Cloud based SaaS Augmented Reality Content Creation Platform for Your Brand.”
Zappar: “The world’s leading augmented reality platform and creative studio.”
awe: “Your awe web app makes it easy for you to deliver Mixed Reality experiences through standard web browsers. Create and design your Mixed Reality content on almost any device, using only your web browser and awe.media.”
izi.travel: “We believe that every site or work of art has a story waiting to be told. That stories bring art, streets and cities to life. And that stories connect people.”
Reference
Almond, A. (2021). We Are All Related:(Re) Storying With Augmented Reality to Build Indigenous-Settler Relations (Master’s thesis). Retrieved from https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/4a4675d1-cdb5-4b15-8a6f-c708b0c948c1/view/990435ed-0a71-43d1-908a-fd9f45af05bb/Almond_Amanda_202103_MA.pdf
Thanks for the links Neil! AR has huge potential to be that bridge needed to directly connect learners of Indigenous knowledge to the land they live on. The biggest challenge is to find people who are willing to share their knowledge and then, as you mentioned, protect that knowledge.
Hi Juliano,
Yes, sharing knowledge is a delicate balance, especially through all of the injustices thrust onto Indigenous people globally. However, when it comes to big tech companies vying for big data, we ALL have to be cognizant of what we are sharing, so Indigenous communities that discover ways to keep their knowledge out of the greedy hands of big tech may be able to pave ways for a more altruistic Web.
Neal