Dear Rachel
I think the most important things to achieve when a major investment is being made into the visualisation of the project is that the resources being created have both adaptability and longevity. In other words, as the project develops, not over the coming months, but over years, it should be possible to add new information and alterations to the model without going back and starting again. We must also bear in mind the expectations of our audience, who are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially when it comes to computer graphics. By building in these considerations at the beginning it is possible, for example, to greatly increase the resolution of the images in a virtual world to match the technology that will be available many years into the future.
When designing a project for disabled visitors it is important to create something that is a valid experience in itself, rather than a poor substitute for the real thing. You don't want to end up showing people what they are missing by not being able to access the building!
Here are the broad headings we have considered in previous projects:
Real-time. By creating a real-time model you will gain the maximum level of flexibility. It will be possible to create an infinite variety of fly-throughs for specific purposes as required, in addition to being able to offer 'self-drive' tours of the buildings. I would try to avoid the use of Quicktime panoramas.
Interactivity. There is no doubt that people's expectations of new technology are getting higher all the time, particularly when it comes to computer-related matters. The opportunities presented by Virtual Reality can meet, or even surpass, these expectations. By providing the facility to interact with the model (opening doors, moving objects, etc) the user can be made to feel far more involved).
Photo-realism. In our experience, providing a model which looks real has a number of significant advantages. In the first place it makes it far easier for the user to move around the model. (imagine trying to find your way around a building decorated with rich textures, as opposed to one where all the walls, floors and ceilings were the same colour). Secondly, it enables the user to sense the atmosphere as well as the simple structure of the building.
Spatialised sound. In addition to providing a model which looks real, the use of spatialised sound makes the experience feel real. This is particularly appropriate in the case of large buildings such as warehouses, cathedrals and castles.
Internet friendly. Having a model which can be adapted for use on the Internet can present significant advantages in terms of publicity for the site, as well as for the sale of CD-ROMs (remembering that a huge number of people will never be able to visit, simply because they live too far away)
User interface It is worth bearing in mind that many people who have lmpaired mobility also have impaired dexterity so the user interface needs to be designed with this in mind
Hope this is helpful.
Best wishes
Mike Gogan
----- Original Message -----
From: Rachel Cockett
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 4:31 PM
Subject: Advice on Virtual Tours Please?
Hi,
A colleague wants to develop a virtual tour of one of the upstairs of one
of our less physically accessible museums (Aston Hall). They are beginning
the process of commissioning the virtual 'tour' of Aston Hall with the main
aim that it will provide people who can't get up the stairs with another
way to access the rooms/objects.. They are currently preparing a brief for
designers.
I would be grateful if any of you have any useful advice re: what to ask
for, what to avoid, good or bad experiences of similar projects.
In particular, I wonder whether it the tour should try and replicate the
experience of walking around the upstairs or work in quite a different way?
I feel it should add something to the visiting experience for users who can
go upstairs too.
I have tried to look at some virtual museum tours and found that many
require Quicktime which my super-secure council pc will not let me install
(I have Windows Media Player). I guess this is not such an issue for the
general public, but it would be good to have advice as to whether a tour
can be created to run an all standard software or is this unlikely?
In addition, I feel it should run and be available online rather than on a
CD on an independent pc, any thoughts/comments on this?
Thank you,
Rachel
System Manager
Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery
*************************************************************************************************
The information contained within this e-mail (and any attachment) sent by Birmingham City Council is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the named recipient or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient please accept our apologies and notify the sender immediately, or telephone +(44) 121 464 4444 Unauthorised access, use, disclosure, storage or copying is not permitted and may be unlawful. Any e-mail including its content may be monitored and used by Birmingham City Council for reasons of security and for monitoring internal compliance with the office policy on staff use. E-mail blocking software may also be used. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the originator and do not necessarily represent those of Birmingham City Council. We cannot guarantee that this message or any attachment is virus free or has not been intercepted and amended.
*************************************************************************************************
|