Haka’a’Museum:
Designing for a Sustainable Ocean

Natural History Museum of Funchal (05th July)

Employing Augmented Reality to Promote Ocean Sustainability:
Workshop at the Natural History Museum of Funchal

The “Haka’a’Museum” workshop in Madeira explores how augmented reality (AR) enhances marine conservation education. This one-day, hands-on experience engages participants in co-creating AR experiences that make complex environmental issues more accessible. Following a structured approach, participants explore museum exhibits, collaborate on AR concepts, implement content using no-code tools, and evaluate their experiences. Leveraging Madeira’s unique marine ecosystem, the workshop addresses ocean pollution, climate change, and sustainability. Data from AR interactions will inform the best practices for museum education. Ultimately, the workshop fosters awareness and action for ocean sustainability, redefining how museums educate through immersive technology.

Program (one full day)

Museum Exploration, Ideation, and Concept Development

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM – Understanding the Problem & Museum Visit

•         Introduction to the workshop, facilitators, and objectives.

•         Guided tour of the Funchal Natural History Museum, where participants can explore exhibits related to marine conservation.

•         Discussion on existing museum engagement methods and how AR can enhance visitor experiences.

•         Technology introduction: Overview of AR applications and how they can be used to create interactive museum experiences.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Ideation & Co-Creation Concept Design

•         Brainstorming session to generate innovative ideas for integrating AR into museum exhibits.

•         Participants define key messages, identify target audiences, and select artifacts or locations that could benefit from AR enhancement.

•         Collaborative discussions on museum storytelling using digital tools.

•         Introduction to no-code AR development tools and basic interaction design principles.

Break: 12:15 PM – 13:30 PM

AR Prototyping, Testing, and Presentation

13:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Prototyping and Content Development

•         Participants use no-code AR platforms to begin building their interactive content.

•         Hands-on prototyping using real museum content and exhibits.

•         Small group collaboration, ensuring every participant contributes to design decisions.

 3:30 PM – 4 PM – Testing and Refining AR Experiences

•         Participants test their AR applications.

•         Feedback loop: Iterative improvements based on initial testing.

4 PM – 4:30 PM – Final Presentations & Discussion

•         Groups present their AR-enhanced exhibits to the facilitators and fellow participants.

•         Reflection and discussion on the impact of AR in museum experiences.

•         Open conversation on potential applications beyond the workshop and future opportunities for innovation.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Closing Remarks & Wrap-up

•         Summary of key insights and takeaways.

•         Next steps for participants interested in further developing their ideas.

•         Certificate distribution and networking session

I want to take part in the workshop

To participate, please send an email to maria.v.zeller@inesctec.pt with a short statement (max 150 words) on why you would like to join the workshop. Spaces are limited to 10-20 participants, so early applications are encouraged until 4 june. there are still places available.

People outside the conference can register, but to do so they must register on the website (https://dis-registration.travel-to-madeira.com/), you share the code (WAFVT6665) and they chose only the workshop item in registration.

code: WAFVT6665

We look forward to co-creating immersive museum experiences with you at DIS 2025!

SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF THE ORGANIZERS

Maria Van Zeller

Maria van Zeller is a PhD Researcher in Digital Media at INESC TEC (HumanISE center), specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), immersive learning, and participatory design. She teaches in the fields of games and extended realities. Author of Games and Augmented Reality in Museums (DGPC), based on her PhD research, she developed a model for using digital technologies to create immersive museum experiences through co-creation and gamification.With over 20 years of experience in museums, she has led national and international cultural heritage and education projects as a Designer and has received multiple national and international multimedia awards.

Vanessa Cesário

Professor Vanessa Cesário is an esteemed expert in Digital Media and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a rich academic background, including a Ph.D. in Digital Media (Communications sciences and technology). She excels in blending theory with practical skills in her teaching, preparing students for the dynamic communication landscape. Her research largely focused on HCI within cultural heritage, leverages participatory design to preserve heritage through technology.  As a member of the Interactive Technologies Institute, she collaborates internationally, contributing significantly to her fields. Renowned for her work in Communication, HCI, and Cultural Heritage, Professor Cesário inspires students to use digital media to make impactful narratives to preserve cultural heritage.

REQUIRED FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

The workshop will be held in a dedicated space within the Funchal Natural History Museum, situated in the heart of Funchal’s historic center. This location offers direct access to museum exhibits, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the museum environment while designing and testing their AR experiences in a real-world cultural and educational setting. Participants are required to bring their own laptops and smartphones, which will be essential for the design, development, and testing of AR applications. Facilitators will provide access to no-code AR platforms and digital resources, ensuring that participants can effectively build and prototype their interactive experiences.

For those without suitable hardware, a limited number of spare devices (smartphones/tablets) may be available upon prior request. This ensures that all participants, regardless of their personal equipment, can fully engage in the workshop activities.

INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS

The “Haka’a’Museum: Designing for a Sustainable Ocean” workshop is designed to be inclusive and accessible to participants from diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise. The following measures have been implemented to ensure equal participation and engagement:

• The workshop is designed for individuals with no coding or AR development experience, making it accessible to museum professionals, educators, students, designers, and researchers. All tools used will be no-code, free, and web-based, ensuring that anyone can participate.
• Participants will engage in hands-on activities, group discussions, visual mockups, and interactive AR development, catering to different learning styles.
• The Funchal Natural History Museum is wheelchair-accessible, and all activities will be conducted in spaces that are physically inclusive.
• The workshop will be conducted in English, with facilitators providing clear, simple explanations to accommodate non-native English speakers. If needed, translations of key materials will be made available.
• Information will be delivered in a structured, step-by-step manner, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding. Visual aids, demonstrations, and hands-on activities will support knowledge retention.

This commitment to accessibility ensures that anyone interested in museum innovation and digital storytelling can fully participate, contribute, and benefit from the workshop.