When Exhibitions Become Experiences: the nARration of augmented space inside a science museum

This Ph.D. thesis is focused on the concept of ‘Augmented Space’ and its design sensitivities, not only by combining physical space and all kinds of AR technologies as the one, but also exploring this new spatial format in a broader sociological context of augmented interaction that flows between digital and physical layers. Throughout the Ph.D. study, augmentation is reconceptualised as an idea/concept and cultural/aesthetic practice rather than as a pure technology.

It first articulates the notion of augmented space, highlights different dimensions of augmented space that visitors perceived from science exhibition settings, and further generates theoretical convergences; technical implications and practical reflections. Then aims at bringing novelty from spatial, technological and experiential perspectives to the co-productive exhibition-making. This thesis finally points out the shortcomings and limitation of this Ph.D. research and provides advice and directions for future curating works with embedding AR or SAR inside museums.