TravARlog
Wendy Ho
Advisor: Theo Ellin Ballew
TravARlog combines Mixed Reality with custom postcards, constructing an innovative platform for users to capture, preserve, and playback memories in a fusion of physical and digital realms.
Abstract
TravARlog is an iOS App that pairs with custom-designed postcards, bringing nostalgia for childhood diary exchange into modern technology. This allows us to share personal experiences by blending physical and digital realms to redefine our interaction with memories in the digital age. Exchange diaries were a popular trend in the 1990s. I used to do this with my friends where we could share a notebook and each took turns writing our thoughts, comments, or experiences — getting scolded by the teacher, or slipping in the rain while running to the class. It could happen in a group, or in groups of two — but it always created a sense of connection beyond what seems possible today. Today, I am dissatisfied with contemporary social media because the gap between technology and tangible experiences continues to widen. This disconnect highlights the need for spaces that allow for deep reflection, introspection, and self-expression within the context of a supportive and interactive relationship. By striking a balance between digital convenience and the tangible essence of personal connections, we can ensure that our experiences remain authentic, meaningful, and truly memorable. Recognizing the contemporary landscape of advanced technology, my exploration focusing on Mixed Reality, the app serves as a framework that helps creators build and preserve their memories within a virtual environment. By sending a unique physical postcard, the recipient receives a tangible 'Key' to unlock the sender's thoughtfully curated Augmented Reality space.
Technical Details
- Swift (RealityKit, ARKit, AVFoundation, SceneKit, SwiftUI, Combine)
- Figma
- Blender
Research/Context
Inspired by my background in interior design and a fond reflection on the meaningful connections fostered through traditional exchange diaries, I am embarking on a journey to create a transformative 'phygital' experience—integrating physical and digital elements. Motivated by the conviction that the fusion of physical and digital realms has the potential to redefine our interaction with technology. This project seeks a new and deeply personal experience, by blending the tangible with the virtual, this project aims to reshape how we perceive and engage with our surroundings, memories, and emotions, offering a glimpse into the limitless possibilities of the modern digital era.