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Hybrid user interfaces combine cross-reality devices (e. g., head-mounted display) with other heterogeneous device technologies (e. g., smartphone) to compensate for the disadvantages of one device with the advantages of the other, such as addressing the lack of haptic feedback in mid-air interaction with touchscreen input. Such hybrid user interfaces typically involve the synchronous use of multiple input and output technologies. In this work, we instead consider the asynchronous use of heterogeneous devices (e. g., using a desktop and virtual reality device in sequence). While the sequential use of different technologies does not necessarily offset the individual device-specific disadvantages, it allows users to choose the more appropriate device for a particular sub-task. In this context, transitional interfaces play an essential role in enabling the switch between devices, while allowing the user to maintain a mental connection between realities and seamlessly continue with their task where they left off.

Outreach and citizen science are important aspects in research and development. For example, the collection of bird-related data is driven forward by non-professional ornithologists as well as by researchers. At the exhibition “From Lake Constance to Africa, a long distance travel with ICARUS” which took place during the summer 2018 at the island Mainau in Germany, a Virtual Reality (VR) installation was shown utilizing movement data of a flock of storks. Two VR binoculars were installed which were used by the visitors to observe storks flying, following their way from Lake Constance towards Africa based on GPS data of real storks. In this way, viewers experienced a 360° view on top of the stork “Bubbel” as it flies with 26 flock mates. The VR binoculars were created as a 3D print equipped with a smartphone, VR headset and other special features enabling the long-term use. The overall project consists of three components: 1) the production software Bird Watcher, 2) the exhibitioncompatible exploration software Bird 360°, as well as 3) the hardware setup: the Sword of Stork Bubbel. published

In diesem Beitrag stellen wir das Konzept der Hybriden Exponate vor. Ziel dieses Interaktionskonzepts ist der kombinierte Einsatz von realer und virtueller Informationsvermittlung, ohne die Aura des Originals zu beeinträchtigen. Am Beispiel der Ausstellung „Archäologie in Baden“ des Badischen Landesmuseum Karlsruhe zeigen wir auf, wie Hybride Exponate in Ausstellungen eingesetzt werden können und wie solche Exponate mithilfe von neuartigen interaktiven Medien kontextualisiert werden können. published

The method of loci is a technique to memorize large quantities of information by associating the items to be learned with familiar places (loci). The effectiveness of the technique has been well established, but the initial creation of the loci can be a tedious task. With the aim of supporting flexible learning in situ, we introduce Loci Spheres, a novel concept which facilitates the creation of loci using mobile devices. We present three variants which support the technique to varying degrees: spatial loci (uses spatial input) and panning loci (uses panning) to define and navigate the loci, and no loci (baseline condition), where users have to create the loci within their imagination. In an in-the-wild study we investigated perceived system support, usage behavior, and effectiveness of the three variants. With this work we introduce a novel memorization tool which addresses the potential barrier involved in loci creation and provide a set of four design principles on how to leverage the technique with mobile devices in everyday situations. published

Im Rahmen eines Kooperationsprojekts von Studierenden der Universität Konstanz und HTWG Konstanz entstand die Ausstellung „Rebuild Palmyra?“, eine multimediale Ausstellung über die Stadt Palmyra und die Frage, ob deren Ruinen wiederaufgebaut werden sollen. In der Ausstellung wurde der Ansatz des Blended Museums verfolgt, welcher eine Verschneidung des virtuellen mit dem klassischen Museum vorsieht. In diesem Beitrag beschreiben wir drei Exponate, in welchen die Ruinen von Palmyra durch die Verwendung neuer Technologien wie Augmented und Virtual Reality rekonstruiert wurden und zeigen auf, inwiefern mit diesen der Ansatz des Blended Museums umgesetzt werden kann. Des Weiteren geben wir Einblicke in die technische Umsetzung der Exponate und diskutieren die Ergebnisse verschiedener qualitativer und quantitativer Evaluationen. published