App development for the exhibition "50 years University of Trier" in the city museum

The developed app is called "AR Special Place" and serves as a companion through the current exhibition in the city museum. It provides in-depth information on the exhibits in pictures, text and audio contributions. This is also where augmented reality functions come into play: If the device camera is directed at certain exhibits, the software recognises them and displays appropriate additional information. For example, the historical seal of the university can be examined under a magnifying glass to find out details about its individual parts.

Student Melisande Lauer conceived, designed and implemented the app as a bachelor thesis in the Intermedia Design course. Even after successfully completing her final exams, she showed a particularly high level of commitment to completing the app for productive use: "Supporting this prominent exhibition is a great opportunity to implement a meaningful thesis and take the final step into practice. However, many additional work steps are required before an app is actually available for download in the stores".

"Cooperations with the University and the City Museum are always wonderful examples of how easy it is to create local synergies when the right actors come together," adds their supervisor, Marcus Haberkorn, head of the Mobile Media Lab, Intermedia Design Department at the Design Campus of Trier University of Applied Sciences.

The app is available free of charge for Android and Apple devices in the respective stores.

Background to the App:
The Mobile Media Lab specialises in the development of location-based, internet-based media for mobile phones and PCs. The objective of many projects is to virtually expand local environments with additional information and functionalities, among other things: In 2014, an app for the Stumbling Stones project was launched and is now used by over 60 cities. In 2017, the database "Public Art Trier" was developed together with the European Academy of Art, providing information on more than 130 works of art in public space. On the occasion of the Karl Marx anniversary, the "Marx Guide" led visitors to the local sights.