Web tool for creating XR/AR experiences, also using a range of predefined layouts for UX and UI
The 3D XR Studio is a web-based authoring tool that allows users to create immersive experiences in XR and AR. It enables users to combine different types of multimedia content (3D models, images, videos, audio, and text) into interactive scenes, creating narrative paths and virtual environments that can be explored via mobile devices or AR/XR headsets. It is specifically designed for cultural heritage professionals with an intuitive, no-code interface.
The 3D XR Studio can generate AR tours that the visitor on-site access with their smartphone, downloading the app. In specific points of the site, the visitor finds “totems”, physical references with instructions and QR codes. This allows the visitor to see the models selected and placed by the curator (potentially with rotation and scale fine tuned), see a suggested path and access the descriptions, audios and other media selected by the curator.
This is neither GPS nor internet based (except for the initial download phase) therefore it works offline without relying on GPS.
The tool is realized by Swing:It. It is completely open and free of charge, and is demonstrated in the project through the Girona Walls scenario.
In a nutshell
What is the 3D XR Studio?
3D XR Studio is a web and mobile-based authoring environment for creating XR narratives and spatial experiences using 3D models. It is designed for storytelling, education and cultural mediation.
Who is the 3D XR Studio for?
- Cultural Heritage Professionals
- Researchers
Key features
- Place 3D models in real or virtual environments.
- Define routes, scenes and narratives.
- Combine maps, media and interactions.
- Fine-tune placement on-site using mobile devices
- Publish lightweight XR experiences
What do you need?
- 3D models: GLB (suggested), OBJ (no texture)
- Information to provide to the final users in specific points of interest (videos, audio, text or images)
- Web and mobile access (for mobiles compatible with Google Ar Core)
- A PC device is suggested for the web component
Output
- Web-based and mobile XR experiences
Example of user story
A cultural heritage institution wishes to communicate the story of a historical site through one of its key historical figures, making the narrative more engaging and accessible to visitorsAn archivist wishes to create a curated AR experience for a visitor to follow the route of the destroyed walls and fortifications that once surrounded the city.
- The curator selects media to use in the scenario (3D models, video, audio, etc.)
- The curator creates a new project in the 3D XR Studio web app.
- Using the provided map, the curator defines the portion of the city into which to place the 3D models.
- The curator creates the desired route by setting a series of path points on the map.
- The curator sets points of interest along their defined path.
- The curator associates the selected points of interest with text, audio and video.
- The curator defines starting points based on physical totems within the city.
- Fine-tuning of 3D model positioning is undertaken by the curator in the field through the web app.
- When visitors reach the physical totem, they can follow the instructions written on it in order to download the app.
- The instructions inside the app will guide the visitors to read the QR code printed on the physical totem.
- The app asks the visitor to place the phone next to the totem in a specific position and to wait for the initial download of the AR experience (such as 3D models and media).
- Once the download is complete, the AR experience starts in the app of the visitors, showing 3D models, a suggested path and other media such audio or images selected by the curator (see point 1)
Manual and Documentation
- Download the 3D XR Studio factsheet (PDF)
- Download the User Manual (PDF)
- Sign up and Access the tool at this link
- For developers: source code on GitHub