IMS Master Project'2024
Augspin
With user-centered approach, the goals was to create an engaging and memorable Mixed-Reality experience that highlights Augsburg's unique water management system using a meaningful tangible digital object.
Role
Role
Role
Team Members
Team Members
Team Members
Tools
Tools
Tools
User Tester
UX Researcher
Web Designer
User Tester
UX Researcher
Web Designer
User Tester
UX Researcher
Web Designer
5 Designers (2 UX Researchers, 1 User Tester, 2 UI Designer)
6 Developers
1 Project Manager
5 Designers (2 UX Researchers, 1 User Tester, 2 UI Designer)
6 Developers
1 Project Manager
5 Designers (2 UX Researchers, 1 User Tester, 2 UI Designer)
6 Developers
1 Project Manager
Background
Background
Background
Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities, hosts a UNESCO-recognized water system that has powered the city for over 800 years. As students at THA, we aimed to spotlight this hidden heritage and make it more visible to the public.
Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities, hosts a UNESCO-recognized water system that has powered the city for over 800 years. As students at THA, we aimed to spotlight this hidden heritage and make it more visible to the public.
Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities, hosts a UNESCO-recognized water system that has powered the city for over 800 years. As students at THA, we aimed to spotlight this hidden heritage and make it more visible to the public.
The Challenge
The Challenge
The Challenge
Despite its historical significance, many parts of the system like the original Water Towers — remain closed to the public due to their delicate preservation needs.
As a result, visitors often pass by without realizing the invisible infrastructure that once powered Augsburg’s prosperity.
So, the biggest challenge was
“How can we share the story of a city when parts of it are physically inaccessible?”
Despite its historical significance, many parts of the system like the original Water Towers — remain closed to the public due to their delicate preservation needs.
As a result, visitors often pass by without realizing the invisible infrastructure that once powered Augsburg’s prosperity.
So, the biggest challenge was
“How can we share the story of a city when parts of it are physically inaccessible?”
Despite its historical significance, many parts of the system like the original Water Towers — remain closed to the public due to their delicate preservation needs.
As a result, visitors often pass by without realizing the invisible infrastructure that once powered Augsburg’s prosperity.
So, the biggest challenge was
“How can we share the story of a city when parts of it are physically inaccessible?”
Solution
Solution
Solution
Through this blend of physical interaction and immersive technology, Augspin doesn’t just enhance the water tower tour
It makes Augsburg’s invisible history feel personal, shareable, and unforgettable.
Through this blend of physical interaction and immersive technology, Augspin doesn’t just enhance the water tower tour
It makes Augsburg’s invisible history feel personal, shareable, and unforgettable.
Through this blend of physical interaction and immersive technology, Augspin doesn’t just enhance the water tower tour
It makes Augsburg’s invisible history feel personal, shareable, and unforgettable.
We knew we couldn’t rebuild the Water Tower but we could reimagine how people experience it. Instead of expecting tourists to visit a physically inaccessible site, we brought the site to them in the form of
a 3D wooden puzzle of a waterwheel that unlocks an interactive Mixed Reality experience that blend physical interaction with digital storytelling.
We knew we couldn’t rebuild the Water Tower but we could reimagine how people experience it. Instead of expecting tourists to visit a physically inaccessible site, we brought the site to them in the form of
a 3D wooden puzzle of a waterwheel that unlocks an interactive Mixed Reality experience that blend physical interaction with digital storytelling.
We knew we couldn’t rebuild the Water Tower but we could reimagine how people experience it. Instead of expecting tourists to visit a physically inaccessible site, we brought the site to them in the form of
a 3D wooden puzzle of a waterwheel that unlocks an interactive Mixed Reality experience that blend physical interaction with digital storytelling.
Goals
Goals
Goals
Raises awareness of Augsburg’s water system.
Raises awareness of Augsburg’s water system.
Raises awareness of Augsburg’s water system.
Raises awareness of Augsburg’s water system.
Makes inaccessible landmarks feel personally connected.
Makes inaccessible landmarks feel personally connected.
Makes inaccessible landmarks feel personally connected.
Makes inaccessible landmarks feel personally connected.
Encourages users to explore history through interaction.
Encourages users to explore history through interaction.
Encourages users to explore history through interaction.
Encourages users to explore history through interaction.
My contributions
My contributions
My contributions
User Tester
User Tester
User Tester
Having a background as a Software Test Engineer, I dominated the Usability Testing phase.
Having a background as a Software Test Engineer, I dominated the Usability Testing phase.
Having a background as a Software Test Engineer, I dominated the Usability Testing phase.
I prepared detailed testing plans, surveys, and recording sheets for usability testing.
I prepared detailed testing plans, surveys, and recording sheets for usability testing.
I prepared detailed testing plans, surveys, and recording sheets for usability testing.
User Research was something new to me, so I tried to eagerly learn from other experienced UX Researchers.
UX Researcher
Competitive analysis
Brainstorming sessions
User Research was something new to me, so I tried to eagerly learn from other experienced UX Researchers.
User Research was something new to me, so I tried to eagerly learn from other experienced UX Researchers.
User Research was something new to me, so I tried to eagerly learn from other experienced UX Researchers.
UX Researcher
UX Researcher
UX Researcher
Competitive analysis
Competitive analysis
Competitive analysis
Brainstorming sessions
Brainstorming sessions
Brainstorming sessions
Web designer
Web designer
Web designer
Additionally, I designed and built
Additionally, I designed and built
Additionally, I designed and built
The official product website using Framer, creating an accessible platform for showcasing our project and opening up future opportunities for collaboration with institutions or the city.
The official product website using Framer, creating an accessible platform for showcasing our project and opening up future opportunities for collaboration with institutions or the city.
The official product website using Framer, creating an accessible platform for showcasing our project and opening up future opportunities for collaboration with institutions or the city.
1. Design Exploration: From City Streets to Prototypes
1. Design Exploration: From City Streets to Prototypes
1. Design Exploration: From City Streets to Prototypes
The journey began not with pixels or paper but with people.
We walked the cobbled streets of Augsburg, visited the Water Tower, and watched as tourists passed by, unaware of the UNESCO heritage just steps away. That’s when we asked ourselves:
Why don’t more people know about this?
Why not talk to them?
We wanted to understand how people learn, remember, and share historical experiences and what role technology could (or should) play in enhancing that journey.
What did we learn?
We discovered:
The journey began not with pixels or paper but with people.
We walked the cobbled streets of Augsburg, visited the Water Tower, and watched as tourists passed by, unaware of the UNESCO heritage just steps away. That’s when we asked ourselves:
Why don’t more people know about this?
Why not talk to them?
We wanted to understand how people learn, remember, and share historical experiences and what role technology could (or should) play in enhancing that journey.
What did we learn?
We discovered:
The journey began not with pixels or paper but with people.
We walked the cobbled streets of Augsburg, visited the Water Tower, and watched as tourists passed by, unaware of the UNESCO heritage just steps away. That’s when we asked ourselves:
Why don’t more people know about this?
Why not talk to them?
We wanted to understand how people learn, remember, and share historical experiences and what role technology could (or should) play in enhancing that journey.
What did we learn?
We discovered:
2 Potential Target Users
2 Potential Target Users
2 Potential Target Users
Primary group: Middle-aged visitors who were culturally curious but not very tech-savvy.
Primary group: Middle-aged visitors who were culturally curious but not very tech-savvy.
Primary group: Middle-aged visitors who were culturally curious but not very tech-savvy.
Secondary group: Younger tourists, often solo travelers or in small groups, eager for interactive, digital storytelling experiences.
Secondary group: Younger tourists, often solo travelers or in small groups, eager for interactive, digital storytelling experiences.
Secondary group: Younger tourists, often solo travelers or in small groups, eager for interactive, digital storytelling experiences.
Both groups had something in common:
They either didn’t know about the Augsburg Water Management System at all, or they struggled to connect with it due to limited physical access and dull information formats.
So, We needed a bridge something physical to attract the first group, and something digital to excite the second. That’s how we arrived at the idea of a 3D waterwheel puzzle as a tangible marker for a Mixed Reality experience.
Now that we understood
who we were designing for and what would truly resonate with them, it was time to move from the street...to the screen.
Both groups had something in common:
They either didn’t know about the Augsburg Water Management System at all, or they struggled to connect with it due to limited physical access and dull information formats.
So, We needed a bridge something physical to attract the first group, and something digital to excite the second. That’s how we arrived at the idea of a 3D waterwheel puzzle as a tangible marker for a Mixed Reality experience.
Now that we understood
who we were designing for and what would truly resonate with them, it was time to move from the street...to the screen.
Both groups had something in common:
They either didn’t know about the Augsburg Water Management System at all, or they struggled to connect with it due to limited physical access and dull information formats.
So, We needed a bridge something physical to attract the first group, and something digital to excite the second. That’s how we arrived at the idea of a 3D waterwheel puzzle as a tangible marker for a Mixed Reality experience.
Now that we understood
who we were designing for and what would truly resonate with them, it was time to move from the street...to the screen.
2. Wireframing & Prototyping: Designing the Experience
2. Wireframing & Prototyping: Designing the Experience
2. Wireframing & Prototyping: Designing the Experience
With the idea of a 3D wooden waterwheel puzzle in hand, we began translating concept into form.
We explored several real-life waterwheels around the city, gathering references for shape, structure, and scale. Then we moved into Modeling waterwheel prototypes in 3D Software so that we could Test out multiple versions before laser cutting the wooden sheets to save the material. We tested out our 4 3D models in terms for:
Assembly ease
Stability
MR tracking performance
Through the testing of the 3D models and simulations, we found out that:
With the idea of a 3D wooden waterwheel puzzle in hand, we began translating concept into form.
We explored several real-life waterwheels around the city, gathering references for shape, structure, and scale. Then we moved into Modeling waterwheel prototypes in 3D Software so that we could Test out multiple versions before laser cutting the wooden sheets to save the material. We tested out our 4 3D models in terms for:
Assembly ease
Stability
MR tracking performance
Through the testing of the 3D models and simulations, we found out that:
With the idea of a 3D wooden waterwheel puzzle in hand, we began translating concept into form.
We explored several real-life waterwheels around the city, gathering references for shape, structure, and scale. Then we moved into Modeling waterwheel prototypes in 3D Software so that we could Test out multiple versions before laser cutting the wooden sheets to save the material. We tested out our 4 3D models in terms for:
Assembly ease
Stability
MR tracking performance
Through the testing of the 3D models and simulations, we found out that:
Prototype 01: Unstable, too complex to assemble. Also looked more like a “Ferris Wheel” than a Waterwheel.
Prototype 01: Unstable, too complex to assemble. Also looked more like a “Ferris Wheel” than a Waterwheel.
Prototype 01: Unstable, too complex to assemble. Also looked more like a “Ferris Wheel” than a Waterwheel.
Prototype 01: Unstable, too complex to assemble. Also looked more like a “Ferris Wheel” than a Waterwheel.
Prototype 02: Visually authentic, but too fragile and stable.It would easily fall over.
Prototype 02: Visually authentic, but too fragile and stable.It would easily fall over.
Prototype 02: Visually authentic, but too fragile and stable.It would easily fall over.
Prototype 02: Visually authentic, but too fragile and stable.It would easily fall over.
Prototype 03: Just right - sturdy, simple, and highly scannable.
Prototype 03: Just right - sturdy, simple, and highly scannable.
Prototype 03: Just right - sturdy, simple, and highly scannable.
Prototype 03: Just right - sturdy, simple, and highly scannable.
Prototype 04: Too complex to assemble.
Prototype 04: Too complex to assemble.
Prototype 04: Too complex to assemble.
Prototype 04: Too complex to assemble.
3. Usability Testing: Tasting the Waters
3. Usability Testing: Tasting the Waters
3. Usability Testing: Tasting the Waters
Once we chose the selected 3D model version, we took it back to the people testing it with both our primary (culture-curious tourists) and secondary (tech-savvy explorers) user groups.
Primary Users
6
Secondary Users
10
Tourist center managers
Tourist center managers
Tourist center managers
WMS center manager
WMS center manager
WMS center manager
THA students
THA students
THA students
Two Phases, Two Hypotheses
Each round focused on different assumptions how users interacted with the physical waterwheel, and how they responded to the digital experience layered on top.
With each test, we asked:
Is this fun? Is it intuitive? Does it create a memorable connection to Augsburg?
What We Learned:
Two Phases, Two Hypotheses
Each round focused on different assumptions how users interacted with the physical waterwheel, and how they responded to the digital experience layered on top.
With each test, we asked:
Is this fun? Is it intuitive? Does it create a memorable connection to Augsburg?
What We Learned:
Two Phases, Two Hypotheses
Each round focused on different assumptions how users interacted with the physical waterwheel, and how they responded to the digital experience layered on top.
With each test, we asked:
Is this fun? Is it intuitive? Does it create a memorable connection to Augsburg?
What We Learned:
57.1%
57.1%
57.1%
42.9%
42.9%
42.9%
Tangible objects spark stronger emotional engagement. 57.1% of users preferred the physical waterwheel over the digital one.
50%
50%
50%
63.9%
63.9%
63.9%
Users preferred visual storytelling over text-heavy content. 63% preferred having a short background story before gameplay.
61.2%
61.2%
61.2%
39.8%
39.8%
39.8%
Onboarding needed to be short, intuitive, and highly visual. 61% agreed to having the game with instructions on the single page which made it easier for them to choose.
Design Iterations
Design Iterations
Design Iterations
Onboarding
Onboarding
Onboarding
Onboarding
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Over 800 years ago, Augsburg thrived with abundant resources, still acknowledged by UNESCO today.
Next
Next
Next
Next
Defined illustrations
Defined illustrations
Defined illustrations
Defined illustrations
More Textures
More Textures
More Textures
More Textures
More Details
More Details
More Details
More Details
Placing the wheel
In the past, people, with creativity and skill, developed water wheels like yours, mastering handcrafts and commerce.
In the past, people, with creativity and skill, developed water wheels like yours, mastering handcrafts and commerce.
In the past, people, with creativity and skill, developed water wheels like yours, mastering handcrafts and commerce.
In the past, people, with creativity and skill, developed water wheels like yours, mastering handcrafts and commerce.
Place your physical water wheel here!
Place your physical water wheel here!
Place your physical water wheel here!
Place your physical water wheel here!
Oh no!
The waterwheel have stopped working, and the Augsburg attractions need help!
Oh no!
The waterwheel have stopped working, and the Augsburg attractions need help!
Oh no!
The waterwheel have stopped working, and the Augsburg attractions need help!
Oh no!
The waterwheel have stopped working, and the Augsburg attractions need help!
Clear Instructions
Clear Instructions
Clear Instructions
Clear Instructions
Spining the wheel
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Rathaus
Rathaus
Rathaus
Rathaus
Continue
Continue
Continue
Continue
Spin Again
Spin Again
Spin Again
Spin Again
Rathaus
Rathaus
Rathaus
Rathaus
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Rathaus
Rathaus
Rathaus
Rathaus
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Fuggerei
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Puppenkiste
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Spin the wheel to
select a place
Change in roulette
Easy for Development
Less confusion for the users
Change in roulette
Easy for Development
Less confusion for the users
Change in roulette
Easy for Development
Less confusion for the users
Change in roulette
Easy for Development
Less confusion for the users
Continue and Spin Again button
Continue and Spin Again button
Continue and Spin Again button
Continue and Spin Again button
Adaptive Approach to an Unexpected Technical Challenge
Adaptive Approach to an Unexpected Technical Challenge
Adaptive Approach to an Unexpected Technical Challenge
Developing the app posed significant challenges, particularly in ensuring accurate detection of the waterwheel.
To address this, our development team used AI and machine learning, training the app on a wide range of images to make sure it works in various conditions like lighting and angles.
Developing the app posed significant challenges, particularly in ensuring accurate detection of the waterwheel.
To address this, our development team used AI and machine learning, training the app on a wide range of images to make sure it works in various conditions like lighting and angles.
Developing the app posed significant challenges, particularly in ensuring accurate detection of the waterwheel.
To address this, our development team used AI and machine learning, training the app on a wide range of images to make sure it works in various conditions like lighting and angles.
Developing the app posed significant challenges, particularly in ensuring accurate detection of the waterwheel.
To address this, our development team used AI and machine learning, training the app on a wide range of images to make sure it works in various conditions like lighting and angles.
Results
Results
Results
All thanks to the wonderful team and equal efforts and dedication, we were able to design, prototype, test, and developed Augspin within just 6 months as part of a master's research project.
Although the app was not launched to the public, our project was:
All thanks to the wonderful team and equal efforts and dedication, we were able to design, prototype, test, and developed Augspin within just 6 months as part of a master's research project.
Although the app was not launched to the public, our project was:
All thanks to the wonderful team and equal efforts and dedication, we were able to design, prototype, test, and developed Augspin within just 6 months as part of a master's research project.
Although the app was not launched to the public, our project was:
Gifted physical puzzle kits to the Augsburg Water Management officials.
Gifted physical puzzle kits to the Augsburg Water Management officials.
Gifted physical puzzle kits to the Augsburg Water Management officials.
Gifted physical puzzle kits to the Augsburg Water Management officials.
Presented at the "World Usability Day" event.
Presented at the "World Usability Day" event.
Presented at the "World Usability Day" event.
Presented at the "World Usability Day" event.
Well received by the City of Augsburg.
Well received by the City of Augsburg.
Well received by the City of Augsburg.
Well received by the City of Augsburg.
Key Learnings
Key Learnings
Key Learnings
Prioritize Object Detection Early
Prioritize Object Detection Early
Prioritize Object Detection Early
Prioritize Object Detection Early
In Mixed Reality, setting up object detection first avoids major setbacks later.
Early usability testing helped us catch issues before they became challenging.
In Mixed Reality, setting up object detection first avoids major setbacks later.
Early usability testing helped us catch issues before they became challenging.
In Mixed Reality, setting up object detection first avoids major setbacks later.
Early usability testing helped us catch issues before they became challenging.
In Mixed Reality, setting up object detection first avoids major setbacks later.
Early usability testing helped us catch issues before they became challenging.
Efficiency Through Virtual 3D Testing
Efficiency Through Virtual 3D Testing
Efficiency Through Virtual 3D Testing
Efficiency Through Virtual 3D Testing
Testing 3D models digitally saved time and materials.
We quickly iterated and refined designs before committing to physical prototypes.
Testing 3D models digitally saved time and materials.
We quickly iterated and refined designs before committing to physical prototypes.
Testing 3D models digitally saved time and materials.
We quickly iterated and refined designs before committing to physical prototypes.
Testing 3D models digitally saved time and materials.
We quickly iterated and refined designs before committing to physical prototypes.
Early Developer Collaboration Builds Realistic Solutions
Early Developer Collaboration Builds Realistic Solutions
Early Developer Collaboration Builds Realistic Solutions
Early Developer Collaboration Builds Realistic Solutions
Early teamwork with developers helped us understand tech limits. When detecting wheel speed wasn’t feasible, we adjusted the feature set together.
Early teamwork with developers helped us understand tech limits. When detecting wheel speed wasn’t feasible, we adjusted the feature set together.
Early teamwork with developers helped us understand tech limits. When detecting wheel speed wasn’t feasible, we adjusted the feature set together.
Early teamwork with developers helped us understand tech limits. When detecting wheel speed wasn’t feasible, we adjusted the feature set together.
A Milestone in Augspin's Journey
A Milestone in Augspin's Journey
A Milestone in Augspin's Journey
Although Augspin was a Master’s research project, it gained significant traction. We were honoured to present it at the World Usability Day, hosted by the University of Augsburg and the Bavarian Government.
Although Augspin was a Master’s research project, it gained significant traction. We were honoured to present it at the World Usability Day, hosted by the University of Augsburg and the Bavarian Government.
Although Augspin was a Master’s research project, it gained significant traction. We were honoured to present it at the World Usability Day, hosted by the University of Augsburg and the Bavarian Government.
Final Reflection
Final Reflection
Final Reflection
Augspin isn’t just an app.
It’s a bridge between past and future, between physical and digital, between a city’s story and the people discovering it.
It’s a reminder that meaningful design doesn’t just solve problems, it sparks connection.
Augspin isn’t just an app.
It’s a bridge between past and future, between physical and digital, between a city’s story and the people discovering it.
It’s a reminder that meaningful design doesn’t just solve problems, it sparks connection.
Augspin isn’t just an app.
It’s a bridge between past and future, between physical and digital, between a city’s story and the people discovering it.
It’s a reminder that meaningful design doesn’t just solve problems, it sparks connection.
A happy User just enjoying the Mixed reality journey...
A happy User just enjoying the Mixed reality journey...
A happy User just enjoying the Mixed reality journey...