Keywords
Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Gamification, VR/AR/MR, Metaverse, Generative AI, Phygital Experiences, Cultural Heritage
Objective
Investigate and assess emerging Metaverse frameworks as platforms for the promotion, dissemination, and valorization of Cultural Heritage (CH), emphasizing interoperability, inclusiveness, and user participation.
Analyze user engagement dynamics within XR environments, integrating gamification and serious game design principles to foster active exploration, learning, and emotional connection with cultural content.
Define and validate reference Software Architectures (SA) for gamified AR and XR systems, ensuring scalability, reusability, and maintainability through rigorous Software Engineering methodologies.
Develop and deploy gamified AR applications dedicated to the enhancement and preservation of cultural heritage, tested through representative case studies and expert evaluations to measure usability, impact, and sustainability.
Explore the integration of Generative AI and adaptive storytelling mechanisms to enrich cultural heritage experiences, supporting personalized narratives and intelligent content creation within XR environments.
Description
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are reshaping how Cultural Heritage (CH) is preserved, interpreted, and experienced. Among these, Extended Reality (XR)—encompassing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)and Extended Reality (XR)—and Gamification are emerging as key enablers for creating immersive, interactive ecosystems that enhance the understanding and enjoyment of heritage assets.
By merging digital and physical dimensions (the phygital layer), XR allows users to explore cultural sites and artifacts through personalized storytelling, real-time interactivity, and multi-sensory engagement. Gamification strengthens this experience by introducing motivational design elements such as challenges, rewards, and progression systems that stimulate learning and sustained participation.
However, the effectiveness and longevity of these experiences depend on robust Software Engineering (SE) practices and well-defined Software Architectures (SA). Carefully designed architectures ensure that XR and gamified applications remain scalable, interoperable, and maintainable, supporting modular reuse and seamless integration with future technologies.
Partner
UNINT, Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma, Uffizi Gallery, University of Salerno
Focus Areas
Software Architecture, Gamified XR, Metaverse, VR/AR/XR, Generative AI, Phygital Experiences, Cultural Heritage