PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The DEXPLORE AR Awareness Campaign was created to communicate complex geological information through an accessible and interactive mobile AR experience. The goal was to transform static scientific data into an engaging format that could support public awareness, education, and citizen engagement around raw material exploration in Estonia.
THE CHALLENGE
Geological datasets and mineral references are often presented through technical reports, maps, or static 2D visuals that are difficult for non-experts to understand. One of the main UX challenges was finding a way to simplify this information without losing scientific value, while also creating an experience intuitive enough for a broad audience unfamiliar with AR technologies.
DESIGN APPROACH
To improve accessibility and engagement, the experience was designed around simple interactions and visual exploration. Users could navigate drill hole locations through an interactive map or select minerals from a curated list to instantly visualise them as 3D objects in AR. The interface focused on reducing friction and encouraging discovery through touch-based interactions and immersive content.
AI-POWERED 3D TRANSFORMATION
A key part of the process involved transforming flat mineral reference images into interactive 3D models suitable for real-time AR visualization.
The challenge was balancing visual fidelity with mobile performance, ensuring that each mineral remained recognizable, lightweight, and responsive within the AR environment.
OUTCOME
The project was presented during the DEXPLORE session at the OECD Conference of Mining Regions and Cities (16–18 June 2025, Rovaniemi, Finland). By combining geospatial data, 3D visualization, and mobile AR interaction, the project explored new ways of making geological information more understandable and approachable for wider audiences.
Credits
Developed within the DEXPLORE Project
In collaboration with ICCS (Institute of Communication and Computer Systems)
Developed within the DEXPLORE Project
In collaboration with ICCS (Institute of Communication and Computer Systems)
Copyright Notice
© DEXPLORE Project Consortium & ICCS
All rights reserved. The content presented in this project is part of the DEXPLORE research initiative funded by the European Union. Any reproduction or distribution of project materials must acknowledge the original source.