AR App Translates Indigenous Stories Into Location-Based Experiences
- A research team at the University of Sydney has created an AR experience that presents Indigenous narratives using sound and images tied to real-world sites.
- Developed in partnership with Awabakal Elders and Soundtrails, the mobile app guides users through culturally important areas via location-triggered storytelling.
Researchers at the University of Sydney are using augmented reality to present Indigenous stories in public places like streets and parks. Led by Dr Luke Hespanhol, the project uses digital media to share cultural knowledge in the locations where those stories originate.
The app uses a GPS-enabled platform developed by Soundtrails to deliver stories through audio and images as users walk through different locations. These include narration from Elders woven together with natural soundscapes.
“The aim of this project is two-fold,” said Dr. Hespanhol, in a news release on the university's website. “First, to explore how we can practice interaction design in a way that is respectful to Country and Lore. And second, to create an AR platform that shares these stories orally and contextually—in the very spaces those stories belong.”
Developed in close collaboration with local communities and Indigenous academics, the project follows culturally grounded approaches to knowledge sharing. It is now in its final development stage, with a public launch expected in early 2026.
🌀 Tom’s Take:
Augmented reality has the power to fold space and time, enabling us to experience events and stories that took place long ago in certain locations. This presents a brand-new way to learn our history and connect with cultures in more intimate and immersive ways.
Source: University of Sydney
