Unreal engine - 35 AR VR Northeastern US Plants and Ecosystems v5.3:
This content package comprises 102 distinct 3D plant models, including 35 AR/VR-ready, botanically accurate plants native to the Northeastern US (ranging from Maine to Michigan to Kentucky and Virginia). These digital art models were originally crafted by Maria C. R. Harrington for her doctoral dissertation, "Simulated Ecological Environments for Education: A Tripartite Model Framework of HCI Design Parameters for Situational Learning in Virtual Environments" at the University of Pittsburgh in 2008.
The Virtual Trillium Trail Project, conducted between 2003 and 2008, explored digital media design elements influencing emotions and learning outcomes. Harrington's research, focusing on XR design factors like information fidelity and navigational freedom, yielded significant insights. The initial version of the application was a modification of Unreal Tournament.
These plants were revived for a subsequent research initiative in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The AR Perpetual Garden Apps (2015-2018) aimed to enhance learning experiences inside and outside museums by utilizing real dioramas and gardens. An interdisciplinary team of artists and scientists contributed to its creation.
Plant List (Appalachian Forest):
