I founded team 3Dlink with my 3D design partner. We cooperated with the “Museum of Archaeology, Tainan Branch of the National Museum of Prehistory” to build the prehistory burial showcase with augmented reality (AR). The showcase reaches an entirely new level of interaction through the fusion of prehistoric culture and Web AR Marker technology. For example, in the showcase’s digital game, visitors can freely assemble grave goods from one of three cultures (Dapenkeng, Dahu, or Niaosong.) Then, visitors can use their smartphones to scan the QR Code without downloading any apps to explore AR of the burials they assembled. This seamless user experience aims to bring visitors back to 5,000 years to feel a sense of prehistory burial aesthetics.
Design Concept
The architectural wall textures of the museum embody concepts from archaeological stratigraphy, such as anatomy (investigation), shuttle (across time-space), interweaving (linking the past and the present), continuous excavation (nonstop discovery), and diffusion (cultural heritage). These symbolize the relationships between the cultural layers of various archaeological sites.
The museum’s interior corridor, reminiscent of a journey through a prehistoric time tunnel, inspired the design of this project. The interactive interface opens with a concept of time travel, integrating the dark tones of the museum’s exterior walls into the dialogue box interface. Additionally, the color system is grounded in the earthen hues of the pottery artifacts found within the museum, evoking a sense of unveiling the mysteries of grave goods with a steady and assured narrative.
Color System credited By 3Dlink.cc
The color contrast aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, ensuring that viewers can easily distinguish the content.
Interactive User Interface Design credited By 3Dlink.cc
3D Model Design
In this project, we are involved in the 3D modeling restoration of grave goods. We collaborate closely with expert historians to ensure the reconstruction of the goods’ 3D models and materials is based as accurately as possible on excavated evidence. How do you feel about the similarity those models achieved? 🧐
The restoration of the Dapenkeng culture’s necklaces and pottery jars. Excavated references are credited to Taiwan National Museum of Prehistory
The restoration of the Niaosong culture’s bone ornaments
The restoration of the Niaosong culture’s superimposed burials. Excavated references are credited to Taiwan National Museum of Prehistory
When we knew that the restoration result should be a body with flesh, we realized it wouldn’t be easy. Thankfully, the design team and museum historians demonstrated their professionalism, faithfully presenting the serene posture of the superimposed burials in an accurate manner.
Illustration
The prehistoric burial environment is the core experience of this project. After finalizing the foundational accessory design, it was handed over to a professional illustrator to depict the ancient people according to the appearance reference to outline the burial scene.
The illustration of tears wiping ancestors from the Dapenkeng culture, credited By 3Dlink.cc
The composition of ancient environmental burials from Dapenkeng culture. References are credited to Taiwan National Museum of Prehistory.
The finished illustration of ancient environmental burials from Dapenkeng culture, credited By 3Dlink.cc
Motion Design
After the illustration is completed, it is handed over to the motion designer, who brings the ancient figures to life by creating frame-by-frame animations. This approach helps the audience to better understand the cultural context and emotional gravity of the practices.
Tears wiping ancestors animations of three cultures, credited By 3Dlink.cc
Three cultures selection animations, credited By 3Dlink.cc
Showcase Design and Construction
Showcases are not only made of formaldehyde-free and fire-resistant materials chosen for safety and sustainability but also accessible to wheelchair visitors. The height from the bottom to the trackball device is about 76cm, allowing visitors to operate it comfortably.
The accessibility design for wheelchair visitors, credited By 3Dlink.cc
Showcases are assembled by professionals
The completion of the showcases
We’d like to invite you to experience the AR at the Museum!
Whew~After reading through the production process, we hope every modern human like you can visit the museum to experience the prehistory burial showcase with AR in person! Here is the information:
🏛️ Museum of Archaeology, Tainan Branch of the National Museum of Prehistory
📍 Nanke 3rd Rd.,Xinshi Dist., Tainan, Taiwan,744
🖼️ Permanent Exhibitions Hall 2
⏰ Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there is also a children’s hall and an immersive interactive theater, making it a perfect choice to visit with young ones! Below are some photos from the museum’s anniversary event:
The museum’s first-floor ticketing hall
The limited-time challenges during the museum’s anniversary event.
Credits
Production：Team 3Dlink
Program Director：Andrew Shen
3D Model Design：Ray Lei
UI/UX：Ray Lei, Cheryl Hu
System Analyst：Andrew Shen, Roger Wu
Software Development：Andrew Shen, Daniel Hunang
Motion Design：Erised Huang, Pin Zeng
Art Design：Erised Huang, Ice Yang, Ray Lei
Illustration：Ice Yang
Construction：SSADO Studio
Proofreading：Jennifer Chen, Andrew Shen, Ray Lei
Team 3Dlink from Mindtrix focuses on technologies such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), and 3D modeling and rendering, helping brands create the next generation of immersive, user-centered digital experiences. We look forward to meeting you! 😎