Tag: Cahokia

What does the app do well? For what audiences does it enhance access and accessibility? What groups does it exclude?

The first thing that stands out to me about the app is that it is simple and innovative. It show how easy it is to understand even to an older audience which is essential for accessibility purposes. The website is easy to understand and so is the process of downloading the app. The website breaks down the price what it is and what comes with the app, It enhances access to each generation I believe this because it shows a digital representation of the entire area, so that you don’t have to walk around to get the whole experience. It being so simple is also a flaw, the animation and vr graphics look outdated and dull, i believe that with a few essential updates this app can real show the representation of how the Mayans lived and there overall lifestyle. This is really a cool concept that should be used around the world to visit areas with out actually having to be there. I believe if done right there is a lot of money for developers to make in this space of Virtual Reality

The Cahokia AR tour app is a really amazing and detailed piece of technology that gives quite the experience. It offers a 3D visual reconstruction of the temple that used to stand on Monks Mounds. The walk of the Grand Plaza trail, as well as the other structures such as The Stockade wall, Mississippi dwellings, and other various ceremonial sacred spaces. What is really creative about this is the detailed and color use of the representation spaces that are over 1000 years old. While expanding your historical knowledge of an ancient cultural site.

The accessibility perspective of this app is more for visitors who have good ability of visual and audio interpretation. And an audience who can physically touch on buttons and other features on the app. Though the app also poses some accessibility exclusions. The main one being it is only an app to be used on site at the Cahokia Mounds. Anywhere else would be unavailable and limits those who cannot afford to travel for whatever reason. Including those with impairments of mobility issues.

Overall, I feel as the app is a great tool to get a somewhat similar real-world experience of the Monk Mounds and more. The attention to detail is certainly significant, but it definitely lacks inclusion to many people. As there are some pretty set requirements to be able to experience something like this.

The app provides a tour into the Cahokia; it allows people to experience the world that would have been. One thing the app does well is navigation, using map and cues. Also, the use of 3D models to bring the past into reality is fascinating, it makes the tourist have a sense of being present at different scenes. It enhances access and accessibility to all interested in exploring the Cahokia and learning about the past. It allows access to those unable to visit the historic site an opportunity to view from their homes using the app.

Although, this app is intended for all who are interested in the Cahokia history and past experience, it excludes certain groups of people.

First, it excludes those with older devices, as stated in the website that “older devices may not be compatible”. This means those with older devices who are interested in experiencing the Cahokia past will not have access to the app.

Secondly, it does not cater for those with hearing impairment. The video which explains the app does not provide caption/transcription for those who may have hearing impairment. This accessibility feature should be considered as those with such disability may want to learn about the site before purchasing the app.

Also, links (like Facebook, twitter and snapchat icons) are too small for those with vision impairment to see at first glance. The sub-headings on the site also use low contrasting colors which maybe difficult for those with vision impairment.

The Cahokia VR App allows users to view the Cahokia Mounds as they once used to look like when they were occupied by the Mississippians. The app does really well at including 3D models to really make you feel like you’re there a thousand years ago. It allows those that are able to make the trip to the mounds an ability to experience this ancient site like never before. Unfortunately, it does exclude audiences with mobility disabilities. According to the video, you need to scale certain mounds and scan the code on the signs in order to view Augmented Reality. The mounds either don’t have any means of getting up or they just have stairs which restricts many to just viewing from the ground level. 

The Cahokia app is a good start that would/will benefit from being purchased by a bigger player to take it to its full potential. It could also benefit by being open source and letting graphical enthusiast beautify it. At a base level it helps those without imagination/vision compromised (figurative and literal) visualize the scope and space of a past civilization at a very basic level. The app also succeeds at collaboration since there is no limit on how many people can view the area and they all see the same thing. This is great for collaboration purposes for a project or seeking to answer a question. The app doesn’t seek to exclude anyone purposefully but by it’s design those that are blind or lacking the physical technology requirements will be unable to utilize it at this time.

One advantage of the app is that it makes the site more accessible for users who may have difficulty visualizing the size and complexity of the city of Cahokia based only on viewing the mound structures. The immersive 3D graphics and multiple interactive information points located throughout the site allow for users of all ages to interact with and learn about history in a manner that traditional static information boards cannot provide. The auditory narrative components and the 3D reconstructed images contain valuable information that provides additional context to the Mississippian culture and layout of the ancient city, especially to visual and auditory learners.

Although the app provides an improved option for many, it also limits access to some communities. The app is designed to exclusively work on-site at Cahokia Mounds with a smartphone or tablet, leaving out individuals without smartphones or tablets from being able to use that experience. The price of the download, as well as having to have headphones, could also create a barrier to those who may not have a limited income. To further add to these barriers, some of the content is only presented in English, thus making it inaccessible to people who do not speak English or may rely on some subtitles or an alternative way of experiencing the app due to being hard of hearing.

Overall, the Cahokia AR app is a great start toward making the archaeological history more engaging and accessible, but it still has room for growth in how it represents and includes a more diverse audience.