FIU Housing AR

Housing Blueprint and Building Exterior screenshot of the housing ar application

In response to the evolving student housing landscape, Florida International University (FIU) is embarking on an innovative project designed to provide students with an engaging and interactive experience. The FIU Housing Mailer will leverage augmented reality (AR) technology, including development on Niantic's 8th Wall platform, to empower students to explore and personalize their dorm rooms virtually. This case study explores the development and anticipated impact of this transformative project, set to launch in the fall.

Project Overview

The FIU Housing Mailer aims to enrich the housing selection process by offering the following key features:

  1. Mailer Introduction: The project begins with the distribution of a physical mailer that showcases FIU's diverse housing options. This serves as the gateway to an immersive AR experience.
  2. Augmented Reality Dorm Room: Upon receiving the mailer, students can scan a QR code to unlock an AR experience developed in Niantic's 8th Wall platform. This experience allows them to construct and decorate their ideal dorm room virtually, with the flexibility to customize every aspect, from furniture placement to color schemes.
  3. Seamless Transition to Web: After creating their dream dorm room in AR, students are able to select items to purchase seamlessly.

Achievements

  1. Enhanced Engagement: The FIU Housing Mailer redefines the student housing selection experience by engaging students in an interactive and visually appealing manner.
  2. Personalization: The project empowers students to tailor their dorm rooms according to their preferences, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to their future living spaces.
  3. Streamlined Shopping: The seamless transition to the web platform simplifies the purchasing process, allowing students to acquire the items they've chosen for their dorm room effortlessly.

Impact (Anticipated)

  1. Improved Decision-Making: By providing a virtual experience, the project enables students to make more informed housing choices, increasing satisfaction with their selections.
  2. Boosted Enrollment and Retention: The innovative approach to showcasing housing options can attract more students to FIU and enhance their sense of belonging to the university community.
  3. Increased Sales: The integration of a shopping component within the project, developed on Niantic's 8th Wall platform, is expected to drive sales of dorm room decor, benefiting both students and potential business partners.

Conclusion

The FIU Housing Mailer, represents a groundbreaking shift in how students explore and personalize their dorm room experiences. By seamlessly blending physical mail with augmented reality technology, including development on Niantic's 8th Wall platform, and web shopping, the project enhances student engagement, fosters personalization, and streamlines the housing selection process. This innovative approach not only empowers students but also has the potential to increase enrollment and retention while benefiting businesses associated with dorm room furnishings and decor. As the project prepares for its launch, it exemplifies FIU's commitment to innovation and providing students with exceptional and immersive experiences. The FIU Housing Mailer is poised to revolutionize the way students envision and prepare for their life on campus.

Client:FIU Housing

Role:AR EngineerContent StrategistUX DesignerProject Manager3D Modeler

Tools: 8th Wall Adobe After Effects Adobe Photoshop Cinema4D

Development:A-FrameCSSJavascript

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