ArtSteps

ArtSteps is a 3D virtual reality that helps user create exhibitions of 2D works. This program would make give the collections a work of space and help the view visualized how the pieces work together. Viewer would be able to experience a museum and live how the designer wants the audience to view the exhibition.

Mastering ArtSteps

This program could be used in the professional setting for creating models of exhibitions. For professional-level work, the first feature I would have to master is the design feature. This includes placing walls, doorways, art pieces, picking colors, and textures. I plan to see what each thing does, understand how it work and connects. Then, sketch a layout/make a mockup to help know what I want to achieve. I will tackle the mockup by layers starting with the walls, doors, color and finish with the texture.

The second is putting in the objects within the program. ArtSteps allows you to put images, video, and 3D Objects. Professional-level projects would have a clean look, good quality pieces on display, and frames to compliment the works and collection. I can continue to improve and make the skill of editing the content in relation to the frame on ArtSteps. For example, if my content needs to be higher, I want to move it and not have a glitch out look. Mastering the feature of putting objects in ArtSteps would also help not limit my options. Right now, all I can do is 2D images, but it I figure out how to put in a 3D object, I can include statues and castes. I plan to start with images and see the limitations of what I can do, then move on to 3D Objects. I would start with random objects and figure out which type of images (.obj .mtl .bin .gltf .glb .tiff .jpg .jpeg .png) works best for which canvas.

Lastly , I have to master the guide feature. The guide feature is important for those that just want to hit play and walk through the exhibition, watching it more as a movie. It would also help the view understand how I would like the exhibition to viewed and which pieces to star and finish with. My plan is to look at other ArtSteps projects and see how their work. Then, I use the mock up I created from the layout practice, to make a mock tour understanding the ins and outs of it.

To help master all of these skills I would watch a Youtube video called “How to Create a Museum with Artsteps – Add Walls, Doors, Art, Images and Information”. This video covers all the basics, what each function does and use each feature to its full potential.

ArtSteps is Social

ArtSteps is social because it allows designer to express their creative minds in a visual way. It allows for communication, whether if it is in expression or feedback. The program has a like button, chat box, and comment section. Furthermore, viewers are able to click on pieces to take closer looks and read up on the pieces, having a visual representation. On the other hand, the audio feature could help people that likes to listen to music/sounds when looking at art. I also believe the audio feature be used as an audio guide, if everything is timed correctly. The design features are sociable because I am able to change the colors and stick to muted colors for the wall, to make it easier to look at the art. ArtStep has sociability because of its accessibility.  The technology has made presentation more engaging because this is a cool way of showing it. It gives pieces value because ArtSteps is like a digital museum.  Lastly, it is social because it can be access through the apple store, google play, and web browsers.

ArtSteps Reflects Cultural Values 

ArtSteps reflect cultural values by being an international software. Anyone can share about anything, their culture and/or interest. Users can view anyones exhibition, as long as it is public. Here is an example of a Spanish exhibition called MetaMuseo by Javier Hueso. People from all over the world can share their ideas and create presentations. ArtSteps cultural values rely on their users. The designers make the program cultural diverse based on how they use it. Thus, they also limit the programs cultural values. Unfortunately, a limitation is that it lacks a translation button. So, if you view MetaMuseo, you have to known Spanish.

ArtSteps Affords my Actions

ArtSteps allows me to display the art pieces I collected in a museum-like setting. I am able to create my own design/layout,  upload photos, and add information about the pieces. It is user-friendly, easy to understand, and has a Q&A section for the most frequently asked questions. The program is free and can reach many others in my web audience. The space is 3D so, I am able to walk around see how the pieces look in action.

ArtSteps Constrains

One of ArtSteps limitations is their information box. I am not able to separate the artwork’s I.D. from their Information. I would have to manually format the labels. I am also limited in designs, textures, and advance features because its part of the advance package and I am on the free one. As of right, now I am able to manage, everything I need. If thinking over all, ArtSteps is limited in their accessibility because if you do audio and the person is talking, there is no transcript. The program also lack a translation button, so I can’t understand others work.