PROJECT 2: Remixing Reality

Due: September 8, 2025

Overview

Create an augmented reality video experience that constructs a new world by remixing elements of physical reality. Your project should demonstrate how digital interventions can reveal hidden aspects of our world, challenge perceptions, or imagine alternative realities. Through AR technology and creative worldbuilding, you'll layer digital elements onto physical spaces to create meaningful commentary or narrative.

Learning Objectives

Master principles of augmented reality design and implementation

Develop proficiency in 3D scanning, modeling, and animation workflows

Apply video editing techniques including transitions, effects, and sound design

Practice worldbuilding through consistent internal logic and visual storytelling

Create contextual meaning through the integration of digital and physical elements

Project Requirements

Technical Components

Your final project must demonstrate proficiency in at least 3 of the following technologies:

Adobe Aero - AR scene creation and interaction design

3D Scanning - Using Polycam or similar tools for object/person capture

3D Animation - Character rigging and animation through Mixamo

2D Animation - Created in Adobe Animate or Photoshop

3D Modeling - Using Adobe Substance, Dimension, or other modeling tools

Video Editing - Adobe Premiere with transitions, effects, and sound design

Deliverables

Final Video (2-4 minutes)

MP4 format, edited in Adobe Premiere

Showcases AR experiences from multiple angles and perspectives or consistent digital footage treatment

Includes sound design and/or musical accompaniment

Demonstrates clear worldbuilding logic throughout

Artist Statement (300-500 words)

Explains your worldbuilding concept and internal logic

Describes how your project "remixes reality"

Reflects on new perspectives AR allows you to reveal

Documents your creative process and technical decisions

Process Documentation

Ideation sketches and concept development

Screenshots of 3D models, scans, and animations

AR QR code for sharing your Aero experience

Brief technical reflection (200 words) on challenges and solutions

Worldbuilding Focus

Your AR experience should establish a clear internal logic that governs how your digital elements interact with physical reality. Consider:

Spatial Logic: How do virtual objects relate to real-world scale and physics?

Temporal Logic: Do your AR elements exist in the same time as reality, or do they represent past/future states?

Narrative Logic: What story does the layering of digital onto physical tell?

Interactive Logic: How do viewers/users engage with your remixed reality?

Submission Requirements

Submit via Google Drive folder containing:

Final edited video file (MP4, 3-5 minutes)

World-building document (PDF)

Artist statement (PDF)

Process documentation folder with screenshots and work samples

AR project files and QR code (if applicable)

Technical reflection document

Assessment Criteria

Technical Execution (5 points)

Excellent (5 pts)

Demonstrates mastery of 3+ required technologies with sophisticated integration

Professional-quality 3D scans, models, animations, or digital compositing

Proficient (4 pts)

Competent use of 3+ technologies with good integration

Solid technical quality with minor issues

Developing (3 pts)

Basic use of 2-3 technologies with some technical problems

Shows effort but lacks technical refinement

Needs Improvement (1-2 pts)

Minimal use of required technologies with significant technical issues

Poor execution affecting overall experience

Incomplete (0 pts)

Fails to demonstrate required technical components

Worldbuilding & Conceptual Development (5 points)

Excellent (5 pts)

Establishes compelling, internally consistent world logic with creative depth

Innovative and thoughtful approach to "remixing reality"

Proficient (4 pts)

Develops coherent world logic with good conceptual foundation

Clear understanding of reality remixing through AR

Developing (3 pts)

Basic world logic present but underdeveloped

Limited exploration of remixing concept

Needs Improvement (1-2 pts)

Minimal world logic or internal consistency

Superficial engagement with core concepts

Incomplete (0 pts)

No clear worldbuilding logic or conceptual framework

Visual Storytelling & Composition (4 points)

Excellent (4 pts)

Sophisticated visual narrative with excellent composition and pacing

Masterful use of scale, color, and spatial relationships

Proficient (3 pts)

Clear visual narrative with strong composition

Good understanding of visual design principles

Developing (2 pts)

Basic visual narrative with inconsistent composition

Limited application of design principles

Needs Improvement (1 pt)

Unclear visual narrative or poor composition throughout

Incomplete (0 pts)

No evidence of visual storytelling consideration

Process Documentation & Reflection (3 points)

Excellent (3 pts)

Comprehensive documentation with insightful artist statement and technical reflection

Complete, well-organized submission materials

Proficient (2 pts)

Good documentation with clear artist statement

Mostly complete submission materials

Developing (1 pt)

Basic documentation with minimal reflection

Some missing submission elements

Incomplete (0 pts)

Inadequate documentation or missing artist statement

Innovation & Creative Risk-Taking (3 points)

Excellent (3 pts)

Takes significant creative and technical risks with original approach

Pushes boundaries of AR technology and storytelling

Proficient (2 pts)

Shows willingness to experiment with some creative risks

Generally original execution

Developing (1 pt)

Limited experimentation with mostly conventional approach

Incomplete (0 pts)

No evidence of creative risk-taking or personal voice

Total: 20 points

Grade Scale

A: 18-20 points (Exceptional work that exceeds expectations)

B: 16-17 points (Proficient work that meets all expectations)

C: 14-15 points (Developing work that meets most expectations)

D: 12-13 points (Work that meets minimum requirements)

F: Below 12 points (Work that does not meet minimum requirements)

Tips for Success

Start with strong conceptual planning - sketch out your world logic before diving into technical execution

Consider how found footage can be transformed to fit your world's rules

Test different combinations of original and found content to see what creates the most compelling remix

Pay attention to how sound and music can enhance your worldbuilding

Document your process throughout - don't wait until the end

Think about how editing techniques like masking, compositing, and effects can serve your world logic

Remember that the most successful projects will have a clear point of view about how remix culture can transform. our understanding of reality

Consider the ethical implications of using found footage - ensure it serves your artistic concept

Resources & Support

Adobe Creative Suite tutorials available in course resources

Polycam and Mixamo documentation linked in previous exercises

Office hours available for technical troubleshooting

Peer feedback sessions scheduled as part of Discussion 5 for September 4-6