Before building a fully immersive knowledge landscape, you can test the core idea with simple physical prototypes. The goal is to see if spatial anchoring improves engagement and recall without requiring complex AR systems.
The QR Grid Prototype
A practical approach is a grid of QR codes placed in a room or on paper. Each QR code links to a prompt or piece of content. You assign related topics to nearby codes so that the physical layout mirrors the conceptual structure.
When someone explores the grid, they move their device across space to access different ideas. The act of movement and location creates spatial memory. It’s a low-cost way to test spatial learning in the real world.
Why It Works
This prototype captures the essential mechanics of a knowledge landscape:
- Spatial mapping: proximity reflects conceptual relationships.
- Embodied interaction: movement is part of exploration.
- Personalization: users can assign content to locations.
- Iterative refinement: easy to rearrange based on feedback.
Other Physical Anchors
You can also use physical installations: models of buildings, maps of campuses, or miniature landscapes. Each location can be linked to digital content through QR codes or NFC tags. This turns a physical space into a memory palace.
Feedback and Iteration
Because prototypes are tangible, you can observe how people navigate, where they pause, and what confuses them. You can gather feedback on which layouts feel intuitive and which feel chaotic. The prototype becomes a research tool as much as a demo.
When to Move Beyond Prototypes
If the spatial approach improves engagement and recall, you can scale to AR or XR. But the prototype helps you refine the conceptual map first. It ensures the spatial logic makes sense before you add technical complexity.
The Outcome
Physical prototypes prove that spatial learning is not just a futuristic idea. It can be tested today with paper, QR codes, and a thoughtful layout. This grounded approach makes the leap to immersive knowledge landscapes more practical and evidence-based.