Borobudur

To effectively address the identified challenges and achieve our overarching project objectives, the Borobudur App was meticulously developed as a comprehensive, multi-platform digital solution, designed to integrate seamlessly with the pre-existing big screen experience. A cornerstone of our approach was the implementation of an intuitive mobile application, available on both iOS and Android platforms, which granted visitors direct access to a high-fidelity 3D model of Borobudur on their personal devices. This crucial step decentralized access, effectively removing the previous limitations imposed by the fixed big screens and enabling in-depth exploration from any location within the temple complex and even beyond. The app was enriched with interactive elements, allowing users to effortlessly zoom, rotate, and even simulate a ‘walk-through’ of the 3D model, thereby providing an unprecedented level of detail and immersion. Beyond the visual model, we engineered a sophisticated information architecture that intelligently overlays detailed historical facts, profound architectural insights, and the profound religious significance directly onto the 3D representation. Users are empowered to tap on specific sections of the temple to reveal rich pop-up information, supplementary images, and even concise video clips, thereby creating a truly rich and self-guided learning experience. To ensure unwavering accuracy, this data is meticulously curated and regularly updated by a dedicated team of historians and expert researchers. A key innovation that set this project apart was the seamless ability for users to synchronize their personal app experience with the large public screens. This feature allowed visitors to initiate a detailed exploration on their mobile device and then effortlessly cast or transfer their current view onto the big screen, facilitating a shared, larger-than-life experience with family or friends. This hybrid approach ingeniously leveraged the impressive visual impact of the big screens while providing the unparalleled flexibility of personal devices. Our design process was intensely user-centric, with extensive user research and rigorous usability testing conducted to meticulously craft a clean, visually appealing, and inherently easy-to-navigate interface. Practical features such as a clear search function for specific temple sections, a curated “highlights” tour, and multiple language options were thoughtfully incorporated to cater to a diverse international audience. Furthermore, the gestures required for 3D model manipulation were deliberately kept simple and familiar, aligning with common mobile user behaviors. Recognizing the potential for inconsistent internet connectivity at the site, we engineered the app to allow for core content and 3D models to be downloaded for convenient offline access. This foresight, coupled with rigorous performance optimization, ensured the smooth rendering of the intricate 3D models across a wide array of mobile devices, thereby minimizing any potential lag and guaranteeing a consistently fluid and enjoyable user experience.