Coalescence - From Cross-Stitch to Augmented Reality

The profession of interior design has historical roots in decoration and handicraft (Pile & Gura, 2014). Today’s high-tech world presents a multitude of challenges to the craft of handwork (Shah & Patel, 2017). This work challenges the perception that technology is replacing handcraft, and demonstrates that technology can not only enhance craft, but also augment the experience of it without replacing the hand-worked details. In this work, a hand-made cross-stitched scene is transformed using augmented reality (AR) to move the visual experience from 2D to 3D. The original cross-stitched scene is left intact and untouched—the adjustments are made in the digital realm, preserving the original artifact while augmenting the viewer’s experience of it when seen through the lens of technology. When the viewer uses a device’s camera to observe the original cross-stitched piece, the augmented reality work is revealed, showing room in 3D. The 2D cross-stitched credenza becomes a 3D object, as do the pair of floor lamps, the decorative objects, and the wall art. The 3D scene is executed digitally but preserves the stitch count and the “X” visual of the cross-stitched original work. The viewer can simultaneously view the original work and the 3D room scene, comparing and contrasting the two visual experiences. One of the significant challenges faced during this process was achieving a seamless integration between the physical and digital realms. Ensuring that the 3D blocks accurately reflected the physical stitches required precise calibration and attention to detail. This step was crucial in maintaining the authenticity of the handcrafted element while leveraging the capabilities of modern technology.