F.A.Q

Although they use essentially the same equipment, these two technologies are very different: While virtual reality is based on the projection of a 100% virtual environment in which we can interact (we create a new reality from scratch ), augmented reality will use our direct environment as support (the room in which we find ourselves, for example) and add elements as well as interactions that were not initially there (we “augment” reality using virtual additions).

We could write a whole book about it ! But if we only had to remember the main ones : AR makes it possible to take advantage of existing (and interesting) media such as museum collections, architectural elements or historical places and “bring them to life”, instead of simply recreating a virtual environment from scratch. It also allows greater immersion thanks to this real support : the brain keeps its bearings and considers more easily virtual elements as actually existing. The result is fascinating experiences, but not confusing.

Firstly, from the point of view of visibility, immersive experiences in augmented reality being still unusual, they provide the institutions that implement them with significant benefits in terms of image and communication. Thanks to significant media coverage. From the point of view of attendance know : augmented reality is interesting as it holds the potential to attract a very wide audience (a young audience in particular) within new institutions but also, and above all, institutions that exist since a long time.

As simply as it could be : upon arrival, visitors are taken care of by the reception teams and equipped with augmented reality headsets. A fun tutorial will be offered to them during this preparation time in order to familiarize them with the equipment.

Next, the operations agent in charge will only need to launch the experience for the entire group through our simple and intuitive application. Visitors will then be perfectly self-reliant throughout the entirety of the experience, guided in their journey by audio commentary (available in multiple languages) and visual indicators.

Our experiences are not recommended for children under 7 years old, for two reasons.

Firstly, because wearing a headset requires a minimum head circumference to ensure comfort and safety during the walks. Secondly, because the content of our experiences (including the interactions offered to users) and strict adherence to the recommended rules (which ensure the smooth progress of the experience for the entire group) are not suitable for very young children in our opinion.

No. As the user is constantly in touch with the real environment - unlike a virtual reality experience - their sensory system is not disturbed. It is thus protected from what is called “cyberkinetosis”, characterized by symptoms of nausea, dizziness, sweating or loss of balance.

As part of a visitor experience, within an institution or museum, we recommend a duration of between 10 and 30 minutes.

Not too long, so it doesn't overshadow what it's supposed to highlight, and not too short so it's not frustrating for the viewer.

Technically, there is no limit to the number of visitors who can simultaneously take part in an augmented reality experience. However, depending on the spatial and operational constraints of the place, the nature of the experience, but also in the interest of virtuous and efficient rotation, we most of the time recommend groups made up of 5 to 15 people.

That being said, it is completely doable to set-up experiences gathering 50 to 100 people at the same time, if the conditions of the exhibition allow it so !

We use the Hololens 2 augmented reality headsets manufactured by Microsoft, which for us are the best at the moment in terms of performance and immersion. However, we remain vigilant regarding the latest developments in this area and we can change them if we deem it necessary.

Yes. The helmets we use are suitable for wearing the vast majority of eyeglass frames.

We first recommend using a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust from the headsets. To clean the visor, simply take a cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe it gently, then let it dry for a few seconds.

The AR headsets we use never come in direct contact with the face but only with the top of the head (similar to a cap). This feature allows for simpler hygiene management compared to a VR headset, which is in contact with the face and nose.

No. If Saola Studio works primarily with cultural institutions offering this type of subject, it is entirely possible for us to create augmented reality experiences on very different themes and for all types of environments and customers. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts about the feasibility of your project or the relevance of such experience in your field of activity.

It depends on many factors, starting with the most important: the work of our 3D artists. Depending on the elements they will have to put in place and the artistic bias of the experience, the costs may vary significantly.

For a concrete example, it will take longer, and therefore be more expensive, to model and animate a lifelike character than to render an object or material. Another factor is the expected number of visitors: the higher this number, the greater the need for headsets and other technical equipment, which again impacts the total cost of the experience.

To provide a broad range : An AR experience with ambitions and requirements similar to those of our previous projects (Revivre and Grand Large) will cost between €450K and €1M, still depending on the aforementioned factors and what will be covered by different parties. However, for projects involving less 3D work or animation, it will be entirely possible to consider lower costs.

From the original editorial work to the final delivery of the project, it will take between 8 to 12 months of production. Here again, the nature and ambition of the project may impact this estimation.

We can consider different models regarding the provision of helmets; Normally we prefer to leave full ownership of the equipment necessary for the commissioned experiences to institutions, which therefore involves the sale of augmented reality headsets. But it is entirely possible to consider a rental or other system, depending on your needs and the specifics of the project.

Currently, the augmented reality headsets that we favor cost on average €3,000 excluding tax/unit. A price justified in particular by the cutting-edge technological innovation that such a tool represents today. But the growing interest of tech giants such as Apple or Microsoft in this process, the ambition displayed by the latter to democratize this technology, as well as the competition and emulation which result from it, make us foresee an evolution towards a drop in the price of this type of helmet.

For the moment, we favor the exclusive use of AR headsets, for all that they can bring in terms of innovation, immersion and quality of user experience.

However, depending on the type of project and the constraints specific to each location, the use of other devices such as smartphones or tablets may be considered. Our approach remains flexible, with the ultimate focus on the realization, success, and relevance of the final experience.

Not at all ! Typically, everything happens in augmented reality headsets. Pre-existing environments, collections and/or media are usually the only thing we need, besides headsets, to carry out the experiments. But each experience being unique, additions in terms of scenographic and/or technical equipment may be considered according to the specific needs of the projects.

Not yet, but we created SAOLA Studio with the aim of telling stories around inspiring subjects or themes. If we appreciate augmented reality in that it allows us to highlight already existing media and collections, VR also has its interests and advantages, particularly in terms of immersion, and we are not ruling it out for future experiences. . Technology being only a tool at the service of our narrative ambitions.

Furthermore, the two technologies are quite similar when it comes to pure production, and our teams are perfectly capable of successfully executing a virtual reality project. We just need to find suitable subjects for it !

There is technically no minimum surface area required for an AR experience. However, in order to fully benefit from all the possibilities of augmented reality, fairly wide and clear circulation spaces remain necessary to allow groups to wander. As well as minimum distances between users and the elements observed.

For example, the Grand Large experience allows spectators to observe a nearly 10-meter-long whale shark, recreated at a 1:1 scale. In this specific case, approximately 16 meters of distance are required to fully render the animal.

However, solutions are available and can always be considered based on the constraints of your reception area.

We favor a co-production model, where each of the two parties commits according to its means and skills for the realization and success of the project.

In this model, the return on investment is achieved through revenue sharing on a dedicated ticket, with the sharing depending on each party's initial contributions.

However, because the realization of the project is the primary concern, other models can be discussed and considered, such as purchase or rental.

If we favor adding our experiences to the permanent collections of institutions, a temporary exhibition format could certainly be considered. The shorter duration will, however, complicate the implementation of a co-production economic model and reduce the investment capacity of our studio.

Augmented reality, by its very nature, relies on the real world and tangible physical elements, so staging methods and solutions will also need to be considered, in addition to the narrative and virtual creation work inherent in each project.