Enhancing the Digital Museum Experience for Deaf Individuals with Special Needs through Augmented Reality in Support of Saudi Vision 2030

The research aims to enrich the digital museum experience for people with special needs, specifically the deaf community, through the use of augmented reality (AR) technology. This contributes to enhancing their interaction with and understanding of the displayed content while supporting the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 by empowering people with disabilities and providing them with opportunities to benefit from cultural and educational experiences. The research adopted the descriptive approach to analyze relevant literature and previous studies, along with the applied approach through conducting a field experiment at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Augmented reality technology was used on a selection of images and visual displays, and a questionnaire was distributed to measure the effectiveness of this experience in enriching the cultural and visual interaction of the deaf community. Among the key findings, participants confirmed that augmented reality technology significantly enhanced their focus on the exhibits and made the museum experience more enjoyable and easier to comprehend. Moreover, AR technology contributed to strengthening their integration and interaction within the museum environment and provided an educational and cultural experience that meets their visual needs. One of the main recommendations of the research is to expand the use of augmented reality technology in Saudi museums to cover various sections and exhibits, with a focus on adapting content to suit the needs of people with disabilities, particularly the deaf community. It is also recommended to design digital museum content supported by visually accessible sign language and integrate it with AR technologies to ensure the full interaction and comprehension of cultural and educational content by the deaf. Additionally, the research recommends training museum staff in the Kingdom on how to use and implement AR technologies in exhibitions, with an emphasis on the interactive and educational aspects for people with disabilities. المزيد