How the Metaverse Digital Twin Museum is Capturing Young Audiences

In recent years, big companies like NVIDIA, Meta, Tencent, and Roblox have jumped into the metaverse scene, pouring money into these exciting new platforms. The metaverse market is set to explode. Statistics show it is growing from about USD 416 billion in 2023 to an astonishing USD 3.4 trillion by 2027. Museums are also getting involved, using metaverse tech to enhance visitor experiences and reach even more people.

For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art launched the Met Unframed project. This provides online virtual tours using augmented reality (AR). The British Museum teamed up with LaCollection to release non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Their collaboration allows people around the world to explore its collections. Other iconic institutions like the Louvre and the National Palace Museum are rolling out virtual tours and 3D projects. Google’s Arts & Culture platform, on the other hand, is partnering with museums globally to create virtual exhibitions. With around 104,000 museums worldwide, according to UNESCO, there’s a huge opportunity to develop metaverse museums.

Attracting Young Users

Young people are leading the way in using metaverse technologies. Bringing museums into the metaverse breaks down barriers, offering fresh ways to showcase culture that really resonate with younger audiences. Platforms like Roblox and Zepeto are especially popular with this demographic, with Roblox hosting over 108 museum projects by 2024. However, many young users don’t stick around for long even if they’re initially interested.

Several issues contribute to this drop-off. First, digital replicas of artifacts often don’t capture the real experience, which can lead to a lack of immersion. Second, when virtual spaces simply replicate physical environments without adding anything new, the experience feels flat. Third, the content in these metaverse museums can sometimes seem outdated or irrelevant. Lastly, technical glitches can frustrate users when trying to navigate VR experiences. These factors can hold back young users from fully engaging with metaverse museums.

Enter the Metaverse Digital Twin Museum (MDTM)

To tackle these challenges, researchers have proposed the idea of a Metaverse Digital Twin Museum (MDTM). So, what exactly is the MDTM? It uses digital twin technology, which links a real-world object (the physical twin) with its digital counterpart (the digital twin). This means users can interact with digital replicas of cultural artifacts using avatars. At the same time, this enables real-time connections with other users in a virtual space. The MDTM accurately replicates real museum artifacts as digital twins and streams data to create a rich virtual environment where users can actively interact with the art.

Why Young Users Keep Coming Back

Here are some reasons why young users are drawn to and continue to engage with the MDTM:

1. Social Presence: Young users love creating and personalizing their digital avatars. This feature lets them connect more meaningfully with others in the virtual space, building a sense of community that keeps them coming back.
2. Immersion: The immersive technology used in the MDTM makes the experience feel real. High-quality visuals and interactive elements help users feel like they’re truly part of the environment.
3. Social Interaction: The MDTM encourages real-time communication and teamwork among users, which enriches their experiences and fosters a sense of belonging.
4. Hope for Future Experiences: Young users are excited about new interactions and experiences, driving them to explore what’s next in the MDTM.
5. Access to Information: The chance to get valuable, real-time information about exhibits enhances user experience and makes each visit more meaningful.
6. Self-Presentation: Young users appreciate being able to shape their identities with customizable avatars and exhibition spaces, allowing for personal expression that boosts engagement.
7. Technological Engagement: Since young users are tech-savvy, they enjoy the innovative features of the MDTM, making them enthusiastic participants in this digital art space.
8. Gamification Elements: Fun features like tasks, milestones, and rewards keep the experience lively, encouraging young users to stay engaged.

Conclusion

In summary, young users are attracted to the Metaverse Digital Twin Museum because it meets their needs for social connection, immersive experiences, and personalization. The mix of educational opportunities and cutting-edge technology creates a vibrant atmosphere that aligns with their interests, encouraging them to stick around.

The metaverse has exciting potential for the future of digital collectible art and museums, especially when connecting with younger audiences. By embracing technology and understanding user preferences, we can build dynamic digital spaces that foster connections and enrich the experience for everyone involved. The rise of metaverse museums signals a thrilling new chapter in how we engage with and appreciate art.

References:
Featured Image: The Louvre. Mona Lisa Virtual Reality in Your Own Home (https://www.louvre.fr/en/explore/life-at-the-museum/the-mona-lisa-in-virtual-reality-in-your-own-home)

Third Image: Screenshot from The Met Unframed (https://www.unit9.com/project/the-met-unframed/)