Tourism: The Power of Avatars Explained by the Proteus Effect

Ever heard of the Proteus Effect? The Proteus Effect was first discovered in the world of video games. It's only more recently that we've begun to take an interest in its beneficial effects in the world of tourism.

Indeed, while today's technologies are pushing back the boundaries of our imagination, visitors to tourist sites are looking for new experiences.

For example, thanks to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), we can now walk with avatars through the majestic corridors, explore the enchanting gardens and even meet the historical figures who lived in these places.

These tours of historic sites such as castles, archaeological sites or abbeys, offer a unique immersive experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history and feel the atmosphere of these historic places, on site or from home. But what makes this experience so captivating? How can mixed reality and avatars change our perception and help us live such a rich experience?

The avatar, a virtual character we embody during our visit, plays an essential role in the virtual experience. By identifying with this avatar, we appropriate its body and feel connected to it. This identification goes beyond mere observation; it modifies our behavior and perception.

This effect, known as the Proteus Effect, has been studied and demonstrated by numerous numerous researchers. The Proteus Effect refers to the way in which our behavior, emotions and thoughts can be influenced by the embodiment of an avatar. In other words, when we embody an avatar, we adopt the characteristics and behaviors associated with that avatar. This can have a significant impact on our experience, enabling us to have unique experiences.

Imagine yourself walking through the corridors of a medieval castle. You're wearing a virtual reality headset and surrounded by magnificent 3D scenery. The fire crackles in the fireplace, the moonlight shines through the windows and illuminates the stone walls. You can hear the sound of horses passing in front of the castle and smell the wood burning in the fireplace. All thanks to the magic of virtual reality.

Virtual tours of historic monuments offer a unique opportunity to discover these emblematic places in a totally new way. Thanks to avatars and the Proteus Effect, you can choose to embody a famous historical figure who lived in that castle. You can walk through the same rooms as them, interact with other virtual characters and even take part in important historical events.

The virtual tour experience of castles can be further enhanced with augmented reality. Augmented reality makes it possible to enrich the real world with virtual elements, creating a hybrid experience where virtual and real objects coexist. In the context of historical tourism, augmented reality can be used to add additional information to monument elements, such as historical descriptions, anecdotes about the people who lived there, or virtual reconstructions of missing rooms.

Imagine yourself attending a Gallo-Roman religious festival, where virtual guests mingle with you to discuss historical topics. You can ask the virtual characters questions, hear their answers and even take part in lively discussions.

Thanks to augmented reality, Gallo-Roman remains, castles, mills, churches and other historic sites come to life before your eyes, allowing you to discover their history in an interactive and immersive way.

Thanks to 3D and artificial intelligence, the avatars used in cultural tours are designed with meticulous detail and historical fidelity. The virtual characters resemble the emblematic figures who have left their mark on history, such as Henri IV, Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte and many others.

As you stroll through the richly decorated halls of a castle, your avatar will guide you through the different eras, taking you back through the most memorable moments in history. You'll be able to interact with virtual objects, ask your avatar-guide questions and even take part in interactive activities that immerse you further in the castle's atmosphere.

Cultural tours with an avatar offer many advantages for visitors.

This immersion in the past allows you to better appreciate and understand the importance of the cultural and historical sites you visit.

Now that we know about the Proteus effect, we can better understand how avatars have revolutionized cultural tours, enabling visitors to discover castles and other historic sites in an immersive, interactive way.

Thanks to virtual and augmented reality, avatars transport us into the past and enable us to enjoy unique experiences by stepping into the shoes of famous or anonymous historical figures.

The company OHRIZONa company specializing in augmented reality virtual tours, offers a unique experience. Visitors can explore historic sites in France, Canada, Belgium and other countries by meeting and embodying avatars of famous and not-so-famous historical figures. Whether you want to stroll through the majestic corridors of a French château, explore the lush gardens of a Belgian abbey or experience the life of a small community around its church in early twentieth-century Quebec, OHRIZON offers a memorable immersive and educational experience.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready for a captivating virtual adventure and discover the world's castles in a totally new way!