AR Application for the Films of Michalis Kakogiannis
AR Application for the Films of Michalis Kakogiannis
PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Augmented Reality (AR) Application for the Films of Michalis Kakogiannis was developed for the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation as part of the project “Innovative Applications for the Foundation’s Archives.”
Its purpose was to bring the director’s work closer to the public through immersive digital storytelling, blending cinema, culture, and location-based AR experiences.

The app guides users through iconic filming locations from Stella, Zorbas, and The Last Lie via interactive maps and AR points. By scanning specific locations around Athens, visitors can view restored film clips and archival material overlaid onto the real environment, standing exactly where the scenes were originally filmed.

This creates a seamless blend of cinema, place, and time, transforming historical film locations into an interactive narrative.

CLIENT

Michael Cacoyannis Foundation
(Implementing body: Ministry of Development & Investments — ESPA 2014–2020)

DELIVERABLES

Mobile AR Application (Android & iOS)

YEAR DESIGNED / COMPANY

2023 / Aegean Solutions

ROLES

Product Designer

Led the UX and UI design process, defined user journeys, and ensured a unified experience across AR and non-AR sections.


UI/UX Designer

Created interaction flows, wireframes, and a visual system optimized for outdoor use with an emphasis on clarity, legibility, and consistency.

GOALS

The app was designed around four key objectives:

  • Highlight the cinematic and cultural legacy of Michalis Kakogiannis.

  • Bring archival material to life through immersive AR experiences.

  • Make film content accessible and engaging for both on-site and remote users.

  • Balance a modern interface with sensitivity to historical material.

CHALLENGES

Designing for outdoor mobile use introduced several UX constraints:

  • Integrating low-resolution archival media into a modern layout.

  • Simplifying onboarding for first-time AR users.

  • Preserving a calm, cinematic tone while incorporating technical AR elements.

  • Supporting both on-site immersion and remote exploration within one system.

DESIGN PROCESS

Discovery & Research

  • Analyzed user behaviors in cultural and tourism-related AR experiences.

  • Identified three key user groups: casual viewers, film enthusiasts, and on-site explorers.

  • Considered spatial and environmental constraints for outdoor AR use.

Mapped journeys that support both on-site AR visits and archive-based exploration when users are not at the physical location.

Wireframing & Prototyping

  • Developed low-fidelity wireframes for film, map, and AR flows.

  • Built a visual system emphasizing contrast, clarity, and a cinematic atmosphere.

FINAL DELIVERY

The final application transforms Greek cinema into an immersive, location-based digital experience. Through AR and archival storytelling, users can stand where iconic scenes were filmed - or explore the material from anywhere in the world.

Introducing
Augmented Reality Application for the Films of Michalis Kakogiannis

HOMEPAGE - FILM BROWSE

The homepage features a clean, swipeable carousel showcasing the selected films. Each film includes a small AR indicator, helping users instantly identify which titles contain AR locations. The layout remains minimal and familiar while subtly directing attention toward the app’s interactive features.

FILM PAGES - CONTENT & AR FLOW

Each film page adapts based on whether AR points exist:


  • Films without AR:
    Users can browse curated stills, a short description, cast information, and contributor details.

  • Films with AR:
    The structure becomes AR-first, directing users immediately to the available locations so they can explore scenes through augmented reality.


This dual approach keeps the interface consistent while allowing each film to highlight its unique material.

AR EXPERIENCE - MAP TO SCENE

The AR flow is designed to keep navigation effortless and intuitive.


After selecting a point of interest, users arrive at the location’s overview and can switch to AR mode. The map then displays all active AR points. Selecting a point presents simple instructions before launching the AR viewer.


By pointing their camera at the filming location, users can watch the original scene unfold exactly where it was shot, bridging cinema and physical space through an immersive, site-specific experience.

Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!