I would like to acknowledge the Darug people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which I've completed this project. I acknowledge and pay respects to elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who view this video. This country always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Rouse Hill Estate, one of the many museums under the care of Sydney Living Museums, briefed us on creating a student project to incorporate storytelling through wayfinding and experiential design within the estate. A big thank you to Anne-Louise Falson, Scott Hill, Sarah Jane Jones, Dave Key, and Leanne Watson for the feedback and informative talks throughout my project. This project wouldn't have been possible without their guidance.

For this project I highlight the five different senses: sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. Aboriginal communities share a deep connection to the environment and all that inhabit it, and having the visitor engage with all of their senses to interact with the environment allows them to gain a deeper understanding of Darug culture. There is also a very strong connection between Aboriginal communities and the stars. I began to explore this further through the stargazing event held at Rouse Hill Estate.

Complete app concept | Navigating through the senses as mentioned above.

The concept is a geo-location based app that allows users to be guided through a specific path and go through a treasure hunt-like journey around the estate, giving them an objective to achieve while raising awareness for Darug culture. Tuning in to their senses and surroundings would include the sensibility that the Darug communities share with their surroundings. Temporary signage is also in place that includes a glass plate with either a star or constellation engraved on it. It illuminates at night, allowing the user to look through it, the brightness of which will symbolise the stars that light pollution blocks.

The prototype I’ve created for this project works at engaging the target audience with its interactivity and immersive elements. By having the users work with their senses and become aware of the environment, the app allows them to become more mindful of the world around them and the Indigenous communities that inhabit it, specifically of Darug culture whose presence is still within the estate. This app not only allows the user to rediscover the Darug artefacts that cannot visually be shown, but also gives them a reminder that Darug culture never stopped in the area, rather it evolves and co-exists with the European stories told by Rouse Hill Estate. It reminds the user of the shared future that Rouse Hill Estate and Muru Mittigar aim to uphold.