Spatial Iterations Within the Metaverse: The Experience of Museum Environments and the Impact of Device

The metaverse is emerging as a new space for digital engagement, revolutionising access and the cultural experience. Virtual museums overcome the physical limitations of traditional museums, offering immersive and dynamic experiences. This study aims to examine the opportunities and challenges offered by the metaverse by exploring spatial iterations and the impact of access devices on the user experience in museums. Virtual spaces can replicate or reinvent physical environments, removing geographical barriers and harnessing digital potential to create distinctive interactions, such as artwork animations and interactive narratives. The devices used significantly influence the experience: PCs, with VR viewers and advanced peripherals, offer immersion and precision; smartphones, although limited by small screens, excel in accessibility; tablets balance portability and performance, but remain inferior to PCs in terms of precision. Internet connection quality is crucial: mobile connections can cause latency, compromising fluidity and collaborative interactions. User involvement ranges from passive exploration to active collaboration, such as artefact reconstruction. More advanced technologies support complex interactions, while portable ones favour simpler, more intuitive activities. Furthermore, social dynamics in the metaverse depend on non-verbal signals and the ergonomics of interfaces, highlighting the importance of designing inclusive and adaptive digital environments. In conclusion, the metaverse offers a unique opportunity to democratise access to culture, overcoming conventional barriers and promoting global engagement. Customising design and infrastructure can make these experiences more accessible and meaningful for all.