Virtualization of Digital Location-Based Experiences

Digital location-based experiences, such as app-guided digital scavengers, depend on users being on-site. The requirement to be on-site is a virtue, but it can also be a shortcoming of location-based experiences, such as in the COVID 19 pandemic. This workshop addresses the possibilities of eliminating the on-site requirement, thus extending the potential application of location-based experiences. First, virtualization approaches will be presented, which allow eliminating the need to be on-site, such as the usage of 360° technologies or the employment of videoconferencing software. Further, various challenges, such as the application of existing design principles for location-based experiences and instructional design for virtualized location-based experiences, are discussed and options to overcome the limitations imposed by the virtualization. This paper provides insights into theoretical foundations relevant to solving the aspects of virtualizing location-based experiences. The workshop results are intended to provide lasting advancements to eliminating the on-site requirements for location-based experiences.