Construction of Digital Aesthetic Experience: Visual Communication Model in Augmented Reality (AR)-Based Special Interest Tourism Applications in Indonesia

Abstract

In recent years, Augmented Reality (AR) technology has become an innovative tool for communicating information across various sectors, including the tourism industry. One important application of AR is in special-interest tourism, such as the Mount Bromo area, where visitors can gain immersive visual experiences through Web-Augmented Reality (Web-AR). This study aims to develop a visual communication model that uses Web-AR as an immersive medium to convey information and create a digital aesthetic experience for visitors. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study analyzes how Web-AR builds 'Narrative Spatial Layers' that form a rich visual experience, touching on aspects of safety literacy and local cultural contextualization. The results show that Web-AR can create a more personalized and interactive experience, where visitors not only obtain information but also feel the meaning of the location they visit. This visual communication model can serve as a reference for developing AR-based tourism applications in Indonesia and for improving safety and cultural literacy through digital technology.