Phygital Collectibles

Digital Repository

A digital repository of research about NFTs and how it blend physical and digital art together

Dissertation

An implementation of a solution that will enhance the collectibles market through the use of NFTs and the Metaverse.

Key Readings

Through the key readings we can understand and find the sources that is relating to the topic

About Project

This research explores the potential of using NFTs and the Metaverse to create "Phygital collectibles," which are 3D scanned physical collectibles that have a digital NFT counterpart on the blockchain. This allows buyers and sellers to connect with tangible artifacts while still having the convenience and accessibility of a digital asset. The Phygital relationship creates a globalized digital metaverse marketplace, benefiting both buyers and sellers by increasing accessibility, broadening reach, and providing new engagement and interaction with collectibles. Phygital collectibles could revolutionize the traditional collectibles market and provide new opportunities for collectors, enthusiasts, and investors.

Work & Progress

Creative Process Journal

This section documented all the work progression from Week 1 to Week 16, relating to how to bridge the gap between Physical and Digital objects through the use of NFTs and the Metaverse. I will explore using software such as Qlone, Blender, Roblox to experiment.

Experiments

Digitalising Physical Collectibles

Create a phygital asset by developing a system of “digitalising physical collectibles”. Using different 3D scanning apps on smartphone devices equipped with lidar technology to scan and replicate physical collectibles into their 3D digital forms.

Creating a market place in a Metaverse

The digital form of the Phygital asset can be displayed in the Metaverse. User can interact with the physical collectible while gaining the convenience and accessibility of the digital counterpart, allowing it to be viewed in a 3D space by a global audience and sold in a globalised digital metaverse marketplace.

Touching up on the scans

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the limitation of the software (blender) used to touch up on scans that is created from 3D digital assets representing physical objects.

Experience Phygital through VR

To gain a Phygital experience, VR headsets like Oculus will be used to immerse oneself in a digital environment that seamlessly blends with the physical world. User testinghelp to identify and address any pain points that may arise.

Timeline

SEMESTER 1
During Semester 1, which ran from week 1 to 16, I conducted experiments and self-learning to determine which applications could help me to 3D scan objects and create a metaverse with optimal graphics. I documented all of my experiments and learning points, which led to the creation of my first prototype using Spatial to build a metaverse world in week 16. Some of the important things that help me along the ways are:
- Experiments
- Case studies
- Research
Prototypes

For my prototypes, I used mainly two applications: Spatial and Qlone. Qlone was used to 3D scan all the collectibles and create 3D models, while Spatial was used to create the metaverse and effectively display the 3D models created by Qlone. Despite the short amount of time, my first prototype provided a rough gauge of why the concept can work.
SEMESTER 2

After receiving feedback on my first semester prototype, I have made improvements for my second semester project. To create a more advanced metaverse, I incorporated the Unity game engine along with Spatial and Qlone. However, the use of Unity proved to be more challenging than I initially anticipated, and I had to spend significant time learning and building the metaverse. Throughout the semester, I was able to scan and create 3D models for 50 different phygital collectibles to be displayed in the metaverse.
Final prototype

After receiving feedback during the week 12 open studio, I worked on finalizing my prototype with the desired design in mind. This final prototype went through numerous rounds of user testing and observation, resulting in a refined version that effectively showcases my vision. While the prototype does have some limitations, it demonstrates the desired outcome.

About Project

Work & Progress

Creative Process Journal

Experiments

Digitalising Physical Collectibles

Creating a market place in a Metaverse

Touching up on the scans

Experience Phygital through VR

Timeline

SEMESTER 1

Prototypes

SEMESTER 2

Final prototype