ARCHIVES

We set out to create an augmented reality (AR) experience for virtual pilgrimage—one that truly centers people who are often left out: those with mobility or sensory challenges. Getting this right was a delicate balance—we combined cutting-edge tools that don’t usually work side by side: Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) to reconstruct spaces in 3D, SLAM to keep positioning steady, and a custom navigation algorithm based on Bézier-smoothed A* paths, so movement felt natural no matter the user's abilities.We also reimagined how people interacted: instead of relying on traditional pinch or swipe gestures, we introduced a new model—what we call Spatial-Gaze-Hand Alignment (S-GHA). Built with accessibility at heart, it lets users navigate without needing precise finger movements—just their gaze and hand alignment. In our study of 150 participants, we saw something remarkable: the mobility-impaired group actually surpassed the able-bodied group, completing tasks at 64% versus the control’s 45%. And on the technical side, we reached a PSNR of 31.16 dB—far beyond typical photogrammetry. In the end, we reflect on what we call "hybrid authenticity"—how these virtual spaces, though not physically traveled, can become meaningful places of devotion for those who can’t journey in person.