Sources

How the Snow Globe Was Accidentally Created

The snow globe: an emblem of winter, a cherished childhood trinket, a gift-shop staple. It's an object that simultaneously evokes holiday cheer and, for some, eye-roll-worthy kitsch. Snow globes are irresistible for their promise of brief, easy entertainment-plus the added visual delight of the whimsical miniatures found inside.

www.artsy.net

CoolSnowGlobes:Wave Snow Globe

The coastline binds together the steadfast strength of the land with the awesome power of the ocean. And waves are the result. They build slowly from within, shaped by the ocean floor and the gathering strength of the sea. Their crescendo is a beautiful moment of power unleashed.

coolsnowglobes.com

Analysis

The traditional snow globe has become quite a recognizable physical representation of some location, event, effect, or other memorable 3D visualization. Hart's article outlining historical elements of the snow globe clearly depicts the opportunities that it has offered to preserve history in a very unique and interactive way. So while the visual presentation encapsulated within it can be captivating by itself, the basic interactivity of holding it and shaking it to prompt glitter or some other particle to swish around the globe to bring the scene to life. To me, the premise of this media hints at the potential that AR can bring to a static orb shape, and not just to showcase something, but for it to be an interactive art performance. The wave snow globe sets the stage for this evolution in that it is a static wave frozen in time and sprinkled upon with snow. AR can take this static effect and animate the wave into a turbulent ocean scene. To take this further could include adding sound to the effect and touch controls so the user can modulate the effect of the turbulent water from a calm to roaring sea.