Learning in the Smart City: A Virtual and Augmented Museum Devoted to Chaos Theory

This paper presents a virtual museum introducing the interactive VR and MEMS applications related to the learning of chaos and complexity theory. In this museum, the user can learn the history of the dynamical systems and how to build Chua’s circuit, as well as realize artistic artifacts transforming attractors into sounds and music. This environment can be used in the city in order to create new ways of experiencing science, turning physical activities into virtual ones, an important step towards being able to have the museum in the smart city. Moreover, some applications have been developed to work on iPad and iPhone and can be used as a guide in the real exhibitions. A user-centred design strategy with 40 students has been carried out in order to implement the Virtual Museum of Chua’s Attractors, aiming at widening the experience in the smart city and allowing a considerable public participation.