What if augmented reality could save local traditions?

Have you ever heard of the *umarells*? They are the elderly men in Emilia-Romagna who spend their days watching construction sites and offering unsolicited advice. A unique tradition, but how can it be introduced to younger generations? A team of researchers developed an augmented reality (AR) app to turn this custom into an interactive experience. With the app, users can explore 3D models of construction sites and learn about the history of *umarells* directly from their smartphones. The project involved over 125 young people in a public demonstration, showing how technology can bridge generations. Adults appreciated the cultural value, while younger participants were drawn to the digital features. An innovative way to preserve traditions and make them accessible to everyone!

The intervention was designed using Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) methods, involving 15 young adults in a focus group and 73 participants in a survey. The in-situ experience combines tangible artifacts with interactive 3D digital content accessible through augmented reality on a mobile application. The app leverages smartphone sensors, including GPS and gyroscopes, to dynamically adjust and contextualize the 3D building model within the real environment, enhancing spatial awareness and immersion. To assess the effectiveness of the solution, approximately 125 teenagers and young adults were involved in a public demonstration. The findings showed that the *umarell* concept is more familiar to adults, who also recognize its territorial value, whereas younger participants were primarily drawn to the app's digital features (AR function and 3D model). This study extends existing research by showing how hybrid strategies, combining mobile AR with tangible elements, enhance engagement with cultural heritage among younger audiences. The intergenerational co-design process helped identify meaningful features while mitigating risks of cultural flattening and commodification. Overall, technology emerges not as a substitute but as a bridge for intergenerational cultural transmission.