Revolutionizing Archaeology: Simone Ardito's AI-Powered App, Color Terrae

Bringing Digital Innovation to Archaeology with AI and User Experience Design

Color Terrae was born out of the desire to introduce innovation into areas where digital technology is less explored. Ardito's vision was to optimize the workflow of archaeologists by replacing inefficient paper-based processes with a more streamlined, digital approach. The app's unique properties lie in its use of artificial intelligence. It features a color detection function that can identify colors from photographs taken by the user and associate the photographed stratigraphic unit with a specific color code. The app also offers a Dig Mode, an outdoor-optimized version designed for use on dig days.

The creation of Color Terrae involved a transition from pencil sketches to digital designs and finally to code. The project utilized a range of software, including Adobe Illustrator for logo and brand identity, Sketch for wireframes, hi-fi mockups, and prototypes, and Xcode with Swift UI for the app itself. The AI color detector was developed using Core ML and Python.

When a picture is taken, the app's AI technology analyzes it pixel by pixel to find the matching color unit related to a Munsell color code. The AI has learned 1000 hex color codes, which are grouped into 100 color units. Each color unit corresponds to a Munsell color, and the most frequently detected hex color codes within a color unit indicate the "winning" unit associated with a specific Munsell color.

The app is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Upon launch, users can interact with the main area, Diary, launch the Camera, or switch to Dig Mode through settings. The Diary functions as a notebook and photographic archive, allowing users to write or record their thoughts during a dig and save all the pictures they have taken. To ensure a well-structured archive, all files are divided into three sections: recents, lists, and all.

Color Terrae was developed in the last quarter of 2020 and had its first demo release and test phase in February 2021 in Lugano, Switzerland. The app is based on extensive research and user testing, which established that a mobile app could assist archaeologists in several key phases of their work, including during archaeological excavations, documentation, and the study phase of the site.

The biggest challenge in developing Color Terrae was to digitize the current paper-based process without altering the user experience. The aim was for archaeologists to be able to maintain their existing workflow while benefiting from the advantages of digital technology. Understanding the human and technical pain points was crucial in developing an appropriate digital solution.

Color Terrae's innovative approach to archaeology has not gone unnoticed. The app was awarded Silver in the A' Mobile Technologies, Applications and Software Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. This prestigious award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate a high level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.