Paper short abstract:

This paper evaluates the potential benefits of depicting digital reconstructions non-photorealistically. Based on recent research and survey results, non-photorealistic rendering is suggested to be most suited to depicting digital reconstructions that are created for interpretive purposes.

Paper long abstract:

Archaeologists have been creating digital reconstructions for over thirty years, yet despite the numerous criticisms that have been raised with the way these are typically depicted in a 'photorealistic' style, depicting digital reconstructions in alternative styles remains generally unexplored. This paper therefore attempts to evaluate the potential benefits of presenting digital reconstructions using 'non-photorealistic rendering' (NPR); a relatively new discipline in computer graphics which aims to depict computer-generated models in artistic and expressive styles. A study is described which evaluates the potential of using non-photorealistic rendering techniques as a way to overcome the various problems that have become associated with using photorealistic styles of depiction. The study also highlights the potential benefits that non-photorealistic graphics could offer archaeologists who create digital reconstructions. Recent multi-disciplinary research in computer graphics and psychology suggests that non-photorealistic rendering techniques can influence a viewer's psychological response to an image, for example, NPR techniques can be used to encourage conversation, influence a viewer's judgements and direct their gaze. This literature is contrasted with the findings of an online survey that was based on both archaeologists' and the publics' responses to several archaeological reconstructions that were depicted in both photorealistic and non-photorealistic styles. The results suggest that choice of style clearly influences the way in which viewers respond to digital reconstructions, and indicate that archaeologists should consider the impact of style in their reconstructions, especially in regards to interpretive reconstructions where creating a strong aesthetic or a sense of engagement are not essential.