Overview
For the centennial of World War I's end
In 2018, our MA:UX course team partnered with the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London for a capstone project commemorating Remembrance Day and the 100th anniversary of World War 1’s end. This day honors the sacrifices of military personnel, symbolized by Weeping Windows installations of cascading poppies across London.
To engage younger generations, we developed an Augmented Reality (AR) prototype based on ethnographic studies and interviews with IWM visitors. This interactive experience allowed users to virtually plant poppy seeds and watch them bloom, transforming the IWM garden into an engaging, educational playground. Our goal was to help children appreciate and remember the significance of Remembrance Day.
An Exhibition by Paul Cummins & Tom Piper
The Weeping Windows
Ethnographic Study
Identifying the 'Users' of the Imperial War Museum
Through extensive fieldwork at the Imperial War Museum, our team immersed ourselves in the visitor experience. We conducted interviews with over 50 visitors, volunteers, and staff, observing how different generations interacted with the museum's exhibits and gardens. These insights directly shaped our approach to creating an engaging AR experience.
Sample Personas
IWM Field Research
All individuals who were interviewed consented to use of their images and responses for our project overview.
Grandfather (60+)
A Londoner who lived through WWII, deeply committed to passing down war memories and veteran appreciation to his grandchildren through Remembrance Day traditions.
Father (40) & Sons (6-12)
A dad making history come alive for his kids, who are tech-savvy learners eager to explore war history through digital experiences.
IWM Volunteer (60+)
A Londoner whose childhood was shaped by WWII, deeply invested in preserving war memories and veteran stories. They see Remembrance Day as crucial for passing these legacies to their grandchildren.
A Teacher (50+)
This persona is a dedicated teacher passionate about making history engaging for students. They value interactive learning and see Remembrance Day as crucial for instilling respect for those who served, aiming to inspire gratitude in their students.
Key Challenges
An Augmented Reality Poppy Planting Experience
Our visitor interviews revealed an opportunity to activate the Imperial War Museum's peaceful courtyard space. We designed an AR poppy planting experience that enriched the outdoor area without physical impact. This digital layer merged technology with nature, creating an immersive way for different generations to connect with history together.
AR Poppy Planting Prototype
Introducing: 'AR Poppy Planting', an interactive augmented reality exhibition designed for collective participation. This initiative blends history and community through a multiplayer-inspired format, creating a shared, immersive experience in real time.
