BBC Future AR badges

Our team has developed a new tool for self-expression, a physical badge serving as the trigger for AR content based on the BBC Future data.

An activation of the badge will require installing the BBC Future iOS app and choosing the category from the list of such topics as LGBT rights, environmental protection, wellbeing, politics, etc.

We see a future where, instead of using data only to become more efficient, we will all use data to become more human and to understand each other. Also, the significance of digital storytelling through AR is manifest in its potential to engage a citizenry increasingly disengaged from traditional news and to provide more contextualised information.

16-24-year-olds who are experiencing the true implications of this data footprint. They are the biggest consumers of online media and channels and have grown up as true digital natives.

We researched market to identify user’s needs. An online survey was our main method. Online survey can gather many participants which means large sample sizes. Also, it can reach people from all over the world efficiently as it is online and offer an easy way to visualise gathered data. The survey was shared online through Facebook.

We learned that most participants (55%) use augmented reality filters in social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat), (35%) of participants for games (Pokémon Go, Ingress) and the rest (10%) for navigation in Google maps.

Also, we found out that participants prefer to get informed for the topics of interests in mobile applications with a percentage of 56%. They use BBC services only “sometimes” (69%), but almost all participants (98%) believe that the BBC is a trustful source of information.

Truth, facts and science are essential elements of the BBC Future articles. Users will be able to find stories on almost every topic that matters. Moreover, many online survey participants (68%) mentioned the beauty of articles' images and collages so that the content will be very likely chosen to display in AR.

The whole project has been carefully divided into five main parts: research, design, implementation, user testing and submissions. The roles were allocated to every member based on individual skills.

During first brainstorm sessions, we created some basic badge prototypes to trigger test AR experiences. We used simple materials (paper, cardboard, stickers) to create diverse patterns (AR trackers) and to launch our tests faster.

Patterns are isometric to highlight three-dimensional user experience of the project. Inspired by futuristic fashion, I carefully integrated the BBC logo into geometric shapes. I wanted to keep advertising function without strong focus on letters.

Based on my illustrations, other team members created both physical prototypes and 3D models.

Effective mobile navigation has to tell three main things to a user:
1. Where am I?
2. Where else can I go?
3. What will I find when I get there?

The tab bar fulfils all these requirements. It is visible on every screen and therefore, always gives users visual orientation. It shows where in the information architecture the users are (active tab highlighting), where users can go (other tabs) and what they will find there (icons and descriptive labels). Users can access more in-depth content (navigate from a parent screen to a child screen) without losing context.

‍A user can assign elements to one of the four slots (highlighted text, images, 3D objects or charts). If users find a passage that particularly resonates with them, they can highlight it to show in AR. Highlights feature gives users a more granular way to engage with each piece of content.

All our design decisions are based on the needs and wants of our users:
• a desire to express themselves creatively;
• an interest in reading fresh BBC Future ideas;
• a need to enhance communication.

Our concept required strong visualisation. We decided to use the filming camera and to overlay video frames with 3D elements during post-production.

In the end, I had the task to unite all project's elements in one video: three videos, 3D animations, several background sounds and text animations.

First seconds of a video can make a huge difference. Therefore, I added the BBC Future introduction video keeping in mind its possible usage in an advertising campaign on TV.

The BBC is eager to have a positive impact on the world and people’s awareness of global issues. We contributed to the BBC’s aspirations by combining activism and a future of digital fashion. Also, our team applied for the D&AD New Blood Awards.

Our app allows creative interactions with fact-based content. It means free and responsible data use in the context of one article. For example, an environmental activist can select 3D animation with water drops and display it together with some statistics about water consumption.

However, what will be if a user can unite elements from different articles? It creates a new unseen room for creativity. For instance, a user can select the 3D animation with a rainbow and merge it with text about psychology, nature or fashion trends. In all cases, it will be perceived differently.

Warm thanks to Chen Chen, Kun Wang, Lambros Theodorou, Alex Reid and Veranika Bandarovich for perseverance and desire to generate innovative ideas.