Nature's Pollinators
Augmented Reality
Interactive Design
Ed-Tech
'Nature’s Pollinators' is an augmented reality (AR) project aimed at educating children about the essential roles of pollinating insects. Combining storytelling with interactive visuals, the project uses AR flashcards to explore the relationships between specific insects and flowers. Developed through a collaborative effort between the Royal College of Art and Snap Inc., it highlights pollination’s ecological significance in an engaging, accessible format. This educational experience, featuring a narrated guide, was debuted at a Snap Inc. symposium, gaining over 53k views on Snapchat
→ External Collaborator: Snap x RCA
→ Collaborators: Aarti Bhalekar, Ayushi Saxena, Ruby Bell
→ Showcased at the Snap Symposium at the Royal College of Art, London
Research Process
The project began with an in-depth exploration of pollinators’ ecological roles, focusing on lesser-known contributors like moths alongside butterflies and bees. The goal was to create an engaging way to convey their importance to ecosystems. Research into AR technology and educational tools also shaped the development, ensuring the project could reach and resonate with its target audience. These are some of the references we collected during our process.
The project began with an in-depth exploration of pollinators’ ecological roles, focusing on lesser-known contributors like moths alongside butterflies and bees. The goal was to create an engaging way to convey their importance to ecosystems. Research into AR technology and educational tools also shaped the development, ensuring the project could reach and resonate with its target audience. These are some of the references we collected during our process.
Iterations
The design process was highly iterative, focusing on prototyping and testing AR experiences to improve user interactions. Our initial concept involved a card-matching game, where users would pair a pollinator card with its corresponding flower card to activate the AR experience. This would visually and audibly explain the relationship between the pollinator and the plant. Due to technical constraints with the AR image marker system, the concept was revised to a carousel format. This approach paired a virtual pollinator with a physical plant card, maintaining the interactive pairing experience while overcoming system limitations. Incorporating feedback from educators and users, we refined the design to ensure better storytelling, usability, and educational engagement.
The design process was highly iterative, focusing on prototyping and testing AR experiences to improve user interactions. Our initial concept involved a card-matching game, where users would pair a pollinator card with its corresponding flower card to activate the AR experience. This would visually and audibly explain the relationship between the pollinator and the plant. Due to technical constraints with the AR image marker system, the concept was revised to a carousel format. This approach paired a virtual pollinator with a physical plant card, maintaining the interactive pairing experience while overcoming system limitations. Incorporating feedback from educators and users, we refined the design to ensure better storytelling, usability, and educational engagement.
Card Design
The flashcards were meticulously designed to visually represent the insects and their corresponding flowers. Artful illustrations combined vibrant colours and intricate details to attract children’s attention while remaining scientifically accurate. Each card acted as both a physical learning tool and a trigger for AR interactions.
The flashcards were meticulously designed to visually represent the insects and their corresponding flowers. Artful illustrations combined vibrant colours and intricate details to attract children’s attention while remaining scientifically accurate. Each card acted as both a physical learning tool and a trigger for AR interactions.
3D and Animation
To bring the insects to life, 3D models were developed with realistic yet approachable aesthetics. Animations portrayed natural movements, such as a bumblebee pollinating or a moth fluttering near a flower, providing an immersive experience. Soundscapes and narration added depth, creating a multisensory interaction that captivated users and reinforced learning.
To bring the insects to life, 3D models were developed with realistic yet approachable aesthetics. Animations portrayed natural movements, such as a bumblebee pollinating or a moth fluttering near a flower, providing an immersive experience. Soundscapes and narration added depth, creating a multisensory interaction that captivated users and reinforced learning.
"Nature’s Pollinators" successfully bridges the gap between education and technology, offering an engaging way to learn about the intricate relationships between pollinators and plants. Despite challenges during development, the project evolved into an innovative, immersive tool that not only educates but also inspires curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. By combining AR, art, and storytelling, it highlights the critical role of pollinators in sustaining ecosystems, leaving a lasting impression on its audience and promoting environmental awareness in a fun, interactive format.
See the full process here →
See the full process here →
RCA x Snap Symposium
The following photos were taken at the Snap Inc. symposium, where 'Nature’s Pollinators' was showcased as part of an exhibition celebrating innovative uses of augmented reality. The symposium brought together artists, designers, and technologists from the RCA to explore the potential of AR in storytelling, education, and community engagement. It served as an inspiring platform for creative projects, highlighting the intersection of technology and social impact while providing valuable exposure to groundbreaking ideas like this one.
The following photos were taken at the Snap Inc. symposium, where 'Nature’s Pollinators' was showcased as part of an exhibition celebrating innovative uses of augmented reality. The symposium brought together artists, designers, and technologists from the RCA to explore the potential of AR in storytelling, education, and community engagement. It served as an inspiring platform for creative projects, highlighting the intersection of technology and social impact while providing valuable exposure to groundbreaking ideas like this one.
