ROLE
Concept / Design / Animation / Production
OVERVIEW
To explore the potential of augmented reality (AR) in brand storytelling, I created an experimental AR activation inspired by the 35th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros. This project was not a client deliverable but a self-initiated exploration that pushed the boundaries of interactive design, blending nostalgic game assets with emerging immersive technology.
PROCESS
I designed an experience where users could scan a QR code with their mobile device, which then prompted them to locate a trigger image to launch the AR scene. Once activated, the experience transformed flat 8-bit sprites into an animated, three-dimensional sequence, allowing fans to engage with Mario in a way that bridged the past and the future of gaming.
- Concept & Design Intent: Recreate iconic 8-bit Mario visuals in a playful, spatially dynamic way that honored the franchise’s legacy while experimenting with emerging platforms.
- Tools & Process: Built entirely in Adobe Aero, I assembled the assets, animated transitions, and tested user flows to ensure a smooth AR trigger and scene reveal.
- Interactivity: The scene was designed to respond to user movement, letting them view the 8-bit characters from different angles and experience a familiar art style in an entirely new dimension.
Although this AR activation was a self-initiated experiment rather than a live campaign, it allowed me to push the boundaries of interactive design, merging iconic Nintendo artwork with cutting-edge technology. The project expanded my experience in AR prototyping, user flow design, and spatial interaction, and reinforced the potential of immersive media as a storytelling and engagement tool for future brand experiences.
Though Aero’s discontinuation means the activation is no longer viewable, the project remains a valuable milestone in my practice — proof of how nostalgia, design, and technology can intersect to spark fresh, memorable experiences.
