The challenge:

Originally exhibited at Currents New Media's Art + Technology Festival, From the Ground / Sing a Polyphonic Song centred on an immersive AR experience that explored storytelling through digital interaction. While the AR component formed the heart of the project, its digital nature created a barrier to immediate engagement. The challenge was to create a physical entry point that could introduce visitors to the narrative in a more intuitive and accessible way while encouraging participation across both physical and digital environments.

The solution: 

To bridge this gap, we designed a series of Spore Drawing Cards that functioned as both collectible objects and interactive storytelling tools. Inspired by the act of foraging and collecting mushrooms, we recreated this behaviour through a tactile interaction: each card features a detachable mushroom-shaped piece that visitors can physically pick from the card. The QR code remains hidden beneath the mushroom and is only revealed at the moment it is removed, mirroring the experience of discovering something while foraging. This simple action encourages curiosity and participation, while seamlessly guiding audiences into the AR experience and creating a cohesive journey between physical interaction and digital exploration throughout the exhibition. 

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