AR Visualization: Plastic Waste in Oceans by National Institute of Design

This AR visualization is an attempt to transcend traditional static displays and immerse visitors in the stark reality of ocean plastic pollution. The experience aims to educate and inspire action by showcasing the top five plastic waste contributors: the Philippines, India, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia, prompting reflection on the factors driving these disparities. Leveraging the power of augmented reality, complex data is transformed into visually compelling and emotionally resonant narratives. Visitors don't simply observe statistics; they interact with realistic 3D models of plastic debris and the grim consequences – dead fish carcasses, a decaying plastic bottle revealing trapped skeletons, and the visceral experience of being "inside" the bottle, fostering empathy for marine life.
Water cubes surrounding each country visualize the extent of surrounding ocean pollution, with floating garbage bags representing 1% of total waste (~10,000 tons) for scale. This tangible representation of data provides a powerful context for understanding the sheer volume of plastic entering our oceans. The interactive bottle and skeleton exhibit, combined with the data-driven cubes and garbage bags, creates a visceral connection, motivating visitors to confront their own plastic consumption habits and become agents of change. This design prioritizes emotional engagement alongside data comprehension, creating an impactful experience.