Augmented Reality at Human Rights Museum

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Augmented Reality Demo (photo by CMHR, Aaron Cohen)

An augmented reality app, Proclamation 1982, has been launched by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.

The app takes users through stories about the journey to the proclamation of the Constitution Act,  which enshrined the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canadian law.  

Visitors can use iPads to make virtual people and objects appear in front of them, along with video, audio and historic images. The immersive experience can be accessed anywhere in the world, simply by downloading the app to a phone or tablet.  

Advanced technology helps the museum connect with younger Canadians, says CEO John Young.

"By creating this app, we're leveraging the latest digital tools to engage in the oldest form of communication - storytelling - as a way to reach Canadians from coast to coast to coast,"  says Young.

The app was developed by Halifax-based Brave New World in collaboration with the museum's digital team. It uses Apple's ARKit, cutting-edge technology also used on popular apps by Ikea, Edmunds, TapMeasure, Houzz and Wayfair. 

For Graham Lowes, a middle-school teacher currently working as the museum's educator-in-residence, the app is a great tool to engage students. 

"As a teacher, I'm constantly in search of ways to connect with students on their level," says Lowes. "Putting these essential human rights stories at their fingertips helps engage and inspire them to take action for rights in their communities." 

The free app is available for download to iOS devices from the App Store.  

Source: Canadian Museum for Human Rights