The Wall of Courage is an exhibition by artist Heather Haynes that honours 80 orphaned children in the Congo. Originally conceived as a powerful portrait series and fundraising initiative, the project has raised both awareness and support for the Jonathan Holiday School and orphanage. I was invited to collaborate on an immersive extension, exploring how mobile augmented reality could expand the reach of the work beyond the gallery walls.
My role was to design an experience that could heighten emotional connection without overshadowing the paintings themselves. The challenge was to introduce digital storytelling in a way that felt respectful and human-centred, while still increasing engagement and charitable support. The project sought to create a bridge between audiences in North America and the children represented in the portraits, using AR to spark empathy, curiosity, and action.
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Purpose and Social Context
At its core, this project was about amplifying voices often unseen. Heather’s portraits already carried immense emotional weight; my role was to extend that impact through digital storytelling. Rather than focusing solely on technology, the project positioned AR as a tool for empathy — bridging audiences in North America with the lived realities of children in the Congo. The social purpose was twofold: raise awareness and increase donations for the Jonathan Holiday School and orphanage, while fostering a sense of solidarity across borders.
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Audience and Engagement
The experience was designed for a values-driven, socially engaged public: activists, artists, humanitarians, and those already inclined toward giving. These audiences expect authenticity and are quick to resist technological gimmicks. Engagement strategies therefore emphasized simplicity, storytelling, and respect. Each portrait became an interactive touchpoint, using subtle animation and audio to draw viewers closer, without overwhelming them or requiring advanced technical knowledge. The intent was not spectacle, but intimacy.
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Experience Design Decisions
Clarity and accessibility guided every design choice. AR often risks creating fatigue or confusion, particularly on mobile, so I focused on intuitive gestures and lightweight animations. The storytelling was layered: visual transformation paired with short audio narratives, offering multiple entry points for different learning styles. By designing with accessibility in mind, the project reduced friction and encouraged longer, more meaningful interactions with the art. The “experience” was meant to feel human, not high-tech.
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Social Impact and Potential
Early testing suggests that blending physical paintings with digital layers creates a heightened sense of presence. Audiences reported feeling more connected, both to the portraits and to the cause behind them. This resonance has strong potential to translate into deeper engagement — whether that means increased donations, word-of-mouth advocacy, or new forms of collective support. More than an art extension, the project is a framework for how immersive storytelling can strengthen trust and solidarity in the nonprofit space.