Emma Arts
Organ Checker
An Augmented Reality Experience on Substance Use
Many websites provide facts about drug risks, but few manage to really engage younger audiences. This project set out to change that. With support from a drug prevention specialist known for working with high school students, I developed an interactive learning experience that uses augmented reality to make the topic more relatable and impactful.
The Concept
The goal was to create a tool that encourages curiosity and helps students understand how substances affect the body—beyond traditional teaching methods. I designed a product that combines two main elements:
- A custom T-shirt printed with human organs
- Augmented reality features built using the Zappar app
Students could scan the shirt using their phones with the Zappar app. This would trigger AR visuals of the organs on their screens, allowing them to explore each one and view short animations showing the effects of different substances. The result was a more engaging, hands-on way to understand a serious topic.
Making the Content Accessible on Instagram
To make the content more accessible for students who might not download the AR app, I also created an Instagram page. I repackaged all the information into short, digestible posts—making it easy to scroll, share, and engage with the content on a platform they already use.
Beyond the Basics: Added Interaction
The project also explored an additional layer: scanning counterfeit drug visuals. When scanned, a 3D model would appear, letting students explore details like ingredients or hear personal stories—such as a message from a parent who lost their child to that drug. It added emotional context to the learning experience.
Try It Yourself
Curious to see how it works? You can experience the project directly on your phone:
Then, scan the printed organ T-shirt with your phone’s camera. The augmented reality experience will launch, and you can start exploring the interactive organs.
Note: Not all animations are completed. To view the available examples, scan the liver and select the XTC pill, or scan the kidneys and choose the XTC pill there as well. All content is in Dutch.
Scroll down to see screenshots of the AR T-shirt and scanned counterfeit drugs in action.
Organ T-shirt
