DescriptionIn 2018, Accurat collaborated with Pentagram to develop Building Hopes, an innovative augmented reality (AR) experience for the Google News Initiative. The project aimed to re-engage users with current events by visualizing their hopes for the future in a creative and interactive way. In an era of information fatigue and political uncertainty, many individuals felt overwhelmed by the complexity and negativity of the news cycle. Building Hopes sought to counteract this by transforming abstract global issues into something more tangible, personal, and inspiring. By leveraging AR technology, the project provided users with a unique way to interact with data, encouraging them to see their aspirations reflected in a larger societal context.

At the core of Building Hopes is an interactive system that allows users to select themes representing their hopes, which are then visualized as colorful, stackable stone sculptures. Each sculpture serves as a symbolic representation of both personal aspirations and broader global trends, derived from Google search data. The AR functionality enables users to place these “hope sculptures” in their physical environment, fostering a deeper connection between individual perspectives and collective sentiment. This immersive experience encourages reflection on how personal hopes align with larger societal movements, making data more relatable and engaging. More than just an artistic visualization, Building Hopes exemplifies the power of thoughtful design to democratize data, enhance public engagement, and inspire optimism. By combining technology, design, and storytelling, the project not only provides a visually compelling and interactive experience but also promotes a deeper understanding of global trends and personal aspirations, reinforcing the idea that hope can be both an individual and a shared experience.