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Commemor
CONTEXT
University
Invention Design II – 4th Semester
Supervised by: Ludwig Kannicht, Patrick Kenzler
TEAM
Evelin Gariung
Vincent Paul
DATE
07/2022
Description
Commemor is an innovative augmented reality project that aims to preserve and modernize remembrance culture by bringing the stories behind Stolpersteine (memorial stones) to life through digital technology. The project addresses the critical challenge of maintaining historical memory as fewer Holocaust survivors remain to share their firsthand accounts.
A video showcasing our concept for Commemor.
The application uses AR technology to transform existing Stolpersteine into interactive storytelling points, allowing users to scan these memorial stones and access detailed biographical information about the victims of Nazi persecution. By combining physical monuments with digital storytelling, Commemor creates an immersive learning experience that connects past and present.
Technical Role
As both technical lead and UX specialist in our three-person team, I:
- Led the technical development and prototyping of the AR functionality, including marker tracking and immersion level testing
- Co-developed the core concept and UX framework, ensuring a seamless blend between digital storytelling and physical monuments
- Created and validated user flows and interaction patterns that make historical information accessible and engaging
- Served as the bridge between conceptual design and technical implementation, ensuring feasibility while maintaining the project's vision
Project relevance
In an era where firsthand witnesses of the Holocaust are becoming fewer, Commemor addresses the crucial need to preserve historical memory for future generations. By leveraging existing urban infrastructure - the Stolpersteine - and combining it with innovative AR technology, the project creates meaningful educational experiences that make historical information more accessible and engaging, particularly for younger audiences. This approach to cultural preservation demonstrates how modern technology can be thoughtfully applied to maintain and enhance remembrance culture, ensuring these important stories continue to be told in an impactful way.
Future Potential
The project continues to evolve, with plans to:
- Adapt the concept for museum contexts and exhibitions
- Expand functionality to include other historical monuments and information boards
- Enhance exhibition experiences through interactive AR elements
- Create digital representations of Holocaust victims using AI technology, including voice recreation and interactive testimonies, similar to the Dimensions in Testimony initiative
The project exemplifies how digital technology can serve as a bridge between physical memorials and detailed historical narratives. By combining AR visualization with AI-powered interactions, we can create more engaging and personal connections to historical figures, ensuring their stories remain vivid and meaningful for future generations. This approach not only preserves historical memory but also makes it more accessible and interactive, helping to ensure that the stories of Holocaust victims continue to be told and remembered.
