Learning About Sustainable Transport

We designed an immersive augmented reality game that introduced sustainability concepts through active play. Launched at the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, the experience invited students to explore the impact of transport choices in a way that was hands-on, intuitive, and fun.

The game was built around two core design principles:

Learning Through Play
Rather than presenting information passively, the experience encouraged participants to learn by doing. Through gameplay, students could see how reducing car use and increasing public transport directly lowers carbon emissions on our roads. By discovering the benefits themselves, the sustainability message became more engaging and more likely to stick.

Grounded in the Real World
Imvizar chose augmented reality rather than full virtual reality to ensure participants remained connected to their surroundings. This approach worked particularly well in a busy exhibition setting and helped those new to XR feel comfortable, confident, and present while playing.

At the CIÉ stand, students stepped into an AR-powered game environment where sustainability concepts were woven seamlessly into gameplay. The experience was designed to be:

• Accessible to first-time AR users
• Quick to understand and easy to engage with
• Visually engaging while remaining grounded in the physical space

By blending real-world awareness with digital interaction, the game created a natural bridge between abstract sustainability concepts and real-life transport choices.

By combining augmented reality, gameplay, and sustainability education, Imvizar helped CIÉ reimagine how public transport messaging can connect with the next generation. The project demonstrates the potential of spatial storytelling and learning-through-play to support meaningful climate conversations without losing optimism, creativity, or joy.

The experience attracted strong interest throughout the exhibition, drawing thousnads students into meaningful conversations around sustainablity, innovation and public transport. Feedback highlighted how the game made sustainability feel:

By meeting young audiences on their own terms, the activation demonstrated how immersive technology can support education, awareness, and behaviour change at scale.

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This project reflects a broader shift in sustainability communication from telling people what to do, to inviting them to explore why it matters. Gamified, AR-based learning offers a powerful alternative to traditional campaigns by combining engagement, emotional connection, and real-world relevance.

For transport authorities and public bodies, immersive experiences like this provide:

• A positive, future-focused way to communicate climate goals
• Higher engagement in busy public environments
• An accessible entry point to XR for new audiences