The project provided an opportunity for young people to creatively design and propose an immersive experience that uncovered hidden stories within the British Library. Participants explored careers in immersive storytelling, including digital design, gaming, and interactive experiences, while learning how to bring their ideas to life through technology.
While the original project timeline had set phases from February to July, we had to revise the dates to better accommodate the youth group’s availability. The sessions were rescheduled to more suitable dates: 24th September, 26th September, and 1st October 2024. Despite the shift, we successfully delivered the core components of the project, including relationship-building, digital skill development, and co-creation of the augmented reality trail. Though we could only achieve two out of the three planned phases, the adjustments ensured full participation from the group, maintaining the quality and impact of the project.
The ‘Through Youth Eyes’ project achieved its key objectives, leaving a meaningful impact on the young participants and the British Library. The group attended all three sessions and worked collaboratively to reimagine the Library’s role through the creation of an augmented reality trail. With the guidance of digital storytelling expert Lucy Wheeler, they developed a small narrative inspired by the Library’s collections. The group was introduced to 2D and 3D image-making software and crafted voiceovers to accompany their visual designs, culminating in the ‘Through Youth Eyes AR Trail’—a creative fusion of technology and history.
Key outcomes of the project included learning about careers in digital storytelling, gaining a deeper understanding of the Library’s resources, and co-creating a story that reflected their personal connections to the space. The introduction to open-source design software empowered the participants to experiment with new digital skills, while the collaborative process fostered a sense of pride and achievement.
The project successfully met the pilot objectives and community engagement KPIs: it deepened the connection between Camden’s youth and the British Library, inspired the participants to engage with the Library’s rich resources, and encouraged ongoing collaboration, ensuring the potential for future projects and partnerships.
The ‘Through Youth Eyes’ pilot at the British Library sparked creativity and discovery among the five young participants, aged 13 to 18, all from the local community. For one attendee, it was their very first visit to the Library, making the experience even more special. Three others were students from Regent High School, and all were invited through Coram’s Fields Youth Club, a beloved local hub for young people.
This project allowed the group to see the British Library from a fresh perspective. Through three immersive sessions, they explored parts of the Treasures Gallery and ventured into storytelling using digital skills. The group reimagined the Library’s space by designing an augmented reality trail, bringing hidden stories to life in a modern and interactive way.
Their final creation, the ‘Through Youth Eyes AR trail,’ weaved together narratives inspired by the Library’s collections. They learned about 2D and 3D design, crafted voiceovers to enrich their visual designs, and gained insights into digital storytelling careers. One participant said, “I never thought the Library could be this cool!” This initiative fostered a sense of belonging, pride, and creative ownership, leaving lasting impacts on both the young people and the Library’s future youth programming.
1: The Rana, Hana,Lucy, Kimberly and Evans on the stair of British Library. The group where excited about the extent of the Library and all its history
2: Kimberly, Hana and Rana taking in the view from the upper floors overlooking the public.
3: Jamal, Kimberly, Rana, Hana, Evans and Paula experiencing the Sciene and Technology Reading Room and it’s extonishing stillness
4: Exciting reveal of Lucy holding a finished AR imagine for the group to see and hear what they had created.