Your Vision. Our Future. – Mixed Reality Transport Engagement for South Australia’s 30-Year Strategy

Transport strategies are often complex and difficult for the public to engage with meaningfully. The challenge was to design an interactive, portable experience that could make policy concepts clear, relatable, and engaging. It needed to simplify abstract planning ideas, invite broad participation, and generate feedback that would inform long-term government decisions. The tool had to be accessible and intuitive, supporting engagement across age groups and backgrounds, while remaining consistent with the strategic goals and branding of the “Your Vision. Our Future.” campaign.

CatalystXR developed a Unity-based Mixed Reality experience for standalone Meta Quest headsets. Participants began by ranking five key values—Safety, Sustainability, Connectivity, Prosperity, and Liveability—via a web-based mobile interface. This data was synced to the MR experience using a unique code. Within the headset, a stylised 3D diorama featuring City, Suburban, Regional, and Industrial zones visually adapted to reflect user preferences. Participants could explore the scene using hand tracking, triggering overlays and animations that highlighted changes based on selected priorities. The experience was deployed across multiple public activation sites and aligned with the overarching campaign identity.

This project enabled South Australians to engage with the state's future transport vision in a tangible and accessible way. Over 1000 participants explored the MR experience, with countless more using the online experience. Their feedback contributed to shaping the final strategy. The activation reached both urban and regional communities, improving inclusivity in the consultation process. Beyond data collection, the experience fostered public understanding of long-term planning and helped build trust in the process. It also demonstrated how immersive technology can enhance civic participation and influence strategic planning in meaningful and measurable ways.

Mixed Reality Diorama: A 3D environment showing four transport zones—City, Suburban, Regional, and Industrial—that responded dynamically to user input. Web-to-Headset Integration: Users completed a short survey on their phones and entered a code to personalise the headset experience. Hand Tracking: No controllers required, ensuring intuitive interaction for users of all ages. Visual Feedback: Overlays and animations illustrated the real-time impact of each user’s selected priorities. Mobile Deployment: Optimised for Meta Quest to allow easy transport and setup across multiple public venues. Campaign Alignment: Designed to reflect the branding and messaging of the wider “Your Vision. Our Future.” initiative.