To honor the retirement of a legendary aircraft, we created an augmented reality experience that brought the plane’s legacy to life. Users could interact with 3D models, hear stories from real pilots, and explore the timeline of the plane’s service — all in an immersive digital format.
This project was made possible through DCGONE, Day One Agency, and Aircards.
The client was retiring a historic Boeing 747 aircraft and wanted a modern way to preserve and showcase its rich legacy.
Static landing pages lacked emotional engagement and failed to bring attention to the aircraft’s legacy and the limited edition card launch derived from its metal.
We proposed an interactive AR experience accessible via QR code that used SLAM tracking to anchor a dynamic 3D model of the aircraft in space, essentially putting the entire history of the aircraft into your own wallet. A layered audio experience (ambient hangar sounds, interviews, and voiceovers) gave life to the story, while interactive nodes allowed users to learn about the crew, history, livery, and final flight signatures.
0
1
01 of 11
A collection of retro Delta 747 brochures and ads helped spark our visual direction.
Early inspiration was pulled from original Delta 747 promotional materials. These references shaped the nostalgic tone of the AR experience, grounding it in legacy while allowing for a fresh interpretation of brand storytelling.
A collection of retro Delta 747 brochures and ads helped spark our visual direction.
0
2
02 of 11
Initial wireframe layout showing core hotspot categories layered on the 747 model.
The main screen anchors the entire AR experience. Each hotspot—Flight Stories, Benefits, Transformation, and Aircraft History—was designed to branch off seamlessly from the central plane, encouraging intuitive exploration while keeping users oriented.
Initial wireframe layout showing core hotspot categories layered on the 747 model.
0
3
03 of 11
A breakdown of how the Aircraft History section responds to hotspot engagement.
This screen flow shows how tapping the Aircraft History hotspot reveals new modules—ranging from voiceovers to video interviews. Maintaining consistency in interaction logic across content types ensured a smooth, non-disruptive user experience.
A breakdown of how the Aircraft History section responds to hotspot engagement.
0
4
04 of 11
A closer look at wireframes built to test how we introduce sections around the model.
We structured each hotspot interaction to follow a familiar visual pattern while staying modular enough to accommodate changes. Design sprints were focused on clarity and reducing hesitation in user decision-making during interaction.
A closer look at wireframes built to test how we introduce sections around the model.
0
5
05 of 11
We invited Delta employees to leave farewell messages for the 747 on its body in AR.
One of the most personal aspects of the project came through this signing moment. Users could view handwritten notes and memories from pilots, dispatchers, and staff directly on the plane, building a bridge between nostalgia and tribute.
We invited Delta employees to leave farewell messages for the 747 on its body in AR.
0
6
06 of 11
The Flight Stories section zooms into the engine, where new hotspot stories live.
Tapping “Flight Stories” dynamically shifts focus to the plane’s engine. This micro-transition was designed to emphasize movement and depth while keeping the AR scene feeling anchored. Hotspots housed real stories from pilots and crew.
The Flight Stories section zooms into the engine, where new hotspot stories live.
0
7
07 of 11
A detailed map of how users engage with the Transformation section of the model.
In this section, the plane breaks into parts revealing the evolution of Delta’s brand and loyalty journey. Videos, layered cards, and component-based UI storytelling made this a modular yet cinematic experience within the AR space.
A detailed map of how users engage with the Transformation section of the model.
0
8
08 of 11
Supplemental UIs display timeline events and data from the 747’s operational history.
We introduced timeline components and historical data visualizations that were available in both the web and AR experience. Every stat—from miles flown to aircraft specs—was presented in a clean, tap-to-expand format for legibility and detail.
Supplemental UIs display timeline events and data from the 747’s operational history.
0
9
09 of 11
A macro overview of the wireframe and sequencing logic for the transformation story.
Wireframes like this helped us test multiple interaction layers and understand where users might get stuck. Using transparency and staggered fade-ins, we kept the hierarchy clear while providing branching content from each clickable section.
A macro overview of the wireframe and sequencing logic for the transformation story.
0
10
10 of 11
From hand tracking to matte environments, this AR experience evolved in rapid bursts.
These prototype captures show various development stages—from full matte renderings to textureless previews. Testing on physical hands helped ensure the floating model felt correctly grounded and scaled within real-world settings.
From hand tracking to matte environments, this AR experience evolved in rapid bursts.
A mobile web-based AR experience highlighting a full-scale aircraft with interactive historical hotspots, voice narration, and ambient storytelling.
A mobile web-based AR experience highlighting a full-scale aircraft with interactive historical hotspots, voice narration, and ambient storytelling.
The experience helped launch a limited edition card made from aircraft metal. Our project received high praise internally and won a W3 Award in the AR/VR category.
This was a personal milestone for me. Not only was it one of the most complex projects I’ve worked on—with input from five different groups including Day One, Boeing, American Express, Amex Legal, and Delta—but it was also the first time I really pushed my early AR ideas into something bigger. Coordinating across so many teams wasn’t easy, but seeing it come together felt huge. I finished it right before flying to Japan with my wife and close friends, and celebrating in Tokyo made it all even more memorable.
© 2025 Site designed by Ninyo. All Rights Reserved. Site created using mobile-first code approach, designed in Figma, coded using intermingled HTML inside PHP (both for front-end and back-end), Sass, and Javascript.