Students learn about carbon monoxide safety through unique interactive rewards scheme

Gas distribution network SGN has been encouraging students to learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) through an innovative augmented reality campaign in a university coffee shop.

Students moving into rented accommodation, attending festivals and having BBQs are at an increased risk of CO poisoning. Lack of awareness of the risks of the colourless and odourless gas and how to prevent CO harm are major contributing factors to the number of CO-related deaths and injuries.

We’ve partnered with technical consultancy Egnida to create the campaign with a unique incentive scheme, creatively designed to engage and educate this hard-to-reach demographic.

Bespoke drinks coasters with QR codes have been placed in the main coffee shop at the University of Edinburgh campus.

After scanning the QR code with their smartphone, the student is taken to our campaign webpage to take part in a three-minute training course. The course uses augmented reality animations to explain the dangers of CO, how to spot the symptoms of CO poisoning and what students can do to keep safe.

Students use their phone’s camera to scan a symbol printed on to the coaster, which transforms into a series of 3D models that appear as if they are on the table in front of them.

As a reward for completing the course, students receive a discount voucher to put towards a drink in the coffee shop where the coaster is located.

We’ve purposefully chosen this small, instant incentive to engage students with our campaign, rather than an opportunity to win a larger incentive, to engage time-poor students with our campaign at the point they see our coasters.

Dan Edwards, Social Impact Programme Lead at SGN, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to teach people about the dangers of CO.

“By making use of exciting technologies such as augmented reality, we’re hoping to break through to students and reach up to 5,000 young adults in Edinburgh to engage and educate them with potentially lifesaving information.”

The campaign is also available at the University of Birmingham, Sunderland University and Cardiff University campuses, run by gas distribution networks Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities respectively.