The digitization of "Stolpersteine NRW" stands out in "Digital Craft" because it demonstrates exceptional technical execution in service of emotional storytelling. The meticulous collection of historical data translates into a seamless user experience across the interactive map and detailed individual entries. Potential AR technology integration showcases innovative use of digital tools to augment a physical experience, enhancing remembrance with both depth and accessibility.

• Stolpersteine's Origins: "Stolpersteine" (literally "stumbling stones") are a project by artist Gunter Demnig. These small brass plaques bearing victims' names are embedded in sidewalks across Europe, marking their last freely chosen residence before Nazi persecution.

• German Culture of Remembrance: They reflect Germany's unique "Vergangenheitsbewältigung" – a societal process of confronting and grappling with the atrocities of the Nazi era. Stolpersteine are potent symbols of decentralized remembrance, directly woven into the everyday fabric of neighborhoods.

• NRW's Role: North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is one of Germany's most populous states, holding significant historical weight due to heavy industrialization and the presence of major Jewish communities prior to the Holocaust.

• Challenges of Physical Memorials: While crucial, Stolpersteine rely on passersby encountering them by chance. Some have faced vandalism or remain unknown to individuals outside their immediate neighborhood.

• The Power of Digitization: The digital project addresses these limitations. It expands the reach of individual stories, transcends boundaries, and potentially inspires a new generation more accustomed to digital engagement to connect with this dark chapter of history. This sensitivity toward a national trauma, while innovating forms of commemoration, is central to why this work stands out.

Situation:

Over 16,000 Stolpersteine exist in the federal state of NRW, a stark physical embodiment of the Nazi regime's victims. Their impact is inherently localized, potentially limiting broader awareness and engagement. Increasingly digital generations connect with history in new ways.

Brief:

Create a digital experience augmenting the Stolpersteine, preserving their power while ensuring broader accessibility. Make the personal stories behind each stone discoverable in a way that connects deeply with a global audience.

Objectives:

Combat forgetting and raise awareness of victims of Nazi persecution beyond a geographic area.

Employ technology to emotionally engage diverse audiences with history. Inspire reflection and encourage a commitment to social justice and battling prejudice.

The core creative idea of digitizing "Stolpersteine NRW" lies in making the tangible intangible, and the local universal. Here's how:

• A Digital Archive: A central website becomes a repository for every Stolperstein's information. Detailed records capture names, personal histories, and any available photographs or documents.

• Interactive Map: Each stone's physical location is plotted on a digital map. Viewers can explore it virtually, "stumbling" upon stories they may never encounter in person.

• Augmented Reality: On-location visitors use AR technology to overlay biographical information onto the physical Stolpersteine, enhancing the in-person experience.

• Social Amplification: Individual stories are made shareable. This encourages digital participation and generates social discourse, amplifying the reach for younger generations.

The idea hinges on the juxtaposition of the deeply personal stones and vast digital resources, driving emotional engagement on a wider scale.

Implementation took place in three phases:

1. Data Collection: Thorough research to create individual records for each Stolperstein, sourcing biographies, photos, and related documents from local archives and community partners.

2. Platform Development: A robust website integrating the database, interactive map, and AR functions, optimized for diverse devices.

3. Ongoing Storytelling: Adding elements like historical audio clips or visual narratives within individual profiles.

Placement was primarily digital across web and app platforms accessible globally.

Built to expand indefinitely as more Stolpersteine are added across NRW and potentially throughout Germany.