By hacking a digital kiosk at a popular burger restaurant in the RIO Shopping mall, users experienced firsthand the lesser-known symptoms of Alzheimer's.
The Impossible Order
Giving a taste of Alzheimer's to fight Alzheimer's
Cliente
- Rio Shopping & AFA Zamora
Escritório
- Spain
On World Alzheimer's Day, "The Impossible Order" simulated these symptoms through an immersive experience during the everyday task of ordering at a burger joint.

Juan Vargas
Creative Director at VML THE COCKTAIL
The Impossible Order aimed to raise awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease by disrupting the familiar experience of ordering at a fast-food restaurant.
The initiative had three key goals:
1. Foster empathy by allowing participants to experience the challenges of Alzheimer's firsthand.
2. Promote early detection by educating the public about lesser-known symptoms.
3. Drive tangible action through donations or medical consultations.
The strategy was focused on creating an immersive scenario to evoke empathy and highlight the lesser-known challenges of Alzheimer's. By hacking a digital kiosk in a popular burger joint at the RIO Shopping mall, the initiative simulated the confusion, frustration, and disorientation associated with the disease.
The Impossible Order simulated Alzheimer's symptoms through an immersive experience during the everyday task of ordering at a burger joint. Customers encountered ingredient names that didn’t match their corresponding images; orders restarting unexpectedly; letters, images and prices shifting during the ordering process; and even receiving unrelated orders. When confused customers approached the counter, a team of specialized psychologists from AFA Zamora explained that their experience mirrored the daily struggles faced by individuals living with Alzheimer's. After sharing insights on how to recognize early symptoms, they also offered the option to schedule a medical examination and make a donation to support both patients and their families.
The campaign was meticulously crafted to maximize its impact, with every detail thoughtfully designed to reflect the realities of Alzheimer's disease. A team of specialized psychologists from AFA Zamora collaborated to create the kiosk's simulated disruptions, ensuring they accurately mirrored the disorientation, frustration, and cognitive challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's. The craft of the experience was rooted in authenticity, using mismatched ingredient names, shifting visuals, and unexpected order resets to evoke empathy and understanding. The initiative's placement was strategically chosen to ensure maximum visibility and engagement. By targeting a popular burger restaurant within the bustling RIO Shopping mall, the campaign reached a diverse audience in a familiar, everyday setting. This high-traffic location amplified the impact of the experience, drawing attention to the often-overlooked symptoms of Alzheimer's. The tone of the intervention was carefully calibrated to balance empathy and education.
By combining an immersive experience with education and actionable steps, The Impossible Order not only raised awareness but also created a meaningful connection between the public and the realities of Alzheimer's, aiming to improve the lives of those affected by the disease. The campaign obtained over 16 hours of hacking, impacted over 1,000 users, generated 3.7 million in earned media and a 7% of those exposed booking a medical consultation.