SNAPCHAT x RCA · UX/UI DESIGN + AUGMENTED REALITY · 2023
AR for Snapchat Spectacles 4
An immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experience made for the Snapchat Spectacles-4.
CLIENT: SNAP INC.
TEAM: CYAN D'ANJOU, NIKITA RAINA, MARY LUCAS-AFOLALU
OVERVIEW
CONTEXT
Artistic R&D; to explore the possibilities of what could achieved in the field of AR wearables on the unreleased Spectacles.
Selected across the 3 RCA campuses, a cohort of about 20 students was selected to work with Snapchat on their Spectacles Generation 4. We worked with the features and limitations of the model to envision an artistic experience that aimed to engage all the senses.
OUTCOME
We are not separate from the natural world. We share a common language- Breath.
Our research into AR, wearables and Ecology led us to create an immersive experience that highlights our connection with nature through Breath, inhaling and exhaling in a symbiotic cycle that feeds growth and life.
Breathe
Drawing from the breathing practice of Pranayama (1), Rooted draws attention to the life energy that is contained in our bodies and the control we have over how we release it into the world. The 3D visuals draw from the ‘Breath of the Compassionate’, a geometric pattern symbolising symmetry, harmony and unity. (2)(3)
Upon starting the lens, participants are asked to stretch their hand out in front of them as a sign of reaching out into nature.
Using hand-tracking to activate the start of the guided audio meditation and the following appearance of the tessellating 3D visuals which sets a breathing pace.
The spoken affirmations are phrases that can be said by a human or a non-human natural entity (a tree, for example), with spatial, panning sound.
The breathing pace set is slow and calming at ~8 breaths per minute (4), to further nurture calm and mindfulness.
Exhibition at Cromwell Place, London | 14-16 Sept, 2023
The project was shown at the Snap x RCA show ‘The Arrival of a Train’ at Cromwell Place in South Kensington during London Design Festival ‘23.
Snap case study at link.rca.uk
DESIGNED & BUILT BY