Save the Sea Lions

AR Design, UI / UX

"Save the Sea Lions" is an augmented reality experience developed for Snapchat using Lens Studio, designed to provide an engaging and informative exploration of sea lions.

March - April 2024

Team: Prue Steadson, Maeesha Reza

The Aim

For this project, we created a mobile augmented reality experience aimed at raising awareness about endangered sea lions. The experience engages users by allowing them to interact with representations of sea lions, learn about their behaviors, habitats, and the threats they face, and includes educational elements that highlight the importance of conservation efforts and provide opportunities for action, such as donations or pledges to support wildlife conservation initiatives.

Design & Development

Tools Used:

  • Lens Studio for Snapchat: To create the AR experience.

  • 3D Modeling Software: For creating realistic representations of sea lions.

  • Educational Content: Integrated within the AR experience to inform users about sea lions.

Process:

  1. Research Phase: Gathered information on sea lions, their behaviors, habitats, and threats.

  2. Design Phase: Created wireframes and prototypes for the AR experience.

  3. Development Phase: Used Lens Studio and 3D modeling to develop the interactive elements.

  4. Testing Phase: Conducted user testing to refine the experience.

Initial Prototype

Changes we made

Based on user testing - Think Aloud

  1. Adjust the marker tracking into a more central field of view = easier reading experience

  2. Limited some of the text on the marker tracking + added some engaging images

  3. Added a new prompt, “Look around” which only displays with the rear camera

  4. Edited the face filter to match the theme of the other sea lions in the rest of the snap lens

  5. Introduced an additional interaction/prompt: Opening your mouth or smiling triggers a sea lion noise

Second Prototype

Changes we made

Based on user testing - Think Aloud

  1. Added buttons for the users to press to hear sea lion noises. Acts as an educational soundboard.

  2. Improved the photos and overall resolution of the marker tracking assets.

  3. Added a specific call to action “Visit their site” along with an image to encourage users to visit the conservation site.

Features

  • Interactive Sea Lions: Users can interact with 3D representations of sea lions.

  • Educational Overlays: Information about sea lions' behaviors, habitats, and threats.

  • Conservation Actions: Options for users to donate or pledge support to wildlife conservation initiatives.

Final Solution

Here is a video detailing our final design.