Planet X
is a location-specific AR social platform that encourages and facilitates real world interactions.
Feb 2022 Update
Minimum Viable Prototype on TestFlight
The team is constantly iterating based on new builds. The back end logic is based on geolocation APIs, and the front end uses Swift UI.
01 Onboarding
Policy agreements, account creation and and requests for permissions.
02 View Air Messages and 3D Models
Users can see and interact with the messages and 3D models been placed in the specific location.
03 Compose a Message
Users can choose a specific location and compose an air message that is anchored to this location.
04 Activity and Profile
Users can see their recent replies and activities.
Team
around 20 people
My Role
3D Modeling, Interaction Design and Visual Design (All designs below. Collaborations are noted. )
Type
Startup Project (Currently in Beta testing)
Duration
June 2020 to Present
Problems
1. It is hard to socialize with strangers nearby without having direct contact.
2. Digitalization has increased detachment from the real world.
3. How will the incoming trend of AR change the ways we socialize?
The Solution
Planet X is a location-based AR social platform. The goal is to facilitate playful and meaningful social interactions among strangers who are in the same environment. It is an integration of virtual and realistic social experiences that aims to encourage real world connections and uplifting social activities.
Scenario Walkthrough
For the Minimum Viable Prototype, I chose to focus on a basic, primary function — Air Messaging. Scenario includes the basics of sending out a location-specific message, viewing and commenting on others’ messages.
01 Compose a Message
Users can choose a specific location and compose an air message that is anchored to this location.
02 Viewing a Message
The message in the center of the camera view will automatically expand and display three popular comments. Once tapped, it will inflate to fullscreen size.
03 Commenting on a Message
Comment on a main message by tapping on the bottom bar. This demo shows the situation when commenting on a sub comment.
04 Likes and Emojis
Likes and emojis are two separate systems. There are animated effects when emojis are tapped.
Four Statuses of Messages
01 initial status before composition
02 default composed message balloon
03 hover mode: only the message in the center will automatically expand
04 fully expanded message ballon which shows all the comments and likes
Final model and animations: in collaboration with Claudia Pang.
Iterative Process
AirDrop Social Trend
We were inspired by the viral trend of using AirDrop to send memes to strangers and peers nearby. People AirDrop positive and supportive images or content that they hope will make the other person laugh. Surprisingly, this trend is observed internationally, in America, China and potentially more countries.
01 Research and Learning
I conducted multi-methodological research to better understand what messages people hope to deliver, how they wish to send them, their familiarity & willingness to use AR, and how existing products on the market succeed or fail.
02 Synthesis and Hypothesis
03 Design Generation
I first started with a rough interaction design draft that includes all the features. However, I found out that the 3D model for messages directly affects the subsequent process. Then I focused on exploring the model in three directions: balloons, bubbles and clouds. After deciding on the model, I worked backwards on the interaction and visual design of the interface.
Models for bubbles and the first cloud by Claudia Pang.
04 Prototype and Tests
After I designed the refined model and 2D interfaces, developers implemented them into the AR environment to see how they work in reality. Different from school projects, we received feedback from users and iterated it into new versions.
More Features to Come
For our 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 versions, we’re hoping to add more major features to empower the AR social experience to be engaging and diverse, building up our product competency. Images for avatars and building system are from internet.
Allows users to send a message to designated person nearby.
A series of customizable social characters that enrich social communications.
A building system that allows users to construct and doodle.
Takeaways
This project allowed me to see the convergence of novelty and functionality, material fabrication and spatial dynamics, my interests and my expertise.