Designer journey

2. Research Conducted research on augmented reality. Decided to create augmented reality filters using Spark AR. Investigated the limitations of Spark AR and began to explore the basic understanding of the software.

3. Designs Filters were maximalism of a brand's logo and iconography. Users were to decide to draw the line between being a brand ambassador and becoming the brand itself.

4. COVID-19 Halfway through the completion of my project, the coronavirus outbreak occurred. As I watched the rising death toll on the news and the hardships many workers and companies are experiencing, I shifted to create a thesis that encapsulates this historical moment we are enduring.

5. User survey's Surveys examined how people have been coping with the coronavirus. The design reflected activities users are yearning for the most during this epidemic. The most popular recurring activities served as the theme for designed filters.

6. Working adjustments After the university closed due to Covid, I returned home and adjusted my project accordingly to new technology restrictions. To save design time, filters were to be concept designs made in Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects. 

7. Cre8te The third round of design iterations occurred. New designs were called Cre8te: A set of eight preconfigured animated Instagram filters that allow users to create a personalized story with their favorite brands.

8. BX Through design, iterations discovered my thesis's core intent was to enhance an immersive experience between brand and user. Adapted previous design concepts to focus on how brands fit into the user's daily life. Examined the relationship between user and brand and why the user identifies with one brand over another.    

9. Unforeseen occurrences My laptop gave out on me and died. I quickly ordered a new one, but it took 3 1/2 weeks for delivery due to COVID and the California wildfires. Due to the wildfires near my area, PG&E would shut off power for about 4 hours a day with no time given when they would do so. The wifi signal was also off and on due to the wildfires. 

10. Improvisations Obtaining outdoor footage was no longer possible due to weather conditions, so I 3D modeled one. Additional footage was shot indoors.

12. Final Designs Final concept designs included sound mixing original music using Logic Pro. Thesis documentation and website was created. Filter designs made a personalized, immersive connection between brand and user through four AR filters.