Developer Spotlight: Alexis Zerafa

Can you walk us through your process of converting a mobile AR prototype, like your virtual fairy garden, into an experience for Snap AR Spectacles??

When I was ideating and creating assets for my fairy garden experience my intention was for it to be experienced through a wearable. So even though this was a mobile prototype initially my goal was always to create wearable friendly interactions. One of my favorite thing about Spectacles is how low the barrier to entry is; if you’ve already been using Lens Studio for mobile, there’s a few new things to learn of course but you can really hit the ground running

How has working with Spectacles allowed you to explore new ways of interacting with AR?

I love using Spectacles to assist with my physical crafting practice. I sew, knit and crochet, and do pottery – and especially with my sewing they’ve been an awesome tool. I make my own quick little prototypes to be able to project my pattern pieces onto my fabric instead of using paper patterns, and they’re also a great tool for altering my existing patterns without having to reprint or recut anything. I used them to scale up a purse that I self drafted, so I wouldn’t have to do the math to convert my triangle pattern pieces into larger triangles for example.

What inspired the fairy garden concept, and how has transitioning it to Spectacles changed the user experience??

Being able to use both hands freely while seeing an experience is a huge change from mobile to wearable, and it allows me to create virtual objects that act more like physical objects.

What new dimensions did spatial computing unlock?

Instead of tapping and moving things in screen space I could create cute 3D models that I’d eventually be able to just move with my hands, as if I was arranging and moving objects in a real tiny garden! Of course the overall advantage of AR persists with wearables where you can create the impossible, like the floating tree orbs and flower I chose to add.

How has developing for wearable Spectacles expanded your creative toolkit or changed the way you approach AR projects?

I love creating utilitarian experiences that are educational or assistive with physical real life tasks. I think wearables that are so easy to whip out and prototype on are a huge game changer for this category specifically, and I can’t wait to realize so many ideas that I’ve had that just aren’t practical for mobile.

With your experience creating AR projects for Spectacles, what advice would you give to other developers looking to push boundaries or participate in initiatives like the Lens Creator Rewards program?

I would say it's ok to start something you never intend to finish, playing around and letting inspiration take you in different directions is a great way to learn, and it takes away the pressure of producing something perfect and functional.

And what new kinds of experiences are you most excited to explore next?

I’m excited to explore accessory devices to generate haptics for example, or somehow couple the glasses with other physical responsive components to really push immersion! In general I’m just excited about all of the new possibilities a device like this opens up, and I’m so glad I’m fortunate enough to be able to be a part of this journey!