Beneath the Surface

Developing an immersive AR experience that brings Oregon’s first marine reserve to life.

In Progress

Since October 2024

Creative Director

Snap AR Scholars is a student-led initiative at University of Oregon’s OR Lab in collaboration with Snap AR, that empowers students to create AR experiences using Lens Studio. In partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), we developed Beneath the Surface — an interactive AR experience designed to foster ocean empathy and educate users about the Otter Rock Marine Reserve.

Bringing marine conservation to life through augmented reality.

CONTEXT

Raising awareness and engaging the public.

PROBLEMS

Key challenges:

Low Public Awareness – Many Oregonians recognize marine reserves but lack knowledge of their locations, purposes, and ecological impact.

Engagement Challenges – Traditional education methods don’t always capture public interest or drive conservation action.

Balancing Technology and Nature – The AR experience needed to be engaging while respecting the natural environment and user comfort.

Challenge - How could we design an AR experience that not only informs users about the Otter Rock Marine Reserve but also fosters ocean empathy and encourages the public to actively participate in marine conservation efforts?

In November 2024 we visited the Otter Rock Marine Reserve, conducting interviews with visitors to understand their perceptions of marine reserves and how AR could enhance learning.

Data revealed key insights, such as the need for interactive features like virtual tours, while balancing concerns about device comfort and the preservation of the natural environment.

Phase 1: Research and Data Collection

SOLUTIONS

BY THE NUMBERS

percent want to learn about marine life at Otter Rock

57

percent of visitors were frequent guests

percent desire interactivity

50

71

Building on user feedback, we developed a mobile AR and Snap Spectacles experience that allows users to explore three unique environment beneath the surface of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve.

We focused on the ease of use for older adults and transitioned into WebAR for broader accessibility, ensuring any device can engage.

Phase 2: Design and Development

SOLUTIONS

Mobile, User Flow / 8MB max for Lens development / Rough on-screen text and scripting

Spectacles, User Flow / 17MB max for Lens development / Rough on-screen text and scripting

3D Assets

Rockfish

This 3D mesh was rendered using Meshy, an AI tool that allows quick creation of 3D assets based on prompting or images.

Building of 3D coast line in Lens Studio of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve.

Coastal Scene

WHAT’S NEXT

We're refining the beta experience, preparing for the final launch, and submitting for the 2025 AWE Auggie Award for Best Climate Change Solution. Promotional assets, signage, and outreach efforts are in development as well.

Building momentum.

Check back in early summer!