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Case Study

Lightghost

An augmented reality app that lets you create light paintings using your device camera and a flashlight

Overview & Process

We were thrilled when our client for this project, a successful film writer & director, came to us with his work in progress. He and two friends had been working to create a way to use bright light and an iPhone camera to create “light drawings” similar to the way a DSLR camera is able to capture moving light. They needed to iterate on the underlying light-drawing video technology, and find ways to process the video after it is created, while driving user engagement.
Our Challenges

Encourage Users to Explore and Play

We needed to find ways to encourage playfulness and hone in on the technology for maximum visual impact.

Gamify Creativity

We worked with the client to design an interface that was fun for kids and adults alike.

Refine Existing Technology

We adjusted the client's algorithm so it would be easy to use in common environments.

Streamline Social Sharing

We made it easy to share branded, beautiful content on social media platforms

Our Solutions

Drawing In The Air

To get the most out of the app, users need to experiment and play with its features. We found several ways to drive that kind of engagement.

Gamification

We wanted to find ways to help the users develop more skill and confidence, as well as the ability to gamify the light-drawing experience. We iterated on different ways to show the user brush options, and ultimately the client wanted the brush selector to feel like opening a palette of watercolors. There are 5 different light brush effects, and 9 different colors to choose from.

Different User Experiences

The app can be used in a “freestyle” manner wherein the user can just use a flashlight to start drawing in the air. Users can also select “Tracing Paper”, which superimposes simple line drawings on the screen that can then be traced to create an image. The app allows import of images from the camera roll that are displayed so that they are easily traceable. The client came up with a list of word suggestions to randomly populate ideas for the users, too.

Competitive Playing

There are two games in the app - one for a single player and the other for 2 to 4 players. “Chase the Dot” displays a dot for users to follow around the screen to create a light drawing. “Who Drew it Best” is a competitive way for players to see who can draw the best of one of the app-generated ideas.

In-App Purchases

While the app is robust on its own, the client also wanted a way to add features via an in-app-purchase bundle. The purchase unlocks additional recording time, two additional colors, and two additional brush styles.

Social Sharing Features

Once the video is created, the app automatically mirrors it, so that any words will appear correctly rendered. There is the ability to adjust playback speed and turn the sound off and on. The app also renders a watermark, so that as the video is shared directly or via social media, the branding is maintained.

The Outcome

Augment Reality With Light

Lightghost facilitates real-world interaction as well as new ways to create online content. We have seen people use it as a promotional tool, in addition to the predicted uses of creative selfie videos, party games, and family fun.

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