Digital embodiment

Digital Identity in Augmented Reality

UCLA | Technology Studio | Summer 2022

This project pioneers a new frontier in social media interaction by creating a customizable Instagram AR sticker that merges 3D avatars, AI-generated art, and immersive virtual environments. The goal was to empower users to embed a lifelike digital version of themselves into dynamic, stylized settings, transforming ordinary selfies into interactive storytelling tools. By combining photogrammetry, neural networks, and real-time rendering, the project bridges high-end digital artistry with everyday social media use, offering a personalized portal to imaginative worlds.

The sticker was built using a suite of advanced tools: Blender for 3D avatar modeling, Unreal Engine 5 for crafting hyper-detailed virtual environments, and PyTorch for neural style transfer algorithms that generate artistic backdrops. Spark AR Studio served as the final platform for AR integration, enabling mobile-friendly performance. Facial scans were captured using iPhone LiDAR or manual sculpting, while Substance Painter refined textures to achieve photorealism. This tech stack ensured a seamless workflow from 3D design to social media deployment.

Neural style transfer

Image Input

Instagram Filter being used

Avatar Room Designs