YouTube AR Studio UI/UX Consulting

(Limited images available due to NDA restrictions)

Overview

Invited by Google to their Los Angeles office, I consulted on the development of YouTube Effect Creator—a new AR filter tool within YouTube Shorts poised to compete with TikTok’s Effect House, Meta Spark AR, and Snapchat Lens Studio.

This initiative is part of Google’s strategic move into augmented reality content creation, aiming to attract seasoned AR creators and offer innovative opportunities for brands and audiences.

Challenges & Objectives

• Platform Differentiation: Craft a unique and competitive AR creation tool that offers superior user experience compared to existing platforms.

• Creator Onboarding: Develop features and guidance that encourage AR creators from other platforms to transition to YouTube, leveraging the robust community-driven frameworks that platforms like TikTok and Snapchat offer.

• UI/UX Excellence: Provide actionable feedback to shape an intuitive, efficient interface for both novice and experienced AR designers, integrating best practices from leading AR tools.

Approach & Contributions

• Expert Consultation: As a recognized AR creator with a significant online presence, I was selected for my expertise. During in-person workshops at Google’s LA office, I shared in-depth insights on user experience best practices and feature improvements, drawing on my familiarity with Meta Spark AR, Snapchat Lens Studio, and TikTok Effect House.

• Comparative Analysis: Evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of competing AR creation tools, offering strategic advice on how YouTube Effect Maker can excel. I highlighted opportunities for improvement in UI/UX, community engagement, and creator support that would differentiate YouTube’s offering.

• Strategic Recommendations:

  
  

  • Proposed enhancements such as streamlined workflows, advanced customization options, and robust community features to attract top-tier AR creators.

  • Advised on creating incentives similar to those found in TikTok’s Spark Ads and community effect initiatives, designed to foster a vibrant creator ecosystem on YouTube.

  • Recommended integration of familiar features from other platforms while introducing innovative tools that capitalize on YouTube’s unique strengths in video sharing and community interaction.

Outcomes & Impact

• Influential Insights: Google praised my guidance, confirming that my insights would significantly influence the direction of YouTube Effect Creator. My feedback helped shape a product strategy that positions YouTube as a leading platform for AR content creation.

• Creator Attraction Strategy: The recommendations laid the groundwork for features aimed at attracting creators by offering competitive benefits and a seamless transition from other AR platforms, enhancing YouTube’s appeal.

• Future-Focused Vision: My consultation emphasized scalability and future-readiness, equipping YouTube Effect Maker with the potential to adapt to evolving AR trends and user needs.

Reflection

Being invited by Google to shape YouTube Effect Creator was a remarkable opportunity that underscored my influence in the AR community. My role combined technical expertise, user-centered design thinking, and strategic foresight—skills essential for driving innovation in AR UI/UX design.

As YouTube continues to roll out this pioneering tool, I remain excited about its potential to redefine social AR and empower creators, brands, and audiences through immersive, accessible experiences.