Join the SNAP AR Lens Challenge
February 9, 2022
“My favorite part of the [experience] was being able to import my art and make it into ... reality.” -- Snap AR Lens Challenge Participant
Lens Studio by SNAP
Lens Studio empowers artists, students, developers, and animators to create Augmented Reality (AR) experiences. Over 2.5 million Lenses have been created with Lens Studio which has been viewed 3.5 trillion times and growing. People play with Lenses on Snapchat per day, providing opportunities for makers to share their creativity and positively engage their networks. Lens Studio offers templates and guides to help users import and modify 2D or 3D designs to create interactive experiences for leisure, a school assignment, or business advertising.
Empowering The Next Generation of AR Designers
In partnership with Snap, curriculum and instruction designers from Next Shift Learning created a set of tutorials that can be seamlessly incorporated into classes and programs. Each tutorial aims to expose, cultivate, and support aspiring 2D designers through a project-based and modular approach that can be implemented in schools and after-school settings.
The curriculum was uniquely designed based on the insights of Lens Studio super-users and novice learners alike. The six tutorials were prototyped and tested over the course of a pilot in 2019 with 100+ high school and community college students enrolled in design or visual media arts classes. These students were predominantly Latinx, Black, first-generation, and/or low-income who had experience with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Now in its fourth iteration, the Snap AR Lens Challenge has served hundreds of participants locally and is rapidly expanding globally in 2022.
Transforming AR Learning
We’re proud to partner with National Math and Science Initiative to transform AR learning. Their mission to advance STEM education to ensure all students reach their highest potential as problem solvers resonates with our goal. Together, we are making AR education accessible to any learner across any market to increase awareness about the possibilities of creative pathways leveraging Augmented Reality. This learning experience is modular and can be fitted in person or virtually. Our virtual Snap AR Lens Challenge is facilitated by Next Shift Learning and taught by a Snap Lens Network Creator -- a master AR Lens creator who has launched viral Lenses for companies and brands internationally. Our Lens Lab is an opportunity for students to come and learn how to take their designs to the next level.
Upon the completion of the Lens Lab, participants are given a design brief which will give aspiring AR Lens designers the opportunity to submit their best lens and win prizes.
Join us
We ask that you please consider inviting your students, whether they’re directly in your class, your program, or in your network to participate in the Snap AR Lens Challenge. Students can sign up directly on the website.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
Next Shift Learning
Next Shift Learning (NSL) is a learning design studio. We create engaging virtual experiences that connect untapped talent to the tech industry. We help career seekers to go from dreaming to engaging in industry experiences. We love creating moments that supercharge people to pursue their desired careers. For more information, visit nextshiftlearning.com
Snap, Inc
Snap Inc. is a camera company. We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. We contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. For more information, visit snap.com.