MetaROC is a proof-of-concept geolocation-based AR scavenger hunt app based around Rochester, NY, and was the subject of a case-study by Replayar to inform decisions on future AR apps. The app is available on both Android and iOS, and laid the foundation for three other mobile AR projects I’ve led development on as a Senior Technical Designer at Replayar.
After joining Replayar following my time at Workinman Interactive, I became the lead developer for Replayar’s mobile AR apps. I overhauled Replayar’s Unity engine, laying the groundwork for their suite of apps by creating portable, efficient, and dynamic app systems. I designed app systems using multiple creational, structural, and behavioral software design patterns, allowing for faster development and iteration on features, and allowing systems to scale to fit a variety of use cases.
Key Contributions:
- Geolocational AR Collectibles: Developed AR collectibles and user-generated content that spawn based on the user’s coordinates.
- Efficient Content Creation Tools and Workflows: Built new tools and workflows that streamlined content creation and iteration for AR objects and UIs.
- Remote Content Delivery: Implemented Unity’s Addressable Asset System to deliver remote content without app updates.
- User Inventory Systems: Built systems for collecting and saving AR objects between sessions, and only downloading relevant remote content.
- Event Systems: Created systems for special in-app events and scavenger hunts with dedicated collectibles, UI elements, and time constraints.
- App Optimization: Optimized app systems and assets to improve performance across Android and iOS devices.
- Innovation and Prototyping: Prototyped and pitched new app systems that became full features.
MetaROC Launch and Event:
MetaROC soft-launched in February 2024, with its main debut occurring during the lead up to the 2024 Solar Eclipse on April 8th, with Rochester, NY directly in the path of totality. Leading up to the eclipse, we hosted an in-app scavenger hunt event where local businesses sponsored AR collectibles and coupons scattered around the city of Rochester. The event was well received, with significant user feedback collected on improvements and new feature requests. In total, four winners earned grand-prize gift baskets with items from participating businesses for being the first ones to complete the scavenger hunt in totality.