ARIGAMI - AR Origami
Client: Planet Traveler Hostel
Team Size: 4 Designers
Timeline: 4 Months
Tools: Figma, Figjam
My Role: UX/UI Designer, User Researcher
I created ARIGAMI inspired by The Paper Place, an innovative AR TikTok experience that brings origami instructions to life!
Defining the Problem
Do you ever find origami instructions to be confusing? Do you ever get frustrated and want to give up?
Origami instructions can be hard to follow along, especially if they’re in a different language or contain no words.
According to the origami-database.com, 45.3% of models available are of moderate difficulty, compared to only 17.2% of models being easy.
The Solution: AR
Augmented Reality can transform flat and static traditional 2D instructions into interactive 3D folding guides.
AR is used to overlay the physical environment with a digital twin of the desired origami figure. This allows users to follow the 3D animated step by step demonstration alongside their own origami figure
AR is used to animate the finished product, allowing users to use various tracking technologies to control the movement and behaviour of their figure
Brand Identity
Colour Palette
ABHAYA LIBRE
ABHAYA LIBRE
ABHAYA LIBRE
ARIGAMI by The Paper Place
#D353F5
#6BCCA9
#F5C653
#000000
Technology Behind ARIGAMI
Hardware
Platform
Software
TikTok
Smartphone Camera
Current:
Future:
Visual Scripting
Visual scripting is a node based coding method used to create interactive filters for the TikTok platform. This is the logic used to create our interactive ARIGAMI filter and successfully upload it to the TikTok Effects database.
Our code mainly uses “screen image tap” which is an interactive event used to toggle OFF the visibility of the current step and toggle ON the visibility of the next step. We also use AR plane tracking to place the animation on the users flat surface
At the end we use target tracking to animate the completed ARIGAMI with an animated 3D model
Our filter logic uses “Screen Image Tap” to “Set Visibility” of the different steps and screens ON/OFF
How ARIGAMI Works
Step 1: Find a flat surface to calibrate the filter with your phone or meta glasses
Step 2: Begin the ARIGAMI filter and choose your desired origami figure.
START!
Please select an
origami
Step 3: Follow the step-by-step animated instructions.
Step 12
FLIP!
Step 4: press ANIMATE and enjoy your ARIGAMI in real time!
ARIGAMI COMPLETE!
RESTART
ANIMATE!
Try Out ARIGAMI!
To better understand what the user experience would look like prior to and during using the Digital Journal, we created 2 main user flows to help inform our screen designs and the overall user experience.
STEP 1:
With TikTok “MY QR CODE” scanner open, scan this QR code below and aim your camera at a well-lit, flat surface before you begin.
STEP 2:
When you’re done following the instructions, scan this QR code, click “ANIMATE!”
STEP 3:
Aim your camera at the ARIGAMI logo below and enjoy!
Impact
ARIGAMI makes the art of origami more accessible to beginners and individuals with varying skill levels by providing step-by-step, visual AR instructions that are easy to follow.
ARIGAMI brings surprise and delight to the origami-making experience by using 3D animated models to bring users’ completed origami creations to life.
ARIGAMI combines AR technology and 3D animations to captivate users, providing an engaging experience that keeps them motivated to complete and improve their origami skills.
ARIGAMI transforms origami into a dynamic activity, offering an interactive blend of entertainment and learning, making it appealing for both leisure and educational use.
Next Steps
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
We learned the significance of carefully selecting software, platforms, and hardware for development and how this can affect the level of fidelity and viability of our designs.
Effect House highlighted the need to align our design and development approach with platform-specific capabilities and constraints, ensuring that our app’s vision translates effectively.
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS:
Expanding ARIGAMI beyond mobile platforms to integrate with smart glasses such as Snapchat Spectacles or Meta Smart Glasses. This will enhance the immersive experience, allowing users to interact with AR instructions hands-free and in real-time.
Incorporating gesture-based controls and voice commands for more seamless interaction with AR instructions, leveraging the unique hardware capabilities of smart glasses.
Meta Glasses
Designed by Zy © 2025
