Facebook Avatars
In 2017 I participated in a 2 week hackathon to create an Avatar builder using Facebook’s AR software. We succeeded, leading to a green light to build the first Avatar product for Facebook, which we launched globally in 2020. Our team created both the Avatar system and the expression content which was launched in FB, Messenger, and Instagram. The launch was one of the most successful new product launches in FB history. The ground work we did on this product was used to help build the 3D Avatars that are now available across Meta and this is the project I spent the most time on during my tenure there.
My role on this team began as Art Director, and I was promoted to Creative Director in 2019. I oversaw the visual design of the Avatar system and the expression content, and then provided support for the conversion of the 2D system to the 3D system developed by Reality Labs for the Metaverse.
Style Development
Avatar System
Diversity and inclusion were our driving principles, and through development of the system we continued to circle back and create Avatars that represented a variety of people. We worked around multiple constraints, developing tools and tricks to push on a very simple system (ex; one rig for the entire system) and conducting research and testing throughout development to ensure the people who would use this can create something that felt true to how they wanted to express themselves.
Avatar Expressions
We launched with stickers, We developed regionally specific content for the USA, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and India; working with researchers and local teams to ensure the content felt relevant and accurate.
In addition to stickers for messaging and commenting, we developed text backgrounds and profile backgrounds that leveraged your Avatar and leaned into the idea of showcasing your personality.
Avatar Reactions
As an extension of the Avatars system we developed an Avatars Reactions/Emoji system. We worked with the Iconography team to develop a system of simplified assets based on the Avatar system, using hair styles, skin tones, glasses, facial hair and headwear to create an emoji style Avatar that could be leveraged in any surface that used an emoji or Reaction.
