Virtual Identity

Youtube Avatars - a highly customizable virtual identity tool for content creators.

Youtube Avatars - a highly customizable virtual identity tool for content creators.

Youtube Avatars - a highly customizable virtual identity tool for content creators.

Summary

Employer

Google - YouTube | San Bruno, CA USA (Remote)

Year

2024

Project

YouTube Avatars (Canceled)

Role & Responsibilities

Senior Art Director | YouTube Advanced Capabilities Team


Lead the design development of next generation tools for content creators at YouTube. Innovated Avatars and on-device AI effects to shape the future of YouTube Shorts and inspire young creators to make exciting new types of content.

  • Defined the aesthetic and visual design language for YouTube & Android Avatars.

  • Partnered with design studios and user research agencies to develop and pitch the IP to leadership.

  • Worked with DEI, T&S teams to integrate diversity and inclusion into design and customization features.

  • Collaborated with engineering to build a 3D content pipeline and tools for managing virtual assets across all body types.

  • Worked cross functionally with developers across Google to define product market fit.

  • Designed facial feature & expression blendshapes that integrate with facial tracking technologies. (ARCore and ARKit)

Product Core Values

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital content, Avatars are poised to redefine the interaction between creators, viewers, and the YouTube platform.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital content, Avatars are poised to redefine the interaction between creators, viewers, and the YouTube platform.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital content, Avatars are poised to redefine the interaction between creators, viewers, and the YouTube platform.

Creators

Avatars are a powerful creator tool.


  • Avatars infuse creativity allowing creators to express themselves in ways that transcend traditional video content.

  • Avatars act as a liberating (anonymous) medium, enabling creators to craft and share their narratives without the weight of social pressures or the fear of judgment. This not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also fortifies an authentic connection between creators and their audiences.

  • By embodying their digital personas, creators can establish a distinctive brand identity that resonates more deeply with young viewers, enhancing both engagement and loyalty.


Viewers

New dimension to viewer experiences.


  • Avatars serve as a gateway to new forms of brand connection for their favorite creators, whether through virtual goods, interactive experiences, or personalized content.

  • The ease of avatar-based content creation lowers the barriers for aspiring creators, democratizing the platform and inviting a broader spectrum of voices to join the conversation.

  • Moreover, Avatars facilitate richer social connections, enabling viewers to interact with each other and with creators in immersive, engaging ways that were previously unimaginable.



YouTube

A strategic leap forward.


  • YouTube elevates its brand affinity & pioneers a new business avenue beyond traditional advertising.

  • Opens the door to monetization strategies centered around virtual goods, subscription services, and exclusive avatar experiences.

  • Furthermore, as the digital world increasingly shifts towards virtual and augmented realities, YouTube’s investment in 3D avatars lays the groundwork for future innovations in virtual consumption and interaction. This foresight ensures that YouTube remains at the forefront of digital content evolution, continuously adapting to and shaping the future of media consumption.

Design Language

Visual Design of YouTube Avatars
Visual Design of YouTube Avatars
Visual Design of YouTube Avatars

Requirements

  • Inclusive - Can handle deep customization.

  • Fun - Makes you smile & rewards with joy.

  • Full Body - Head to toe full body Avatars.

  • Expressive - Powered by your performance.

  • Believable - Can host branded content well.

  • Memorable - Becomes iconic over time.

  • Feasible - Works on all Android devices.

Anchor

Democratize V-Tuber technology for all.

User Research

Research was at the heart of the project and helped us test the visual design language and mobile customization UI/UX.

Research was at the heart of the project and the business decision that led to the design & project approval.

Agencies & Partners

We partnered closely with 8 design agencies to help us synthesize a unique visual aesthetic


Psyop | Volta | Buck | Tendril | Chromosphere | Zubio | Nexus | The Mill

Psyop | Volta | Buck | Tendril | Chromosphere | Zubio | Nexus | The Mill

Visual Design Explorations

Visual Design Explorations

Visual Design Explorations

Visual Design Explorations

Summary

Employer

Google - YouTube | San Bruno, CA USA

Year

2024

Project

YouTube Avatars

Role & Responsibilities

Senior Art Director | YouTube Advanced Capabilities Team


Lead the development of next generation tools for content creators at YouTube. Innovated Avatars and on-device AI effects to shape the future of YouTube Shorts and inspire young creators to make exciting new content.

  • Defined the aesthetic and visual design language for YouTube Avatars.

  • Partnered with design studios and user research agencies to develop and pitch the IP to leadership.

  • Worked with DEI, T&S teams to integrate diversity and inclusion into design and customization features.

  • Collaborated with engineering to build a 3D content pipeline and tools for managing virtual assets across all body types.

  • Worked cross functionally with developers across Google to define product market fit.

  • Designed facial feature & expression blendshapes that integrate with facial tracking technologies. (ARCore and ARKit)

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