The Wild Center Boosts Event Awareness with an Augmented Reality Social Media Filter
Services Provided
- Concept Ideation
- Design
- Spark AR Development
Credits
UI Design: Sarah Casale
Development: Tim Stringer
Situation
The 2024 total solar eclipse was one of the most widely anticipated events of the year. The Wild Center, USA Today's #1 Ranked Science Museum in the US, aimed to leverage this celestial phenomenon to attract visitors from outside its geographic region and to further its mission of "igniting an enduring passion for nature that inspires action to ensure a thriving natural world," via a major ticketed event entitled, "Countdown to Totality."
Partnering with Optic Sky, The Wild Center utilized our innovative Augmented Reality Social Media Countdown Filter to generate excitement and engagement on social media, engage a nationwide audience of tourists and travelers, and ensure the event’s success.
Challenge
The 2024 solar eclipse presented a unique opportunity for The Wild Center to draw national attention. The challenge was to effectively capitalize on all of the social media buzz surrounding the eclipse to raise social media engagement and awareness and boost event attendance.
Solution
Optic Sky developed a customized Augmented Reality Instagram Countdown Filter specifically tailored for The Wild Center's "Countdown to Totality" event. The filter allowed users to interactively count down the days to the eclipse by donning virtual eclipse glasses and sharing snapshots and videos with their followers, thereby amplifying reach organically.
Results
Social Media Impact
The AR filter generated thousands of impressions and was opened multiple times by users, with an impressive average engagement time of 23 seconds per interaction.
Event Attendance
The buzz created by the countdown filter translated into real-world outcomes, helping the event achieve full capacity.
Ongoing Collaboration
Encouraged by the filter’s success, The Wild Center has continued its partnership with Optic Sky to develop additional AR filters aimed at enhancing visitor experiences both on social media and directly at the venue.
