Extending the Watch Face with AR
This project explores how everyday devices like a watch can be extended with augmented content. The challenge was to seamlessly integrate digital UI elements into a real-world shot, while keeping tracking stable and reflections natural.
This concept started with a simple sketch
Process
Footage prep: The biggest challenge was tracking the arm and dealing with strong reflections on the watch surface. Using the Rotobrush in After Effects, I separated the arm from the background.
3D Camera Tracking: I used AE’s 3D camera tracker to lock onto a stable section of the arm, which allowed me to place AR overlays in a fixed, believable space.
UI workflow: The UI was designed in Figma and exported directly into After Effects via the Overlord plugin, which saved me from having to rebuild every element manually. This made iteration faster and closer to real-world prototyping.
Finishing touches: Color correction and subtle motion were added, along with music, to create a more polished AR concept video.
Why this matters
Watches are devices we always carry with us. Imagine combining them with a spatial interface that can be extended beyond the screen:
- Glance at your watch → AR content appears around it.
- Use gestures (already recognized by Apple Watch, like double tap or finger tap) to interact with overlays.
- Unlock new ways to manage notifications, fitness data, or contextual UI directly in your field of view.
This project is not just a motion test—it’s a vision of how wearable + AR ecosystems could blend in the near future.