Customized 3D-printed figurines from a face scan
Inception - Evolve
Native and web app
5 devs – 1 UX/UI designer
RoR, iOS, React,Three.js & AWS
Action Face was only an idea when we partnered and started to work together. We created the first version from scratch, developing an MVP with its core functionalities.
The roadmap was clear from the beginning: creating a platform where users can scan their faces using high-end devices such as smartphones, to be then led to a web app where they can interact with a game-like avatar with their face.
Users are able to customize their avatar by changing clothes and physical attributes such as hairstyle or eye color and creating different scenarios for their figurines to play. Then, 3D-printed figurines are delivered to any part of the world.
The challenge was to develop a scalable product from scratch, prioritizing a pleasant user experience. It was crucial to reduce response time, as 3D models, images, and videos are generated continuously.
Since Action Face manages biometric data, security was a priority. 3D models of users' faces needed to be stored safely to ensure only authorized users access this data
As the project grew and Action Face established an in-house team, we had the challenge to coordinate a smooth workflow across different time zones. Through agile methodologies, daily meetups, and Slack channels, we organized tasks and a thorough working process.
We built a Ruby on Rails platform and used Three.js to manage all the 3D animated graphics and make an interactive platform for users.
Implementing solutions to making this product scalable involved three main aspects:
From the first versions to the product's current stage, we’ve improved response time and therefore enhanced user experience. To that end, we lean on external services such as CloudFront and WebP images, accompanied by code structure improvements. We restructured parts of the code to load only what a user needs when using the platform at a particular moment.
As a project grows and more users access the platform, risks increase. That is why we also focused on improving security. To guarantee the safety of the whole system, the entire architecture was encapsulated in a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), ensuring databases were protected from non-authorized external access. Furthermore, we added an extra layer of security by only allowing team members to access the servers remotely from a VPN.
Under the idea of “make something of yourself”, users can scan their faces on their own smartphones, create a customized avatar and receive their own 3D-printed figurine.
The platform supports high traffic levels thanks to a thorough QA testing process coordinated with an in-house team.
The stability of the product led Action Face to broaden their limits and reach new audiences and target users in top-notch events. Action Face partnered with the NBA, obtaining licenses to create figurines with the NBA Summer League outfit. Another important milestone was being part of the ESPN Bowl Season in 2021. They’ve also raised funding capital and continued to grow.
Now Action Face is also knocking on the digital’s world by incorporating digitally animated avatars ready to jump into video games and social media contents.
