Who’s That Dollar? began as a creative response to ongoing discussions about redesigning U.S. currency to honor more diverse historical figures. I wanted to highlight the potential of augmented reality to spark conversation about representation in a playful, non-disruptive way. By harnessing Snap’s Lens Studio, I developed a Snapchat filter that detects a standard U.S. dollar bill and seamlessly replaces George Washington’s face with someone from an underrepresented group important to American history. The transformation takes place instantly once the lens recognizes the bill, offering users a tangible glimpse into how a subtle shift in imagery can carry a powerful social message.

On the technical side, I focused on refining the image tracking algorithms within Lens Studio to ensure smooth, accurate overlays—even if the bill is partially covered or the camera angle changes. Balancing the original design of the dollar with a newly introduced portrait required nuanced attention to detail: I had to carefully align facial markers, maintain consistent lighting, and preserve key features of the currency to maintain visual credibility. This project not only tested my ability to work with AR design principles and real-time image recognition, but also deepened my appreciation for the interplay between creative expression and engineering precision.

More than a simple novelty, Who’s That Dollar? aims to demonstrate how immersive technology can serve as a catalyst for social reflection. By offering users a personal, interactive experience of seeing alternative faces on a familiar piece of currency, I hope to encourage broader discussions about cultural representation and the stories we choose to highlight. Ultimately, this project underscores the potential of augmented reality to transform everyday objects into prompts for curiosity, dialogue, and a reimagined sense of possibility.