Heather (Hyerin) Im

Works
Publications
Creatives
About

Niantic 



2022.10 - 2025.


🔮 Context:
I worked as a UX Designer and Researcher at Niantic and Niantic Spatial (SF, remote), serving as the only APAC member of the ARUX team. 
Over the past 3 years, I contributed to a range of projects, from well-known game titles like Pokémon GO and Peridot to AR developer platforms such as Scaniverse, 8th Wall, and Lightship.  




Due to NDA restrictions, only selected WIP images are shown; additional project files are available upon request.


Mapping Human Experience through Augmented Reality (AR) 


At Niantic and Niantic Spatial, I worked on projects that explored how maps are not only technical tools but also cultural and sensory frameworks. Through designing VPS flows, mesh visualizations, and scan-to-map pipelines, I examined how geospatial data reshapes human perception of place and memory.

  • AR research:  I investigated how augmented reality reshapes human perception and everyday experience across wearable devices, onboarding flows, and mobile AR games. In projects like Pokémon GO and the Meta Ray-Ban Glasses, I examined how audio-visual cues and notifications mediate public space, transforming maps from static screens into embodied, social layers of interaction.

  • ARUX Design: I designed Niantic’s AR developer tools (Scaniverse, 8th Wall, and Lightship) that translated complex geospatial capabilities into accessible workflows. By prototyping and refining tool interfaces, I enabled creators to work more intuitively with AR pipelines, ensuring that maps and assets functioned not just as technical outputs, but as usable and expressive design materials.

  • Mesh & VPS Design: Through VPS flows, mesh visualizations, and scan-to-map pipelines, I explored how geospatial data redefines navigation, memory, and spatial meaning. This work extended into enterprise-facing tools, where I focused on transforming raw point clouds and spatial datasets into clear, actionable interfaces, supporting developers, partners, and businesses in deploying geospatial AR at scale.




Projects


  • Research and design on Pokémon GO × Ray-Ban Meta glasses (PGO<>RBM) 
  • Session-based collaboration tool design explorations
  • Wayfinding: Enterprise navigation design, Critical User Journeys (CUJs), and AR map experiences
  • Scanning for Enterprise (S4E / VPS4E) – End-to-end scan, mesh, and portal/mobile flows
  • One Map: Concept designs and CUJs for unified geospatial mapping
  • Wayfarer: CUJ updates, nomination flow design audits, and UX improvements
  • Niantic Spatial Branding: Branding explorations and visual identity for the spin-out
  • LCA (Large Continuous Areas) – CUJs, user journeys, and activation flows
  • AR Patterns: Design explorations for AR-specific interaction and UI guidelines



Achievements / Events


Supported the successful rollout of the “Emoji Garden,” an AR Experience that uses Lightship Maps, VPS and Shared AR
▸ https://github.com/niantic-lightship/emoji-garden

Contributed to the global launch of Niantic’s AR pet game Peridot
▸ https://playperidot.com/

The VPS Scaniverse project I contributed to was showcased at AWE 2024 in the U.S., highlighting advancements in geospatial scanning and visualization.
▸ https://scaniverse.com/

Joined Niantic Spatial, a newly established spin-out from Niantic dedicated to building enterprise geospatial solutions and developer tools for AR.
▸ https://www.nianticspatial.com/