Aquariums have always inspired wonder, but today’s visitors expect more than observation. In an experience-driven world, guests want to be part of the story—engaging, interacting and sharing moments that feel personal and memorable.
At the Singapore Oceanarium, we helped develop a suite of playful, story-driven augmented reality (AR) lenses designed to extend the physical visit into a layered, digital experience. These lenses do more than entertain—they deepen learning, encourage exploration, create social media moments and transform passive viewing into active discovery.
A Scalable Model for Aquariums Worldwide
What we built for Singapore Oceanarium is not a one-off activation. It is a replicable framework that regional and global aquariums can adapt to amplify engagement, education and post-visit sharing. Below is a breakdown of the lenses—and why this approach works.
- Client: Singapore Oceanarium
- AR Lens Type: Various
- Publication Date: June 2025
- Publisher: Piqolo Labs
1 - Keep Manja Afloat - Mascot Interaction AR Lens
This playful AR lens brings Manja the Reef Manta Ray, the Oceanarium’s beloved mascot, to life as he floats gently through the water. Visitors raise their eyebrows to keep Manja buoyant, turning a simple facial expression into a light-hearted game mechanic.
Why it works:
- Transforms a static mascot into an active character
- Appeals across age groups, from young children to adults
- Reinforces brand recall through repeated interaction
- Works exceptionally well in queues and waiting areas
2 - In the Shark Tank - Immersive Explorer AR Lens
This lens places visitors virtually inside the Oceanarium’s Shark Seas exhibit, appearing underwater with digital snorkel goggles as sharks glide powerfully behind them. Designed as a cinematic preview, the lens captures the exhilaration of being surrounded by sharks while subtly amplifying the allure of the Oceanarium’s premium Shark Dive experience.
Why it works:
- Builds anticipation for the paid "Shark Dive" experience
- Simulates an aspirational experience most visitors cannot access
- Delivers a safe thrill accessible to all age groups
- Encourages social sharing due to dramatic backdrop
3 - Touch a Sea Cucumber - Digital Touch Pool AR Lens
Through AR, a sea cucumber appears resting on the visitor’s palm, simulating the experience of holding marine life. This acts as a digital preview of a physical touch pool or as a standalone interactive moment when no touch pool exists.
Why it works:
- Reduces hesitation for children unsure about touching marine animals
- Bridges digital interaction with real-world participation
- Supports educational messaging through layered facts
4 - I’m a Sea Star - Viral Face Transformation AR Lens
Inspired by highly viral Snapchat face filters, this AR lens maps the user’s eyes and mouth onto a sea star body, animating it in real time. The result is humorous, animated and immediately shareable.
Why it works:
- Generates humour that drives organic sharing
- Appeals across children, teens and adults
- Turns visitors into living marine characters
5 - Wear an Aquarist Lab Badge - Personalised Identity AR Lens
Visitors type their name onto a custom Aquarist Lab badge and instantly appear wearing it in AR. The lens positions them as part of the marine science team, allowing them to capture a personalised “I work here” moment.
Why it works:
- Encourages aspirational role-play as a marine scientist
- Creates a digital souvenir without physical inventory costs
- Uses personalisation to increase emotional attachment
Education, Entertainment and Engagement—Layered Together
The future of aquariums lies not in replacing physical exhibits—but in layering them. By integrating playful, purposeful AR lenses, aquariums can enhance learning, increase dwell time and encourage social sharing. What we implemented at Singapore Oceanarium is not technology for technology’s sake. It is storytelling, gamification and education working together.
When guests become part of the story—that’s when the magic happens.
Regional and global aquariums can adopt this same framework to create a living, playable ocean that extends beyond the tank and beyond the visit. When guests become part of the story—that’s when the magic happens.
Let Us Help You Get Started
Piqolo Labs Delivers AR for Hospitality.
We can help you build the AR lenses mentioned above. Be among the first to bring Augmented Reality (AR) to your hotel, restaurant or attraction — without the high cost or production headaches. We love to hear from you!
Find out more by clicking on the link below OR fill up the form below:
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