The Empathy Mirror:
Aging Through AR
An asymmetric mirror prototype exploring how technology can impact one's perception of themselves — using MoodMe's Face AR to simulate realistic aging effects in real time.
Stanford's Center for Design Research sought to build a prototype that would enable individuals to reflect on their own understanding of empathy — experienced through art, design, and technology. The team needed a way to let users see themselves aged in real time, creating a visceral emotional response that traditional media could not achieve.
MoodMe provided its Face Tracker SDK combined with the Unity 3D engine on Windows 10, capable of rendering augmented reality aging effects on a virtual mirror in real time. MoodMe also developed photorealistic aging effects — including wrinkles, skin texture changes, and facial deformations — with granular control over each aging parameter.
Seeing Your Future Self
MoodMe's SDK applies real-time facial deformations and texture overlays — droopy eyes, hollow cheeks, thinner lips, wrinkles, age spots, and desaturation — all with individually adjustable intensity levels. Users stand before the asymmetric mirror and watch themselves age decades in seconds, triggering a profound empathetic response.
Technology Stack
MoodMe's Face AR SDK powered the full pipeline — from face detection and landmark tracking to real-time 3D aging simulation.
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