Design brief template
Use the template to outline your team’s idea. Download a Word copy or open it in Google Docs.
Submit your project here:
BUILDFEST BUILDER
RESOURCES
Your Scenery starter kit.
Everything you need to get set up, find inspiration, and start creating.
01
Quick start guide
Follow these three steps in order. Keep this page open as you go.
-
Install Scenery & sign in
Download Scenery on your Mac or iPad. Open the app, then create an account or sign in with Apple or email and password.
Use that same account in the next step.
-
Unlock your free month of Pro
- Open the account dashboard and sign in with your Scenery account.
- Find Redeem a promo code, paste the code below, and click Redeem.
USC-SOCIAL-IMPACT-26One month of Pro free. Redeem before the end of the month.
-
Set up your ChatGPT building helper
BuildFest Support gives ChatGPT the Scenery reference guides so it can walk you through building and troubleshooting. You only need to install it once.
-
Download plugin ZIP
Download the plugin file
Save BuildFest_Support_Plugin.zip to your computer. It will usually appear in your Downloads folder. Keep it zipped.
-
Open ChatGPT Plugins
Open ChatGPT’s Plugins page
Click the button and sign in to ChatGPT. The Plugins page opens in a new tab, so you can keep following this guide.
-
Upload the ZIP you downloaded
Where uploads are enabled, choose Add → Upload plugin (sometimes labeled Upload plugin archive). Select BuildFest_Support_Plugin.zip from Downloads and follow the prompts. If the plugin shows an install or + button, click it.
Don’t see Add or Upload? Your account or workspace may not allow plugin uploads. Ask a BuildFest mentor to help you get access. -
Start a chat with BuildFest Support
Start a new chat. Type @ in the message box, search for BuildFest Support, and click its name in the menu. Then send a question like this:
I’m new to Scenery. Help me build my first AR experience, one step at a time. Start by asking what I want to make.
You’re ready when BuildFest Support is selected in your message and ChatGPT replies to your question.
-
02
Event files & links
Your design brief, submission form, and workshop materials—all in one place.
Submit your design brief
Ready to share your team’s design brief? Send it through the event submission form.
Ideation slides
Revisit the ideation slides as you develop and refine your team’s concept.
Demo files
Open the shared Google Drive folder to find files for the demos.
Student-built experiences from BuildFest. Explore a few ways teams used Scenery for social impact.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Cashocracy
Scan a campaign flyer to explore candidate funding as 3D stacks of money in AR.
View project & demo
HEALTHCARE & SELF-ADVOCACY
TransScript
An AR simulation that helps transgender people practice navigating difficult conversations in healthcare settings.
View project & demo
CONNECTION ACROSS DISTANCE
Longhorn Photobooth
An AR photo experience that brings faraway family and friends into a shared picture.
View project presentation
SOCIAL CUE ACCESSIBILITY
Tone Tag Assistant
A mobile AR guide designed to make social cues more accessible.
View project presentation
04
Useful resources
Share your experience and find ready-made assets for your build.
Make a QR code
Use TinyQR to turn your Scenery share link into a QR code. Free, with no account required.
- Paste your experience’s share link.
- Download the code as a PNG.
- Scan it on another phone to test it.
Static codes don’t expire. Keep the experience link available.
Find a 3D object
Scenery imports 3D models only in .usdz format. Other model formats must be converted first.
CGTrader · USDZ models
A large library of free and paid 3D models. Check that USDZ
is included before downloading.Sketchfab Browse downloadable models and choose USDZ when offered. A
free account is required.
Check the model’s license and any required credit before using it.
Find graphics & sound
Use PNG/JPG for images and MP3, WAV or M4A for sound.
Bring your assets into Scenery
File formats & importing ↗
Unzip downloaded asset packs first. In Scenery, open Assets → Upload asset, or drag your USDZ, PNG, JPG, MP3, WAV or M4A file into the editor. Other 3D formats need conversion to USDZ.
Start with the three-part workshop, then explore face tracking or location-based AR. Videos by Texas Immersive Institute.
BuildFest workshop · Part 1
Asset collection
Watch on YouTube
BuildFest workshop · Part 2
Scenery overview
Watch on YouTube
BuildFest workshop · Part 3
Your first Scenery project
Watch on YouTube
Scenery 2026 tutorial
Face tracking
Watch on YouTube
Scenery 2026 tutorial