On Day 6, we’ll allow users to customize their avatars by changing outfits, colors, and facial features. This will make the app more interactive and give users control over their digital identity.
1. Why Avatar Customization?
Customization enhances user engagement by allowing personalization of: ✅ Skin tones
✅ Hair styles & colors
✅ Clothing & accessories
Users can select options via a UI menu and apply changes in real-time.
2. Adding a UI for Avatar Customization
Step 1: Install React Native Picker
We’ll use a dropdown menu to let users choose customization options:
npm install @react-native-picker/picker
Step 2: Create a Customization Panel
Inside src/components/, create AvatarCustomization.js:
import React, { useState } from 'react';
import { View, Text, Picker, StyleSheet } from 'react-native';
export default function AvatarCustomization({ onUpdate }) {
const [skinColor, setSkinColor] = useState('orange');
const [hairColor, setHairColor] = useState('black');
const [outfit, setOutfit] = useState('casual');
return (
<View style={styles.container}>
<Text style={styles.label}>Skin Color</Text>
<Picker
selectedValue={skinColor}
onValueChange={(value) => {
setSkinColor(value);
onUpdate('skinColor', value);
}}
>
<Picker.Item label="Orange" value="orange" />
<Picker.Item label="Brown" value="brown" />
<Picker.Item label="Fair" value="peachpuff" />
</Picker>
<Text style={styles.label}>Hair Color</Text>
<Picker
selectedValue={hairColor}
onValueChange={(value) => {
setHairColor(value);
onUpdate('hairColor', value);
}}
>
<Picker.Item label="Black" value="black" />
<Picker.Item label="Blonde" value="yellow" />
<Picker.Item label="Red" value="red" />
</Picker>
<Text style={styles.label}>Outfit</Text>
<Picker
selectedValue={outfit}
onValueChange={(value) => {
setOutfit(value);
onUpdate('outfit', value);
}}
>
<Picker.Item label="Casual" value="casual" />
<Picker.Item label="Formal" value="formal" />
<Picker.Item label="Sporty" value="sporty" />
</Picker>
</View>
);
}
const styles = StyleSheet.create({
container: { padding: 10 },
label: { fontSize: 16, fontWeight: 'bold', marginTop: 10 },
});
3. Applying Customizations to the Avatar
Step 1: Modify AvatarRenderer.js
Pass the customization data to the avatar model:
import { useState } from 'react';
import AvatarCustomization from './AvatarCustomization';
export default function AvatarRenderer({ facialExpressions }) {
const [avatarConfig, setAvatarConfig] = useState({
skinColor: 'orange',
hairColor: 'black',
outfit: 'casual',
});
const handleUpdate = (key, value) => {
setAvatarConfig({ ...avatarConfig, [key]: value });
};
return (
<View style={{ flex: 1 }}>
<Canvas>
<ambientLight intensity={0.5} />
<directionalLight position={[0, 5, 5]} intensity={1} />
<AvatarModel facialExpressions={facialExpressions} avatarConfig={avatarConfig} />
</Canvas>
<AvatarCustomization onUpdate={handleUpdate} />
</View>
);
}
Step 2: Apply Customizations in AvatarModel.js
Modify the avatar appearance based on the selected options:
function AvatarModel({ facialExpressions, avatarConfig }) {
return (
<group>
{/* Avatar Head */}
<mesh>
<sphereGeometry args={[1, 32, 32]} />
<meshStandardMaterial color={avatarConfig.skinColor} />
</mesh>
{/* Hair */}
<mesh position={[0, 1, 0]}>
<sphereGeometry args={[0.5, 32, 32]} />
<meshStandardMaterial color={avatarConfig.hairColor} />
</mesh>
{/* Outfit */}
{avatarConfig.outfit === 'casual' && (
<mesh position={[0, -1, 0]}>
<boxGeometry args={[1.5, 1.5, 1.5]} />
<meshStandardMaterial color="blue" />
</mesh>
)}
{avatarConfig.outfit === 'formal' && (
<mesh position={[0, -1, 0]}>
<boxGeometry args={[1.5, 1.5, 1.5]} />
<meshStandardMaterial color="black" />
</mesh>
)}
{avatarConfig.outfit === 'sporty' && (
<mesh position={[0, -1, 0]}>
<boxGeometry args={[1.5, 1.5, 1.5]} />
<meshStandardMaterial color="red" />
</mesh>
)}
</group>
);
}
4. Testing Avatar Customization
Step 1: Start the App
expo start
Step 2: Change Avatar Features
- Select different skin tones.
- Try changing hairstyles.
- Change outfits and verify the model updates in real-time.
5. Optimizing Performance
- Use textures instead of solid colors for realistic clothing.
- Cache previously loaded 3D models to reduce rendering lag.
6. Key Concepts Covered
✅ Added a UI for avatar customization.
✅ Allowed users to change skin, hair, and outfits.
✅ Synced real-time updates to the 3D avatar.
7. Next Steps: Implementing Voice Modulation & Syncing
Tomorrow, we’ll: 🔹 Add voice detection & lip sync.
🔹 Use AI to modulate voice tones.
8. References & Learning Resources
9. SEO Keywords:
React Native avatar customization, Three.js dynamic character models, mobile 3D avatars, real-time avatar rendering, AI avatar personalization.
