Different Lens Studios
DevelopmentBuilt in one session. Designed for different brains.
Web-based stop motion animation platform built with my partner Charlie, who designs and manufactures the physical lighting kits. Frame capture, onion skinning, timeline editing — all in the browser, neurodivergent-first.
Screenshot coming soon
The Problem
Dragonframe costs $295. It requires specialized hardware and assumes you already know what you're doing. Kids and neurodivergent creators — the people who most benefit from hands-on, kinetic creation — are priced out and overwhelmed before they start.
In a world where AI generates anything in seconds, we teach kids to create magic slowly — with their hands, their patience, and their imagination.
The Solution
Frame Capture
Direct webcam integration with real-time preview. Capture frames with keyboard shortcuts, adjust exposure, and see your animation build frame by frame.
Timeline Editor
Visual timeline with frame reordering, duplication, and deletion. Set frame rate, preview playback, and fine-tune timing without leaving the browser.
Onion Skinning
Semi-transparent overlay of previous frames so you can align your next shot precisely. Adjustable opacity and frame count for the overlay.
Export Pipeline
Export as GIF, MP4, or frame sequence. Client-side rendering means your work never leaves your machine until you choose to share it.
Tech Stack
Key Decisions
Physical + Digital Partnership
Charlie manufactures custom LED lighting kits, 3D-printed stages, and wire armature sets. I build the software. Three kit tiers ($49 / $149 / $299) pair physical tools with the free web app.
Neurodivergent-First Design
60px minimum touch targets. High-contrast mode. Minimal cognitive load. Built FOR different brains from day one, not adapted after the fact. ADHD-friendly: big green capture button, instant visual feedback.
Progressive Complexity
Start with one button: capture. As users get comfortable, reveal onion skinning (adjustable opacity 10-90%), timeline controls, playback at 12 FPS, and FFmpeg.wasm export. Don't overwhelm beginners.