News Release

Church launches new 3D app to learn about Lehi's dream

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launches an interactive mobile app that uses augmented reality by engaging members, particularly children and youth, to learn from the scriptures in a new way and apply it in their lives.

The Augmented Reality application of the Tree of Life focuses on the dream of the prophet Lehi recorded in 1 Nephi 8 in The Book of Mormon. It is developed using the content of the Book of Mormon Videos.

This part of Lehi's dream was selected as the theme of the app "because it is rich in metaphors and attracts a large group of people," said Bryan Lefler, animation writer and director of the Church's Publications Services department.

In addition, "many of the 3D resources, videos, and photos we needed were captured during the production of the Church-created Book of Mormon Videos," said Michael Murdock of Murdock Motion, who partnered with the Church on the project. "This made Lehi's dream ideal for creating content and mobile app experience."

 

How to download the app in augmented reality

The app is available for download in English, Spanish, and Portuguese for Apple and Android devices from the iOS App Store or Android Play Store. You can also find descriptions and links in ChurchofJesusChrist.org/pages/mobileapps.

Only the latest versions of mobile devices can fully process the experience.

To change the language or send feedback, click the three dots in the right corner of the app screen. "We really want to know who uses it," Lefler said. "Only through the user experience can we understand how to improve."

"The future of augmented reality and education is bright and exciting," Murdock added, "and we're thrilled to see how the world responds to this entirely new experience."

How to use the app "The Tree of Life"

The Tree of Life augmented reality experience allows you to look around and explore the different aspects of Lehi's symbolic vision.

After selecting a viewing surface, such as a table or floor, the experience opens on your mobile device, combining the surrounding environment with a character's interpretation of what the vision might have been like.

The sound effects of water, voices, laughter and music add to the reality of the experience.

The app allows you to "walk", learn more about the characters and objects that appear, such as Laman and Lemuel, the road, the fountain, the mists of darkness, the iron bar, the large and spacious building and the tree of life.

You will be able to see the scriptures, thought questions, and related conference videos explain the importance of each item you select to study and help apply to your current life and in the study of "Come, Follow Me".

Teaching tool for "Come, Follow Me" lessons

The Church is launching this app in time for parents and teachers to download and use for the Come, Follow Me January 13-19 lesson that focuses on Lehi's vision of the tree of life.

"The app follows the learning pattern for 'Come, Follow Me' by providing members with a nonlinear experience to explore gospel materials, think about open questions, and have a unique visual experience that can help them relate sleep with their dreams and their own lives," said Kristin Yee, Interactive and Animation Manager in the Church Publications Services Department.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.