Pitstop dash

A hands-on, camera-first pit stop challenge built for Snapchat

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Inspiration

Formula 1 pit stops are one of the purest forms of pressure, speed, and muscle memory — four tyres, zero margin for error, and the clock always watching.

I wanted to recreate that feeling in a way that feels immediate, physical, and fun, using Snapchat’s camera as the stage.
No menus. No setup. Just tap fast and beat the clock.

What it does

PitStopDash is a fast-paced, tap-based mini-game where players test how quickly they can complete a pit stop under pressure.

The game follows a simple, replayable flow:

  • Tap the screen to start
  • A short 3–2–1 countdown sets the pace
  • Players tap the screen four times as fast as possible
  • A timer runs during the taps
  • After the 4th tap, the timer stops
  • Confetti and a trophy celebration reward the performance
  • Tapping the screen again allows the player to replay

Each run is quick, competitive, and designed to be shared.

How it works (Gameplay Flow)

  1. Open the lens → a welcome message appears
  2. Tap the screen → a 3–2–1 countdown begins
  3. Countdown ends → the timer starts
  4. Tap the screen four times as fast as possible
  5. After the 4th tap:
    • The timer stops
    • Confetti and trophy celebration appear
    • Final time is displayed
  6. Tap the screen again to replay the challenge

Why it works on Snapchat

PitStopDash is built specifically for Snapchat’s interaction model:

  • Camera-first experience that lives naturally in the app
  • One-handed, tap-only gameplay — no learning curve
  • Short sessions perfect for Stories and Chats
  • Instant replayability with a single tap
  • Fun to play and fun to watch others attempt

The simplicity makes it approachable, competitive, and highly shareable.

Technologies used

  • Lens Studio 5
  • JavaScript
  • Touch input handling
  • Camera-based interaction
  • Lightweight UI elements
  • Particle effects for celebration (confetti)

Challenges I ran into

  • Designing meaningful gameplay using only tap input
  • Balancing responsiveness with performance
  • Ensuring visual clarity during fast interactions
  • Keeping the experience engaging without overcomplication

A major focus was making the game feel tight, responsive, and accessible.

Accomplishments I’m proud of

  • Created a complete game loop with clear start, play, and replay states
  • Built a mechanic that anyone can understand instantly
  • Designed a fast, competitive experience suited for short-form content
  • Kept the lens lightweight and stable

What’s next

With more time, PitStopDash could expand to include:

  • Personal best tracking
  • Global or friends leaderboards
  • Daily challenges
  • Increasing difficulty modes
  • Multiplayer turn-based challenges in chat

For this Lensathon, the focus was speed, simplicity, and fun.

Try it out

https://www.snapchat.com/unlock/?type=SNAPCODE&uuid=5d67d25b99984aa4be6dd99591f1c860&metadata=01

Tap, count down, race the clock, and celebrate.

How fast are your pit stop reflexes?

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