Making your own Augmented Reality experience

The first step in creating an AR experience is selecting the right platform and tools to help execute the vision. There are several AR development platforms available, such as ARKit (for Apple iOS devices), ARCore (for Android devices), and Vuforia (compatible with both iOS and Android). These platforms, and many others, offer extensive libraries and resources and enable native AR applications for smartphones and tablets. There are many other products available online.

In addition to these platforms, 3D modelling and animation software for creating interactive objects and characters. Some popular tools include Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Unity 3D. A search for such software will offer additional vendors.

The next phase of the process involves planning and conceptualising the AR experience. Here are a few key questions to ask at this stage:

What are the objectives of the prospective AR experience (E.g., informing, relationship management, entertainment, marketing, learning)?

What type of digital content is to be overlayed, e.g., 3D objects, text, videos - the TV programme (‘Strickly Come Dancing’ superimposes virtual theatre sets on the TV screen during contestants’ dances)?

What device(s) will the AR experience be accessible on (e.g. kiosk, screen, smartphone, glasses, headsets)?

What user interaction will be offered (e.g., tap, swipe, voice commands, sensor)?

Will the projection be still, animated or interactive?

Based on answers to these questions, the process can continue and can begin to build a clear and cohesive narrative for your AR experience.

With a better understanding of building an AR experience, it's time to start designing and developing the project. First, create the digital assets using 3D modelling and animation software. Ensure these assets are optimised for real-time rendering and compatible with the chosen AR development platform.

Next, import the digital assets into the AR development platform and construct the AR experience. Utilise the platform's given features and tools, such as tracking algorithms, to ensure smooth and accurate augmentation of the digital content. Additionally, pay close attention to user interaction and intuitiveness, as these aspects directly impact the overall user experience.

After developing the AR experience's core components, testing and refining the project is crucial. This process may involve fixing bugs, improving tracking algorithms, and ensuring seamless integration of digital content within the real-world environment. When conducting tests, analyse the experience from the user's perspective, addressing potential pain points and difficulties.

By understanding the fundamentals of AR and following a structured process of planning, design, development, and testing, you can create engaging and innovative experiences for your stakeholders. Whether you're an independent consultant or a part of a large organisation, mastering AR will place you at the forefront of rapidly evolving technology, allowing you to unlock new opportunities for growth and success in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Augmented reality (AR) can be used for communication in many ways. For example, it can overlay text, images, or videos in the real world, which can help share information or provide instructions. AR can also be used to create virtual avatars that can interact with each other, which can be helpful for remote collaboration or education.

Additionally, AR can be used to create shared experiences between people in different locations, cultures and languages which can help to build relationships and create a sense of community.

Here are some specific examples of how AR is being used for multi-sensory communication:

In education, AR is being used to provide students with interactive learning experiences. For example, students can use AR to explore virtual models of historical sites or to view 3D images of cells and molecules.
In business, AR provides employees with training and support. For example, employees can use AR to view step-by-step instructions on assembling a product or getting help with a technical issue.
In the military, AR provides soldiers with information about their surroundings and helps them with tasks such as target identification.

The range of services for practitioners to use is huge. The PdF vendor Adobe has a straightforward capability called Aero (at https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/aero.html). It can be used by practitioners out-of-the-box.

There are many tools available to help practitioners to develop AR experiences. They are great fun to explore by searching for ‘augmented reality software’.

AR SDK: These tools allow users to build digital objects that will blend into the real world and will eventually become fully-fledged AR experiences.

AR WYSIWYG editor software enables users with limited to no coding background to create customised AR experiences. These tools have drag-and-drop capabilities that let users upload 3D objects and drop them directly into previously designed scenes.

AR game engine software – These solutions give game developers the framework for creating AR video game experiences. Using AR game engine software, users can create and edit 3D characters that can interact with the real world.