Developing an AR Design: The Basics

Developing an AR Design: The Basics
Developing an AR Design: The Basics

The last twenty years have been especially favorable to the world of IT. Not only has it flourished, but its technological advancements have helped uplifting every other sector, be it medical or real estate.

Augmented Reality is one such development which has gained an immense amount of traction in the recent couple of years. With already two billion people currently utilizing AR, this number is expected to swell up nearly twice in its size.

However, this traction in the number of users brings forth hate towards the invention as well. The criticism despite raising some valid concerns don’t change that Augmented Reality has already integrated itself as a vital asset into the system, which means removing it from our lives is virtually impossible now.

This also means that augmented reality design is now the new hotshot in town, with internet users from all backgrounds pursuing it whether it is for fun or for their career. So, if your curiosity in AR Design has peaked as well, read ahead to peak your future customer’s interest as well!

Step 1: Incorporate Physical Interactions into your Design

Mostly, AR is still restricted to our mobile phones, in the form of Snapchat or Instagram filters. AR/VR headsets are an exception; however, they’re also resting at the brink of an invention that’s slowly bleeding itself into the world of IT.

When designing an AR effect, it is important to peak the viewer’s interest by giving them a chance to bind the ‘filter’ to the real word. This can be achieved by incorporating interactions that occur not on the 2D screen, but in the real world.

A good example of this can be to create objects of interest, that display information that only pops up when the user moves near the object. This helps pique the viewer’s interest and encourages them to move around, exploring the full augmented reality design.

Step 2: Pique the User’s Interest

As discussed above, AR is majorly restricted to social media accounts, in the form of filters for Instagram or Snapchat. The number of filters utilizing augmented reality on these apps is immense, meaning the variety available is also endless. Since a person can just swipe left of right, to try out new filters it important to offer something to the viewer that is eye catching.

The user’s interest can be suddenly piqued by hinting towards hidden mysteries that need to be discovered. This effect can be achieved adding an object which invites the user to explore further. For example, placing Aladdin’s Lamp into the AR effect can peak the user’s interest, inviting them to come closer, which might trigger an animation, showcasing the Genie.

Step 3: Avoid Doing Multiple Things at Once

The possibilities available within AR, but the limitations, imposed due to a phone’s screen size greatly creates boundaries and limitations around the design. At some points it is better to break down the animations and effects into several segments, which play one after the other.

This helps the user enjoy the full experience without missing out upon anything, or getting distracted by other factors. This also helps prevent your phone from slowing down or heating up, while also keeping the AR concise and neat.

Step 4: Sparks Joy and Looks Concise

Just like in our daily life, it is important that an Augmented Reality Design spark joy within the user. This means that the AR needs to be fun to use. Since the possibilities are endless, it is important to note that these effects can either enhance or provide an escape to the users, but it is up to you to accommodate their needs.

Additionally, since AR effects are imposed upon the real world, they need to carry physical traits within them that help them seamlessly incorporate into the real world without looking uncanny. So, if you’ve just started playing around with AR it is better to use 3D assets available online to create your effects, while you polish your own skills in the meantime.

In the end, it is important to note that your creation doesn’t need to be stressful, it just needs to be something you enjoy creating, which can be appreciated the general users as well.