Introduction
During week 3, I was given another task to complete. This task is to create an AR experience that I can scan with my phone and use a trigger image to show in front of you. After I have done with that task my next goal is to document it and add a segment that will include my thoughts on how I relate with this activity, if I want to carry this experience on for my future.
What Is AR?
Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real world, achieved through the use of computer-generated digital information. These include visual, sound, and other sensory elements. AR uses computer hardware and software, such as apps, consoles, screens, or projections, to combine digital information with the real-world environment.
Pros and Cons of AR
Advantages
- It helps with the learning process: provides an easy view rather than reading guidelines and can engage the user more.
- Creates unique user experiences: AR helps to create unique digital experiences that help in blending digital and physical worlds. Ar helps the user to experience immersive experiences through browsers. AR blend audio-visual experiences with realities. It helps to place digital elements on top of physical elements to create a mirage effect.
- Removes cognitive overload: Cognitive overload happens when a machine’s working memory is made to process huge information sources. Cognitive overload hampers the work process and decision-making. Ar helps to present the information in a summarized orderly manner. AR also helps to process the information and develop results accordingly.
- Creates user engagement: AR helps businesses to improve user engagement. AR helps to make better visibility of product labels and aids to create interactive ads and catalogues. AR when combined with other technology enhances the ability to deliver information faster.
Disadvantages
- The cost of AR implementation is high: To create an AR experience can be costly due to the process and making it fully functional for everyone is required for that experience
- Most devices having a low level of performance house low AR compatibility: Not everyone can experience AR due to the performance of their devices.
- AR can lead to a security breach and lack of user privacy: AR hackers can embed malicious content into applications via advertising. Unsuspecting users may click on ads that lead to hostage websites or malware infected AR servers that house unreliable visuals undermining AR security.
AR testing and exploration
I followed some tutorials given to me to create an AR experience and I used Unity as the main software. After going through installing the Zappar package, (that allows me to create the AR experience and put it on the Zapworks website) I did some camera related work.
I then downloaded the tutorial file and inside was an image and a model. I used the inspector to do some tweaks with the Activate the game object function and went to update to publish. After that I then went through the prosses of building the scene and post the file I have on the Zapworks website. At first, I found the guidance a little confusing but I understood it when I did it twice (animated and non animated).
AR test tutorial
Trigger Image
Animated Version
Trigger Image
Custom AR mini project
My next goal within this part of the course is to create my own version of the AR experience with the knowledge I gained from the tutorial tasks. I decided to use a character model I created a while ago as the object that pops out when you scan the Q r-code and put the phone camera in front of a trigger image.
When using my model, it did not apply the textures I had on the character so what I did was applied colours to certain parts of my character to look better. I followed the exact same steps as above and posted the outcome on Zapworks.
My own AR mini project
Trigger Image
Do I plan to use this principle again for my Final Project?
No. In this project, I used Unity to create a working AR experience that with my phone, I can scan a Q r-code to access the website and use the trigger image on the thumbnail of the project (this means that the anyone who can scan the code doesn’t need to find the trigger image since it’s already in front of them).
I did enjoy doing this project even though the whole process was confusing and slightly complicated, the outcome I got was fairly decent for my first time. I liked how I managed to create an AR experience where one of my art pieces gets shown in a special way.
Advantages
- I managed to be successful in the lab session and have created a working AR experience
- I understand more about Unity in the AR side of things
- I learned something new in creating an AR experience
- I did like the tutorials I was given to be able to do stuff like AR.
- The object that pops out is clear and easy to see.
Disadvantages
- Some parts of the project was difficult to understand for example the guidance we where given was complex.
- The outcome of the AR could look weird due to the camera being used
- The object being projected must be the right size to have it fit a general computer screen
- Also the distance of the object to the trigger picture matters a lot if you want a clear outcome to avoid rendering issues.
Reference list
Websites
Apurvawagh (2022) What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of AR? Medium. Available online: https://medium.com/@apurvawagh/what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-ar-c09c97f9d6 [Accessed 22 Oct. 2024].
Hayes, A. (2023) Augmented Reality (AR) Defined, with Examples and Uses. Investopedia. Available online: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-reality.asp [Accessed 22 Oct. 2024].
Kaspersky (2021) What are the Security and Privacy Risks of VR and AR. www.kaspersky.com. Available online: https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/security-and-privacy-risks-of-ar-and-vr [Accessed 23 Oct. 2024].