Virtual Reality was the first to give people a glimpse into the 3D world in the past years. It is not clear when and how it was created. However, some records show that it was used for the first time in the 1930s. Because of its integration with gaming technology, it became very popular in the 1990s.

Virtual Reality is not just for gaming. Because of its advanced technology and haptic system, VR is used in complex studies and research in Science and Mathematics.

Augmented Reality is a technology that is very similar to Virtual Reality but has gained widespread acceptance. It is most well-known in the entertainment and gaming industries.

L Frank Baum, the Wizard of Oz author, first mentioned Augmented Reality technology in 1901.

Augmented Reality was initially coined by David Mizzel and Tom Caudell in 1990.

Augmented Reality refers to technology that integrates real-time inputs into the existing world. This creates an output that combines real-world data with some programmed, interactive elements that operate on that real-world input.

Many people mistakenly identify Augmented Reality as Virtual Reality. Augmented Reality is a virtual enhancement of the real world. It responds to changes without being prompted.

Virtual Reality, on the other hand, is a simulated environment with virtual or fabricated elements. The user is usually isolated from the real world. However, both technologies can respond to user interactions and actions.

Many people mistakenly believe Augmented Reality technology to be the appearance of a Michael Jackson Hologram at a concert that was held after his death. The hologram did not interact with the environment. This disqualifies it from being an AR product or example.

This technology is commonly seen in apps such as Pokemon GO, Snapchat, and the HoloLens by Microsoft.

Augmented Reality technology is rapidly gaining acceptance around the world. As more benefits and investment returns are observed, the technology’s development speed is unaffected.

Dubai is the only place where this technology has been introduced recently.

AR is more than a success in entertainment and gaming apps. Other apps can be used to boost productivity in Dubai workplaces and aid in technological advancements. They also help in making technology more efficient and convenient.

Augmented Reality apps are just like other technologies, and the UX (user experience) is equally important.

UX does not just focus on product usability. UX is not just about the usability of the product. It also considers the user’s enjoyment. UX designers are aware of all inputs to produce AN output that is satisfying and does not overwhelm users.

The long-term usage of AR apps should be considered when designing the UX. The user experience doesn’t end with the first time they use the product. As the product is used over longer periods, it becomes more progressive.

The User Experience of an Augmented Reality App should be simple.

Tyler Wilson, a UX/UI designer at Helios International, explains five additional important considerations when creating AR apps.

Environmental Design

It is important to consider the environment. It has a significant impact on the placement of the UI as well as other design elements like colors and sizes.

The context of the user is the location he is at, but it could also be anywhere.

Interaction Design

This is a complex factor that requires many considerations. The device of the user (e.g. The AR world is the user’s “window”, and their phone or Hololens are their devices. The user must interact with the fabricated elements in an ergonomic way.

It is important to plan the placement of buttons and interfaces so that users are comfortable with the design.

Audio and Visual Cues

Visual cues can be used to help the user identify which parts of the app he can interact with. The interaction should be enhanced by giving feedback to the user on the AR environment.

The experience is made more enjoyable by using hover states and including easy-to-discover gesture prompts. Audio cues can be used to enhance the user’s experience. It encourages interaction and allows the user to explore the AR environment. 

Colors and Texts

AR apps are just as applicable to Color Theory science as other media. The color red, for example, means to be cautious or stop, and the color blue, for calm, has been designated the color of technology and the future.

Contrasting colors on the opposite side may be too distracting for users. You can also apply the light-colored text to dark backgrounds, and vice versa. Sans Serif fonts offer better options than Serifs. It is important to keep the text concise.

Innovations

In any endeavor, innovation is encouraged. Innovations in AR app design should be limited. Too many changes could take away the user’s comfort and discourage them from using the app. Users will feel more comfortable using the app if they stick to the familiar gestures of pinching, swiping, and tapping.

The market for AR apps still has a long way to go, but its future is quite promising as it looks. In Dubai alone, investment returns are foreseen to be in really huge figures. 

More and more people are accepting the futuristic appeal of Augmented Reality and are optimistic about where it can make life better, especially in the integration of this technology in healthcare and other important fields of study.