XR Projects
This section features two innovative AR projects and one immersive VR project, showcasing my ability to design and develop experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds seamlessly.
My role
Independent academic mini projects
End-to-end development | Software learning | Physical prototyping | Digital prototyping | User-centered design | User research
Tools and Duration
Bezi, Reality Composer, Figma, Google Suite | 1 month each
Overview
Domain and Context
Entertainment, Hobbies and Education
This project aims to revolutionize the reading experience across various book genres. The context is to utilize AR technology to create an interactive and visually enriched reading experience, applicable to fiction, non-fiction, romance, fantasy, and other genres.
Constraints
-
The AR interface must seamlessly integrate with diverse reading materials, ensuring compatibility with various book formats (physical and digital) and genres.
-
The solution should be accessible on commonly available AR-enabled devices, like smartphones or AR glasses.
Current Landscape
Currently, the reading experience is predominantly limited to static text on a page, offering little visual or interactive augmentation to enrich the narrative. While e-books provide convenience, they often lack dynamic and immersive elements that could significantly enhance reader engagement. All the AR reading applications are focused on providing book recommendations and related features rather than enhancing the reading experience. Competitive Analysis: Bookful Bookful is an AR app tailored for children, which aims to engage them in reading by bringing books to life with interactive 3D animations and AR effects. While it focuses on a younger audience, it serves as an example of how AR can be used to enhance the reading experience by incorporating interactive elements. Traditional E-Books They typically lack dynamic visual and interactive elements that AR can provide. Interactive E-Book (or fanfiction) Platforms Some platforms (Like Wattpad) integrate multimedia elements like images and videos, but they do not utilize AR technology to its full potential. These platforms may have limited interactivity and fail to create a truly immersive experience.
Storyboard and Scenario
Olivia eagerly kicks off her rainy Saturday, armed with the next book on her TBR list and a cup of coffee. Slipping on her AR glasses, she plucks 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' from her bookshelf. Instantly, a familiar pop-up screen welcomes her, pre-filled with her personalized preferences, and she dives into the enchanting tale. On page 5, the dormant map leaps from the pages, and she explores the terrain, immersing herself in the story's world. As the first few characters step into the limelight, she looks at the vivid fanart that springs forth, solidifying their presence in her imagination.
Defining Product Features
Fanart Pop-ups
-
The glasses could recognize the page number in the book and display fanart related to the scene or characters. This would add an immersive visual element to the reading experience without giving away any spoilers.
-
First a grid appears that is scrollable. Clicking on one of the artworks expands it to show the selected art with the details on the bottom.
Interactive Comments, trivia and author’s quotes
-
Similar to the Wattpad app, readers could leave comments on specific paragraphs or sentences. These comments could be visible to others using the glasses, creating a social reading experience. Trivia from interviews or fandoms could be included, available under a different symbol.
-
Users can scroll through the comments and reply too. Selecting reply draws the panel closer while a keyboard appears.
Prototyping
Physical Prototype
Digital Prototype V01
Final Digital Prototype
Changes Made
-
I enhanced the panels with higher fidelity and added more interactions to create a detailed user experience.
-
For example, clicking on a fanart now expands it to a larger view, while selecting the comments box brings it closer and activates the keyboard.
-
Although my physical prototype received very positive feedback, I struggled to translate that success into my digital V1. Therefore, I focused on conveying the features more dynamically and with greater fidelity.
Lessons Learned
-
One of the biggest takeaways from these projects was mastering Bezi. Although I explored numerous software options and used Reality Composer for the lower fidelity AR prototype, I ultimately returned to Bezi. I am now fully confident in using this application and handled all troubleshooting myself.
-
Additionally, I researched AR glasses and various types of interactions without controllers or interfaces. This project significantly expanded my knowledge of creating AR experiences.
THANK YOU for taking the time to view my work. Please feel free to get in touch or leave some feedback!