How can you use augmented reality to enhance your graphic designs?

1 What is AR and how does it work?

AR is a technology that uses a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or headset, to scan the real environment and project digital images or information onto it. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which creates a fully simulated environment, AR blends the real and the virtual, allowing users to interact with both. AR can use different types of triggers, such as markers, geolocation, or image recognition, to activate the digital content and align it with the real world.

2 Why use AR for graphic design?

Augmented Reality (AR) can be a powerful tool for graphic design, allowing for enhanced visual appeal and impact, increased engagement and interaction with an audience, the addition of supplementary information and functionality, and the creation of unique and memorable experiences. AR enables designers to add depth, dimension, and animation to their work, allowing viewers to manipulate, explore, and customize designs. Moreover, it can link designs to other digital media such as audio, video, or web pages, immersing viewers in the design and making them feel part of it.

3 How to design for AR?

Designing for AR requires particular skills and considerations, including understanding the context and purpose of your design, choosing the right device and platform, selecting the appropriate trigger and content, and testing and optimizing your design for performance, usability, and accessibility. You must consider who your audience is, where and how they will use it, what the goal of your design is, whether you want to use a smartphone, tablet or headset, which type of digital content to overlay (2D, 3D or video), and whether it works well in different lighting and environmental conditions. Additionally, it should be easy to use and understand while meeting the needs and preferences of your audience.

4 What are some examples of AR graphic design?

AR graphic design can be applied to a variety of domains and formats, such as marketing and advertising, education and training, and entertainment and art. For marketing and advertising, AR can be used to create interactive and immersive ads, flyers, posters, or packaging that showcase products or services in a realistic way. In education and training, AR can be used to create educational materials that provide visual and interactive feedback. In entertainment and art, AR can be used to create games, puzzles, stories, artworks, installations, and exhibitions that stimulate creativity and imagination.

5 How to learn more about AR graphic design?

If you are interested in learning more about AR graphic design, you can explore existing apps and platforms like Adobe Aero, Spark AR, or Snapchat Lens Studio. Following leading AR graphic design experts and influencers like Helen Papagiannis, Galit Ariel, or Keiichi Matsuda is another great way to get inspired. Additionally, joining online AR graphic design communities and forums such as AR/VR Designers, Augmented Reality Designers, or ARKit Creators can help you stay updated with the latest trends. Finally, taking some of the online AR graphic design courses and tutorials such as Coursera's Introduction to Augmented Reality and ARCore, Udemy's The Complete ARKit Course, or Skillshare's Augmented Reality for Graphic Designers can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills.