How do you optimize AR performance without sacrificing realism?

1 Use low-poly models

One of the main factors that affect AR performance is the complexity of the 3D models that you use in your AR content. The more polygons, vertices, and textures a model has, the more processing power and memory it consumes, which can result in lag, stutter, or crashes. To optimize AR performance, you should use low-poly models that have fewer details but still look realistic and smooth. You can use tools like Blender, Maya, or Unity to create or optimize your models, or use online platforms like Sketchfab or Poly to find and download low-poly models.

2 Optimize lighting and shadows

Another factor that affects AR performance and realism is the lighting and shadows of the AR content. Lighting and shadows help create a sense of depth, contrast, and realism in AR, but they also require a lot of computation and rendering. To optimize AR performance, you should use dynamic lighting and shadows sparingly, and only when they are essential for the AR experience. You can also use baked lighting and shadows, which are pre-computed and stored in the textures of the models, reducing the runtime cost. However, baked lighting and shadows are not responsive to changes in the environment or the user's position, so they may not look as realistic as dynamic ones.

3 Use occlusion and depth

Occlusion and depth are two techniques that help create a realistic interaction between the AR content and the real world. Occlusion means that the AR content is hidden or partially hidden by real objects in the scene, while depth means that the AR content is placed at the correct distance from the user and the real objects. Both techniques help create a sense of immersion and believability in AR, but they also require additional processing and sensors. To optimize AR performance, you should use occlusion and depth selectively, and only when they enhance the AR experience. You can use tools like ARKit, ARCore, or Vuforia to implement occlusion and depth in your AR apps, or use third-party libraries like AR Foundation or 8th Wall to simplify the process.

4 Use compression and caching

Compression and caching are two methods that help reduce the size and loading time of the AR content, improving the performance and user experience. Compression means that you reduce the file size of the AR content, such as models, textures, sounds, or videos, by using algorithms that remove unnecessary or redundant data. Caching means that you store the AR content locally on the device or online on a server, so that you don't have to download it every time you launch the AR app. Both methods help optimize AR performance, but they also have some trade-offs. Compression can affect the quality and fidelity of the AR content, while caching can consume storage space and bandwidth. To optimize AR performance, you should use compression and caching wisely, and balance the quality and speed of the AR content.

5 Test and measure

The last tip to optimize AR performance without sacrificing realism is to test and measure your AR content regularly and rigorously. Testing and measuring help you identify and fix any issues or bottlenecks that may affect the performance and quality of your AR content, such as frame rate, memory usage, battery consumption, or user feedback. You can use tools like Xcode, Android Studio, or Unity Profiler to test and measure your AR content, or use online platforms like TestFlight, Firebase, or App Center to distribute and monitor your AR apps. Testing and measuring help you optimize AR performance, but they also help you improve the usability and accessibility of your AR content, making it more enjoyable and engaging for the user.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?