How do you prototype and iterate your AR design ideas?

1 Sketch your ideas

Before you jump into any software or hardware, you should sketch your ideas on paper or a whiteboard. This will help you to clarify your concept, define your scope, and communicate your vision to others. Sketching is a fast and cheap way to explore different possibilities and test your assumptions. You can also use sketching to create storyboards, wireframes, and mockups of your AR interface and interactions. Sketching is not about creating perfect drawings, but about capturing the essence of your AR design idea.

2 Use rapid prototyping tools

Once you have a clear sketch of your AR design idea, you can use rapid prototyping tools to bring it to life. Rapid prototyping tools are software or hardware that allow you to create and test your AR prototype quickly and easily, without requiring much coding or technical skills. Some examples of rapid prototyping tools are Spark AR Studio, Reality Composer, Unity MARS, and Adobe Aero. These tools let you import your 3D assets, add interactivity, and preview your AR prototype on your device or a simulator.

3 Test your prototype with users

The best way to evaluate your AR design idea is to test it with real users in real situations. Testing your prototype with users will help you to get feedback, identify problems, and validate your assumptions. You can use different methods to test your prototype, such as usability testing, user interviews, surveys, or observation. The key is to test your prototype early and often, and to use the feedback to improve your design. Testing your prototype with users will also help you to understand how your AR experience affects the user's perception, behavior, and emotions.

4 Iterate your design based on feedback

Based on the feedback you get from testing your prototype, you should iterate your design to make it better. Iterating means making changes to your prototype based on what you learned from your users, and then testing it again. Iterating is not a linear process, but a cyclical one, where you go back and forth between prototyping and testing until you reach a satisfactory solution. Iterating your design will help you to refine your concept, improve your usability, and enhance your user experience.

5 Use advanced prototyping tools

When you have a solid prototype that meets your user's needs and expectations, you can use advanced prototyping tools to polish your AR design. Advanced prototyping tools are software or hardware that allow you to create and test your AR prototype with more features, functionality, and fidelity. Some examples of advanced prototyping tools are Unreal Engine, ARKit, ARCore, and Vuforia. These tools let you create more realistic 3D graphics, add more complex interactivity, and optimize your AR performance.

6 Share your prototype with stakeholders

The final step in your AR design process is to share your prototype with your stakeholders, such as your clients, partners, or investors. Sharing your prototype with stakeholders will help you to showcase your AR design, get feedback, and secure support. You can share your prototype in different ways, such as sending a link, a video, or a screenshot, or presenting it live on your device or a projector. Sharing your prototype with stakeholders will also help you to get ready for the next phase of your AR project, such as development, deployment, or marketing.

7 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?