You’re an engineering or design professional. How do you choose the best AR tools for your work?

I’m a designer that works with AR flows for mobile and HoloLens devices. This can be very exciting but also envolves a lot of facts to have into consideration. User centric approach is essential. Understanding who will be using and for what purpose, because the contextual design will impact a lot on how the flow will be defined and interactions to be used. I use Figma as a design tool, and use a lot of intuitive gestures already defined in HoloLens, per example. There is a figma development tool for HoloLens given by Microsoft and I also try testing platforms to understand the perception of the users. Tutorials and guidance flows are crucial to make the flow even more user friendly.

I've learned that prioritizing approach over tools is key. It's crucial to define our objectives first and foremost, and then determine the approach to reach them, leveraging the appropriate tools along the way. Various methods exist for presenting specifications, ranging from Figma designs and animations to videos and prototypes created using gaming tools. Additionally, an array of drag-and-drop tools are emerging, offering further flexibility in the design process.

In choosing an AR tool, content creation and management capabilities are paramount. It's crucial to assess how easy it is to create, edit, and update AR content, along with the skills and resources required. Understanding the level of control and flexibility over design and functionality is key. Additionally, considerations about storing, accessing, and distributing AR content must be addressed, as well as ensuring its quality and security. Ultimately, the chosen AR tool should match the user's expertise level and workflow preferences for optimal efficiency.

Considering the final factor in selecting AR tools, one must assess budgetary constraints and scalability requirements. Determining the extent of investment one is willing to make, accounting for initial expenses and ongoing costs, is crucial. Justifying the return on investment of the chosen AR tool is critical to ensure its value proposition aligns with organizational goals. Moreover, planning for the future involves considering how to adapt and expand AR content as needs evolve. This includes maintenance and support to uphold seamless functionality. By selecting an AR tool that fits within financial parameters and accommodates growth trajectory, one lays the foundation for sustained success in augmented reality endeavors.

Choosing the right AR tool for specific hardware is the key to success. Also considering environment hurdles like lights and surface type when it comes to marker less augmented reality. Considering these hurdles and tailor the user on boarding that make sense will lead to good user experience.

As I consider investing in AR tools, I recognize the importance of defining clear objectives and identifying relevant use cases. Articulating the intended outcomes of AR integration allows me to understand how it can enhance workflow and performance. Identifying stakeholders and end-users informs the design process, ensuring alignment with their needs. Additionally, delineating user interaction with AR content and assessing technical requirements ensures compatibility and optimal performance within our operational environment. By addressing these key considerations, I can streamline my AR investment strategy and prioritize features that align with our objectives and operational needs.