By Stefan Degen (ERNI Switzerland)
In today’s digital age, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are not just cool technologies anymore; they are incredibly useful tools. Whether it is in medicine, architecture, or education, VR and AR tech lets us dive into immersive and interactive experiences beyond what’s possible in the real world.
But despite all these amazing tech improvements, there are still some big challenges in designing VR and AR experiences. One of the biggest challenges? Making sure the user experience (UX) feels smooth and easy. We want people to jump into VR and AR without any hiccups or confusion.
Milestone for AR/VR
The progress we have seen in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is really exciting. Recently, we reached a major milestone that shows just how much these technologies can shake up different industries.
One big breakthrough is the arrival of special glasses made for business use cases, like the ones from Meta and Pico. And Apple’s got something in the works too, which people are excited about. These glasses are getting attention for their great display quality, long battery life, and comfortable design. They’re a game changer for professionals in all kinds of fields.
And let’s not forget about artificial intelligence—it is evolving unbelievably fast. We’re talking about self-learning systems, voice-controlled assistants, and super-smart image recognition. The future of how we interact with AR and VR depends a lot on how we blend AI with these technologies, opening up all sorts of new possibilities. However, there is still a learning curve for both users and tech companies. We are figuring out how to make AR, VR and AI interfaces as easy to use as the ones we are used to on our computers and phones.
Challenges of the user interface
The progress in creating virtual worlds is impressive. Designers have pushed the limits of what is possible, mostly relying on their imagination. But there are still areas where we need to improve. We are talking about things like making virtual experiences feel more real through touch, giving better ways to interact, and making data clear and understandable in real-life situations.
When it comes to entering sensitive info by voice, there are hurdles to overcome. Should we stick with a virtual keyboard, or do we need new ideas? Dealing with huge amounts of data in virtual settings can also be tricky. Imagine trying to navigate through loads of info in virtual architecture or urban planning apps – it can get pretty overwhelming. That’s why we need innovative tools and methods to organise and show data in a way that’s easy to understand.
UX design
Addressing these challenges requires smart thinking and creative solutions, and that is where user experience designers come in. These specialists are great at figuring out what users want and how they use stuff, and then they use that info to make tools that work well. They are able to match up user needs with design, and they are always tweaking and improving things to make sure they’re just right. And they do all this planning and testing before any real coding starts. They use special tools to build, test and make stuff better quickly and without breaking the bank.
Unlocking success in AR/VR products
The world of AR/VR tools brings exciting possibilities for creative exploration. Nevertheless, making these tools easy to use is a big challenge. Integrating AI services and innovative interaction concepts can help overcome this challenge. It is crucial to engage experienced UX designers in the product team right from the start. Their expertise is key to creating a seamless and intuitive user experience, ensuring your product hits the market with style and efficiency.
Prioritizing seamless user experience design and integrating AI are essential to unlocking the full potential of AR and VR technologies. Our approach ensures these immersive tools become transformative and accessible across various industries.