Designing the AR experience: Tools and tips for mobile augmented reality UX design

Abstract

User experience design professionals have established tools and processes for creating user interfaces. However some new interaction paradigms differ so greatly from their predecessors that established methodology is inadequate. Mobile augmented reality (AR) is one such paradigm. Viewing and interacting with 3D registered graphics that are overlaid in the user's camera view creates novel design challenges. This paper describes the shortcomings of current user centered design methodology when applied to the creation of user experiences for mobile AR. We address the challenges of designing a seamless 3D mix of real-world and virtual experiences along with the complexity arising from the location-based nature of the content. Finally, new tools and methodologies are presented for researching, designing, rapid prototyping, and user testing of mobile AR user experiences, with the intent of helping designers overcome the unique challenges inherent to this new interaction paradigm. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.