When using a product like a smartphone we do not often consider the hardware and software components operating underneath. Yet each time we access powerful smartphone applications a technical symphony of ‘zeros and ones’ are working in harmony. This ability for this symphony of applications to operate seamlessly at runtime is a competitive requirement for many; 90% of respondents in a recent survey said they have stopped using an app because of poor performance.
As more businesses pursue the creation of augmented reality applications, a key consideration is how the application will be delivered to users. An immersive and effective experience must avoid runtime malfunctions.
Businesses looking to develop an augmented reality delivery strategy need to ask themselves four key questions:
Below we begin to explore these crucial questions; however, for a more in-depth explanation and training, AR thought leader and PTC CEO Jim Heppelmann has created a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) – How to Build an Augmented Reality Strategy for Your Business.
To take a step back, it will be useful to read our first and second installments based on the MOOC: Jump-Start an Augmented Reality Strategy with These 6 Questions and 5 Content Considerations for your AR Strategy.
Options: Hard-coded, Menu Pick, Scan Maker, Near-field Wireless, Sensor Fusion
Initially determining how the AR experience will be activated or ‘initialize’ is a foundational AR delivery step.
Options: Manual, GPS, Beacons, Image Recognition, Object Recognition, Terrain Recognition, Sensor Fusion, AI
There are a variety of application delivery methods leveraging a user’s location (localization) within his/her surrounding environment. When deciding which method to use for the AR application primarily boils down to whether the use case is spatial or object-based in nature.
Options: Cached, Downloaded, Streaming
Technical questions around the application’s data are critical for the ‘transport’ question. The data volume and frequency the experience will require are key when contemplating these three options and getting the user the right information at the right time.
Options: None, Mobile Touchscreen, Voice, Gesture, Virtual UI/Screen, Eye Tracking, Location, IoT Sensors
While the AR application delivers an array of digital information to the user, in many instances inputs from the user can inform interactions within the experience. There are several ways to enable these two-way interactions:
Ensuring that the technical infrastructure is set to deliver the application seamlessly at runtime is critical to positive user experiences and workforce productivity. These foundational delivery considerations are the final chapter in Heppelmann’s AR Playbook (see blogs on augmented reality strategy and content).
Download the full 90-minute AR MOOC for more detailed considerations.
David Immerman is as a Consulting Analyst for the TMT Consulting team based in Boston, MA. Prior to S&P Market Intelligence, David ran competitive intelligence for a supply chain risk management software startup and provided thought leadership and market research for an industrial software provider. Previously, David was an industry analyst in 451 Research’s Internet of Things channel primarily covering the smart transportation and automotive technology markets.