AR @ MQ – Aug 2012: ICT Innovations Centre

AR Studio ran a combined AR workshop Rob & Alex from MOB Labs at Maquarie University.

We started our day at Macquarie University with a quick presentation on the historical perspective of Augmented Reality and how different uses of AR might fit into education. This was followed up by Rob Manson from MOB Labs, in Sydney, with a more technical breakdown of the nuts and bolts of AR from the mobile devices, the hardware, the cameras and the GPS systems. Rob also took us through how we use AR within different frameworks such as the personal, private, the public and projection AR experiences. Check Rob’s post on the subject: <http://ar-ux.com/the-4-key-user-experience-modes-of-augmented>

We then moved the group into a opened active space at the Mac ICT centre where we started our Design Thinking mini challenge.

We use a design thinking methodology to enable participants to first experience AR in a playful setting by immersing them in different AR apps. As we go we discuss the possibilities of where AR may move on to from the games we are playing. This time is mainly about “showing” not “telling”.

After this experiential start we moved into a guided design challenge. Using the worksheets participants work step by step to end up with a prototype idea which is then presented back to the group in a 3 minute ‘elevator’ pitch. The group then vote for the best idea and the winners are awarded the coveted bag of lollies.

There were some fantastic ideas generated during the workshop including;

• Testing and displaying the water reserves around the Macquarie area,

• “What’s behind the words”. An application for English writing students to discover the meaning behind poetry, especially Shakespearean sonnets.

• Augmented instructions for a troubleshooting 3-D printer.

…and the eventual winner designed by two students from a local high school. An augmented theatrical lighting system allowing the visualising of different lighting setups on a live stage before being put into physical production.

Responses were positive to the workshop and over all it was an energising experience. Many thanks to Matt Bower and Cathie Howe for hosting the event.