User Experience Design for Augmented Reality

Modern apps such as snap chat have brought to light the concept of augmented reality (AR). Augmented reality is a technology, which incorporates inputs from the existing world on a real-time basis to develop an output that is a combination of both real-world data and some interactive and programmed elements, which modifies the real-world inputs. There are various features that technology must have for it to qualify as an augmented reality. First, it must be able to interpret data inputs of a real-time basis with no explicit commands from the various users. Second, it must be able to respond to the new external information contextually and account for the variations in the users' surrounding. Last, technology is considered be an AR if it does not restrict the movement of users within their surroundings. AR entails enhancing if the real world scenarios in such a way that all the changes are recorded on a real-time basis. It differs from virtual reality in which the users are often isolated users and present them with a simulated environment characterized by fabricated elements.

AR interfaces are examples of non-commanded interfaces in which users can accomplish the different task through the contextual information feed to computers systems and not by the user's commands. For a system to augment reality, various programs run in the background to analyze the data inputs and to provide actionable outputs. For example the ‘Pilot,' which is a revolutionary earpiece manufactured by the Waverly Labs which translates other languages to English on a real-time basis without command from their users. One does not need to tell the earpiece to listen every time someone speaks a different language. Instead, it automatically detects the other languages and acts on it. Moreover, the parking guidance system as used in most vehicles today does not require additional inputs from drivers. It automatically offers actionable information based on the vehicle's current state that is when it is in the reverse gear.

AR benefits U.X. in several ways. First, it gives the users real-time responses and feedback.  The technology links the digital world and the physical world to provide the users with real-time feedback from the action. With the invention of AR applications, instead of just viewing information the various users are given the opportunity to interact with the data and get live and real feedback from their actions. With the recent linking of the Internet of things (IoT) and AR, more and more AR dashboards with real-time salutations are being formed. Such interface can be illustrated by the AR cooking system, which helps users to learn how to cook. 

Second AR is providing its users with conversion opportunities and the chance to change their brand UX. AR and virtual reality are currently the critical methods for achieving brand differentiation. Customer brand loyalty is paramount for ensuring revenue strength in every organization. Engaged customers usually but 90% more often and are five times more likely to remain loyal to a particular brand. To ensure that consumers keep coming back for more products it is crucial a factor to enhance customer experience. Currently, developers and designers are working with augmented reality to improve the user experience. Smartphones, computers, and PC can use AR applications, and this encourages users to curate and explore their skills such as in Gaming. Such a scenario is presented by the Pokémon GO gaming experience, which is currently being played by more than 65 million people around the globe. AR helps in bringing reality into gaming and other activities making the customers happy. Consequently, the use of AR helps to provide users’ with memorable, delightful and real experience this keeping them satisfied and willing to buy more of the goods and services AR-enhanced brands. 

Additionally AR has proven to be crucial in making designs more comprehensible. Through AR, processes, and procedures can be sped up, and as a result, the technology is already making headlines and becoming the buzz among technology enthusiasts. According to Juniper, a research company, the use AR is expected to grow up to $2.4 billion by 2019. Currently, car producers such as Audi as well as Volkswagen are using AR to develop manuals that help car users to perform maintenance or assemble their automobiles. Consequently, this presents a scenario whereby even armatures can perform specialized skills. It is soon reaching a point where people will be able to use or operate virtually everything with the help of AR technology. Moreover, it is likely that AR is about to finds its way into the work environment. The technology can be incorporated in employee training and introducing them to the established protocols. Additionally, it prepares them for the real world in time to ensure that they can not only survive but also thrive. Placing new employees in real-world scenarios in which they are to deliver on their tasks, helps to shorten the learning curves and optimize the scarce resource and time thereby maximizing productivity.

AU, as a form of command user interface, provides people with an opportunity to enhance users' experience. There are three main aspects of user experience aspects that we should expect form AR.  First, AR minimizes the interaction cost of executing a task. Imagine a scenario in which an aircraft mechanic has to go inside the systems of an airplane to inspect the various components and determine how long they have been in use. Such an instance would involve writing down figures information on paper followed by keying in the data into a computer to determine how long the parts have been in use. The process is relatively timely and cumbersome. The information overlaid over the physical components would help the mechanic inspects the components in situ without any aid from external implements or devices.

Second, AR impacts user experience by decreasing attention switching. The concept combines several sources of data and information thus minimizing attention switching. For instance, when the mechanic saves the part code and uses a different system to determine its history, he or she is forced to shift the attention from the plane to an outside system with the information regarding the part's age. With an AR, the two subsystems are combined since the required information is shown in an overlay above the component itself. This, therefore, eliminates the possibility of having divided attention. Minimizing attention switching is fundamental for complex tasks, which requires synthesizing multiple sources of information at once. Consequently, it eliminates errors and saves time. 

Last, augmented reality affects user’s experience by minimizing their cognitive load. Without an AR system, a mechanic has to remember several aspects such as using the computer or smartphone use to check the records, as well as the information on the part itself. Such a scenario presents a case whereby individuals have a substantial cognitive load and this subjects one to a high probability of forgetfulness. With an AR, the required information on the part is displayed automatically, and the mechanic as used in the illustration does not to cognitively remember the part or spend his energy and effort saving the information of paper or in a computer.

With AR, life becomes easy because it is possible to perform tasks the uses multiple sources confirmation without making errors. It also minimized the cognitive processes required for the various systems.