So what exactly is Augmenty?
The project started as a proof of concept and a test for us as a company. We wanted to create something that would implement multiple ideas that were proposed or used in other applications from the past and could be used as a showcase in the future.
The main features in this project were:
- implementing 3D models to the AR space
- storing models and AR cloud data (session data) on remote storage
- sharing session data (and AR experiences) among different devices
- using animated or static assets (3D models, images, or text) as content
With additional features, such as:
- object scanning
- using geolocation as AR session anchors
- stitching multiple AR sessions in one high detailed environment map
- using the AR space as a social event hub
The first application scope had all of the features mentioned above, but after completing the risk assessment for the project, the client quickly decided to ask for a more basic and cut down version of the application.
I performed this task by cutting away the features that took the most development time (for correct time assessment I relied on my experience in app development as well as questioning the dev team).
This, in turn, meant that I needed to update the project scope document and refresh the user flow.
I created the user personas (as seen below), by questioning the client (in this case the company owner) and talking with a group of potential users. The personas helped me reinsure my decision regarding the final feature list and assisted me in the process of UI design.
When it comes to designing the application I like to start with a logo (if possible), a lot of mood boards, and some referential applications already on the market (no need to reinvent the wheel).
When it comes to Augmenty, I started with the logo going for a fun 3D look, and by doing some research decided to go for a simple monogram design, where the letter A was posed in three-dimensional space (I used Blender as a starting point).
I also decided to make a logo animation that served as a loading animation for the application.
With the logo done and confirmed by the client, I took on the rest of the application. This meant preparing a design system that can withstand quick design changes, allows for modifications and variations and can be expanded in the future. I achieved this by using elements as building blocks, working from the simplest to more complex structures, and assigning controllable global values to the designs.
This method of creating the UI from a design system, allowed me to quickly modify the visual language and in the end, helped with the quick and easy translation to the application.
We tried to develop a viral AR application that could be used by everyone. More importantly, this served as a development stepping stone to a fully augmented workspace/environment.
The application is now at the final stages of development and has been tested by different test groups, and we are one step closer to accomplishing our goal.