How to Create Augmented Reality (AR)?

In the first part of this guide, we learned about how augmented reality woks and what it is. In this installment, we're going to dive right into the different ways you can create augmented reality experiences. So, if you're wondering "how to create augmented reality"- be it apps, standalone content or immersive experiences, you're in the right place.

3 Ways to Create Augmented Reality

First things first, when it coms to building AR apps or content, the creation process starts with making 3D assets. Unless, you're using readymade 3D models available in stock libraries.

That said, here are three ways you can create AR:

Method #1. Using a drag and drop AR/VR studio

Ideal for: CAD experts, graphic designers

The most popular AR/VR studios or engines include platforms like Adobe Aero, Amazon Sumerian, Wikitude and Vuforia Studio. These platforms are essentially drag-and-drop builders for professionals who have at least intermediate experience of working with tools like CAD, Adobe Photoshop or any other 3D/2D modelling software.

Although they do have a slight learning curve, all of them provide extensive documentation and can be used to create AR apps that are compatible with android, iOS and UWP devices. Another point to note here is that you will have to import pre-created 3D assets or create your own in the platform itself. Unless of course you choose to use the stock 3D assets they provide.

Method #2. Using a AR development kit

Ideal for: programmers, AR developers‍

Another way to create augmented reality apps and content is to leverage the framework and SDKs provided by Apple's ARkit and Google's ARCore. Ideal for developers with expertise in 3D modelling, computer vision and programming languages like C#, C++ or Javascript.

As their name suggests, AR developed on ARKit and ARCore is compatible with iOS devices and android devices respectively. Both offer plane detection, high estimation, cloud anchors, motion tracking, face tracking and image tracking.

Method #3. Using a ready-to-use AR suite

Ideal for: retail brands, businesses and non-developers

While the platforms outlined above offer limitless customisation capabilities, they are not everyone's cup of tea. Considering the fact they do require a certain level of 3D modelling and programming expertise.

To tackle these obstacles and widen AR accessibility, web-based 3D/AR suites like Designhubz has been built to work straight out of the box- minus any coding or 3D expertise.

With Designhubz, you can simply scan physical objects with our advanced digitization rigs (which we send free of cost). Once scanned, accurate 3D models are automatically uploaded into your online Designhubz account. After that, our AR algorithm (which leverages ARCore and ARKit) kicks in to create immersive augmented reality views that you can easily distribute and publish across your website, app and social media. For now, Designhubz is tailored for the try-on use case for furniture, apparel, footwear, home appliances, makeup and eyewear.

Here's a detailed article on how the entire process of creating augmented reality experiences on Designhubz works and what it looks like.

There you have it- 3 ways to create AR experiences

As a starting point, it's best to choose the method that aligns with your expertise, budget and timelines. While the first two methods are great for developers and designers they are time intensive and requires extensive development from scratch. We might be biased but with Designhubz, these prerequisites are negated as the creation process takes hours, not weeks or months.

In the next part, we walk you through how one can use AR →  7 Incredible Examples of Brands Using Augmented Reality Shopping