From Atoms to Bits: Exploring the distinctive qualities of Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) possesses distinctive qualities that set it apart from other media forms like screen-based media, virtual reality (VR), and physical installation art. In this article, we will explore some of these distinguishing features of AR and how they contribute to its distinctiveness.
Asymmetric realities
One of the distinctiveness of AR is its asymmetric realities. When we talk about "asymmetric realities" in the context of mixed reality, it refers to the fact that different users or participants may experience different virtual augmented content within the same scene or environment. This means that each participant may see, interact with, or perceive different virtual elements based on their individual perspective, location, or identity.
This asymmetry can be implemented in various ways. For example, in a multiplayer game with different roles or tasks, each player may see different virtual objects, enemies, or props to interact with, fostering collaboration or competition. Another example is in an educational or training environment, where different students or learners can see different virtual content or guidance based on their individual progress and needs. This provides richer opportunities for tailored education and training experiences to cater to diverse learners' needs and abilities.
However, it is important to balance the experiences and fairness of all parties involved when designing and implementing asymmetric realities. Ensuring that each participant has meaningful interaction and experience while avoiding excessive imbalance or a sense of deprivation, is crucial.
Permissionless
Another distinctiveness of AR is its "permissionless" attribute. This attribute refers to the ability to create digital artistic works on AR media in public spaces without prior permission from landowners or operators. It is an intriguing concept that aligns with the decentralized and open principles of AR.
Traditionally, any form of artistic creation in public spaces required relevant permits and approvals. However, AR exists as a digital layer in the physical world, with its asymmetric nature making it elusive to regulatory oversight. The "permissionless" attribute empowers artists to create and showcase their works in public spaces without the need for specific location permissions.
This "permissionless" attribute enables AR art to interact more freely with the public, bringing digital art into the real world. Artists can leverage AR technology to create virtual artworks, interactive experiences, or enhanced visual effects in public spaces, engaging with audiences without the limitations imposed by place owners.
Standby/muggle involvement
Due to the asymmetric nature of AR experiences, conflicts or awkward encounters may arise between those who can see the AR content and those who cannot, known as the "standby" or "muggle" involvement.
For instance:
- In the process of catching Pokémon in Pokémon Go, encounters with other trainers and unaware bystanders can occur. The overall experience design needs to consider both parties.
- The case of "MOFA: The Duel" generated excitement among onlookers in the physical world and awkwardness on social media.
- While geocaching may not cause social awkwardness, players' game items may be taken by non-players (standbys).
These standby encounters can create interesting interactions or conflicts. Designers can explore ways to resolve awkwardness or leverage these encounters to enhance the overall experience.
Time-space remapping
AR also offers the potential to re-map the relationship between time and space. In mixed reality, innovative technologies and techniques exist to achieve this re-mapping. One such technique involves leaving traces of sound in space.
By using AR technology, virtual sound traces can be created in the real world, making them visible or audible at specific spatial locations. This concept of sound traces allows people to hear the sound in a reverse manner as they traverse the cross-section of sound at specific positions.
AR can alter the sequence, speed, or duration of events by re-mapping the relationship between time and space. Through acceleration, deceleration, or replay, a non-traditional perception of the flow of time can be created.
AR can create multidimensional experiences, enabling people to perceive elements from different times and spaces simultaneously. For example, in a virtual scene, triggering or interacting with elements can allow individuals to switch between different time points or spaces, experiencing multiple layers of information and events.
Embodied interface for Artificial life
AR serves as an excellent medium for interacting with AI-based digital lifeforms, also known as "digital life." Digital life refers to artificially created life forms that exist in virtual environments, possessing independent thinking, emotions, and behaviors. AR seamlessly integrates these digital life forms into the real environment, making them appear as if they truly exist. Through AR, we can directly interact and communicate with these digital life forms. Using AR devices, we can see their presence around us, hear their voices, and even touch and feel their existence. This immersive interactive experience enhances our connection and intimacy with digital life.
AR, as the optimal medium for interacting with AI-based digital life, creates more authentic, immersive, and personalized experiences. Through AR, we can interact with digital life in our own environment, share experiences, learn knowledge, and even establish emotions and relationships. This mode of interaction brings new possibilities to fields such as education, entertainment, and socialization.
Playable cities
Playable cities are urban environments that are designed and equipped with interactive technologies to engage and entertain residents and visitors. These technologies, often incorporating elements of augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), allow people to actively participate in shaping and experiencing their surroundings.
The concept of playable cities aims to transform public spaces into dynamic and interactive playgrounds, encouraging social interaction, creativity, and exploration. By integrating technology into the urban fabric, these cities offer novel ways for people to engage with their environment and each other.
AR and MR play a significant role in creating immersive and interactive experiences within playable cities. Through the use of wearable devices or mobile applications, users can access virtual content overlaid with the physical world, enhancing their perception and interaction with the city.
For example, AR can be used to provide historical context and information about landmarks as users navigate the city. It can also enable interactive games and challenges, encouraging people to explore different areas and discover hidden features or stories. MR takes this a step further by blending virtual and physical elements seamlessly, allowing for more immersive experiences such as virtual characters or objects interacting with real-world environments.
The integration of AR and MR in playable cities also opens up opportunities for collective creativity and citizen participation. Users can contribute their own content, such as artwork or digital installations, to be shared and experienced by others. This fosters a sense of ownership and creativity among residents, transforming the city into a collaborative canvas for self-expression.
Moreover, playable cities can leverage AR and MR to address urban challenges and promote sustainability. By creating virtual simulations or visualizations, urban planners and policymakers can engage citizens in discussions about urban development, transportation, or environmental initiatives. This participatory approach allows for more inclusive decision-making processes and empowers residents to shape the future of their cities.
Summary
In conclusion, Augmented reality leverages the objects in both the physical and digital worlds to create engaging and interactive urban experiences. Through the use of wearable devices or mobile applications, people can explore, learn, and contribute to their environment, transforming the real world into a dynamic and immersive playground.