Education Technology

Augmented reality for Interior Design Education

This topic is about the application of Augmented Reality (AR) in interior design
education.

AR has been a widely researched technology in many fields, and education is one of them, it is also regularly used in civil engineering, architecture, and interior design research. For interior designers, being able to think in three dimensions and visualizing projects is of great importance. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of using AR in the design process to find the optimum space arrangement under the following criteria: the perception of 3D and 2D space, the visualization and analysis of the given space, and the usability of AR on mobile devices.

This topic is expected to contribute to knowledge on the advancement of Augmented Reality (AR) applicable to design education.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Augmented Reality

As always, the introduction of new technology has benefits and disadvantages. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of AR. There are four benefits of AR: (a) multi-sensory immersion, (b) transitional interface, (c) tangible user interface, and (d) synergy with mobile devices.

1. Multi-sensory immersion: AR leads sensory immersion about information or knowledge by augmenting human perceptions with 3-D objects or materials.

2. Transitional interface: AR provides a seamless transitional interface between a real-world and a virtual world.

3. Tangible user interface: AR offers tangible user interface with which digital objects or information can be touchable in AR.

4. Synergy with mobile devices: As mobile devices and their applications are advancing, mobile users can experience with more gesture and touch.

There are three drawbacks of AR: (a) high level of reliance on digital information, (b) privacy concerns, and (c) a need for extra wearable devices.

1. High level of reliance on digital information: Too much reliance on digital information may cause the decrease of working memory in the brain which in turn hinders the development of brain functions.

2. Privacy concerns: As AR software and applications are developing, it will become easy to gather information on AR stuff from social network services (SNS) and post them and thereby an unwelcome situation such as private information will occur.

3. A need of extra wearable devices: Since users may want to feel more authenticity in AR, wearable devices such as Google Glass (ABC news on Google Glass) and Apple’s iWatch (Wearable Tech And Augmented Reality – NPR OnPoint) may be provided for users in order to offer authentic experiences in more convenient yet expansive way.

In the research area, the outlines an approach to integrate AR
into the design and architecture curriculum, which makes it
more accessible in teaching and learning.

Interior designing experience with Augmented Reality.