The creation of applications that overlay computer-generated images onto a user’s view of the real world is a multifaceted process. This process integrates software development with elements of graphic design, user experience (UX) considerations, and hardware capabilities of mobile devices or specialized augmented reality (AR) equipment. A simple illustration involves pointing a smartphone at a building to see information about its history or current tenants appear on the screen.
The significance of this area lies in its ability to enhance user interaction with environments and information. This enhancement provides benefits across various sectors, from education and training through interactive learning modules, to retail where consumers can virtually try products before purchase. Its origins can be traced back to earlier research in virtual reality and heads-up displays, but its widespread adoption is largely due to the proliferation of powerful mobile computing and increasingly sophisticated AR software development kits (SDKs).
