AR Design Principles: Creating Immersive Experiences (Adobe MAX 2021)

We’re currently witnessing the birth of a new medium. That doesn’t happen every day. Typically, when a new medium emerges, it spends its fledgling days emulating old mediums. For example, when cinema came around, it copied many aspects of theater. Shots were wide and straight-ahead, as though filmed on a stage with a proscenium. It wasn’t until much later that cinema discovered it had no proscenium. Film could do unique things, like jump cuts and close-ups (the elements and techniques that cinema is now best known for.) We’re at a similar crux in the evolution of augmented reality. We don’t know what AR is capable of or how best to use it. The only way this medium is going to come into its own, is if lots of artists make lots of art with it.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS SESSION:
- AR process overview
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Constraints and opportunities when creating AR experiences
- Best practices for designing AR experiences
- Tools and tips for thinking spatially during the design process
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How to direct the eye in spatial experiences
- Interaction techniques for creating agency and authenticity
- How to use spatial sound to create world presence and direct attention
- How to utilize the unique capabilities of augmented reality
CHECK OUT MORE OF MY AR ART:
www.dunawaysmith.com​​
/ dunawaysmith
/ dunawaysmith
/ dunaway_smith
All the music in this was written and performed by me :) If you like it, check out my other stuff at www.boneandbell.com.

[@DunawaySmith]

This might be the nicest YT comment threads I've ever seen. Thanks for the support, everybody! I hope you enjoy exploring AR. It's an exciting time to jump in :)

[@copperkerf3846]

I first experienced AR in 2000 at Siggraph in New Orleans. I was working for the Cleveland Museum of Art, and was blown away at the possibilities of the medium to give us more meaningful interactions with existing and future art. I don't remember the man's name who was presenting the technology but he was a developer, and possibly the only one. He was still a student at the time and was very passionate about what he was doing. I'm glad to see people finally using augmented reality. Back then there was tremendous resistance to it. Seven or eight years later there were even a few companies trying to control and monetize it to death. I developed an AR experience for people with developmental disabilities in an attempt to give them a bigger voice. The parents of these individuals were ecstatic, but the administration of the county squashed it out of their own fear and ignorance. This work makes me happy to see.

[@thesouringgentleman]

My word! I love an intelligent, thoughtful, articulate person who can offer a tutorial by using such amazing artwork they’ve created themselves. I’m here to learn how to make my own AR . music videos. Your work reminds me of something from Jess Cope. Sorry to gush. Love your work, and I’d love to see if there’s a way we could work together with your artwork.

[@brucebollard]

I really enjoy your projects you’re creating! Awesome work!

[@danhudson2946]

Wow! I have viewed many,many KZbin videos but this video on AR design principles is the best delivered,interesting,visually engaging… I could continue with more accolades but simply thank you for such an inspirational and informative AR learning experience.

[@majshd]

One of the best educational video about AR/VR that I have seen. Super clear and super nice layout.

[@vancenaegle2497]

Great walkthrough of your process! Thank-you for sharing!

[@00alfredo00]

Very thoughtful! Great video about both principles and execution. Loved the analogy of theater to film. Really impactful at the end with your question + assumption, of don't believe the boundaries, experiment and why AR. Very well done!

[@delahayecedric4700]

I wondered about the power of Aero and what you do and what you share is simply soooooo cool ! Many thanks for this :)

[@thomasedwardking7286]

Thank you so much for creating this beautiful video. I'm studying UX for AR/VR and I've found this so useful. You are a true magician of your craft 🔮🧙🏻‍♀️

[@presentandrecord]

This was a FANTASTIC course! I learned so much and can not wait to build a full experience. New subbie and supporter thank you Heather!

[@witterssilva7560]

This was VERY informative! Thanks a lot you gave me some ideas for a project I was trying to plan!

[@OvernightOats1]

Thank you! Very inspiring. Did not even realize Aero had that desktop app, and I’m thrilled to hear they have that image anchor tech built in. Going to check out more of your work now :)

[@tinahong5113]

Such an amazing fascinating video!!! Also, I love your work! I am a current fashion student trying to figure out the applications of AR in fashion and art and your video really provided a lot of help! I was always interested in the idea of experience so stuff like large public art installations and events because simply the magnitude of such things are inspiring enough. And I think AR really has the potential to push this idea because of how boundless it is!! Excited to see what artists come up with!

[@blankanievesFL]

Your job is amazing and also your communication skills. Keep doing what you do. You are really good!

[@AdrianTabacaru]

Thank you Heather! This video is so inspiring and it deeply reflects how much you love making art with whole heart. Hope you create many, many-many beautiful works.

[@DunawaySmith]

Oh thank you! That's such a nice thing to say. Wishing you lots of wonderful art making!

[@XanderLove_AI]

Amazing work you were so early! Thank you for sharing!

[@LuluxuStudio]

Hi Heather, I came across your video when researching about creating immersive experiences! I'm really excited to see that there're inspiring artists who have already delved into this space. This makes me excited to try this form of creativity myself! Thanks for sharing this content 💖

[@foroozandanesh9918]

Thanks, Smith, I barely watch a video over 5 minutes completely, but I DID this time:D. A pretty engaging and practical introduction to AR possibilities within art. Thank you!

[@janepaperplane]

Thanks so much for sharing. Your teaching is so clear and engaging. It's exciting what can be created

[@zch7345]

So talented combining art & music.

[@vstreet7583]

Absolutely love what you are doing. Great to see and hear your ideas. Thank you for sharing it all with us. 'Listen to the trees, they whisper'. Dg

[@DunawaySmith]

Thanks so much!

[@ktbliss4106]

Thank you so much for sharing this! 💜

[@happybyrd]

Loved this!! Thank you 🐥💕💕💕

[@NeilMyatt]

Massively inspiring work! Thanks for sharing :-)

[@mdandry]

Great video. I recently started learning AR dev using Unity, so some of what you discussed doesn’t quite help my education , BUT things you said in general were definitely helpful. Your work is well executed and I’m glad you enjoy it so much. 👍🏻

[@garshiia]

Posted a year ago and STILL ahead of the game. Great vid!

[@jeffg4686]

AR is the new internet

[@botaolu4464]

absolute love what you did, make more videos!!

[@DunawaySmith]

Aww, thank you!

[@jacksandberg6673]

Amazing video!! thank you so much!!!

[@07hasman]

Thank you! Very inspiring.

[@tony92506]

this is really great! Thank you!

[@markorossie9296]

Very inspiring. I really want to see know more how to use Storytelling. That was truly interesting. Thanks.

[@johnp1232000]

Amazing.. Nice informative video 🙏 👍 🍀 💯.. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!! Great job!!

[@danhudson2946]

Thanks sooo much for this video

[@dr.woodsshow1116]

Very useful video ✌🏽Thank you

[@alexisdelforges235]

Great work, keep going :D

[@johnytannous6813]

Love the jewelry & watch

[@Holy_Frijole]

very informative. Thanks

[@fatimanammi]

This is beautiful Heather 🤍

[@MD-1804]

WoW!

[@nil655]

Omg you're amazing 🤩😻😍

[@NTL00]

Hi, thanks you for sharing experience. Imagine your beautiful painting in the back come to live using Ar , it would be very nice❤.

[@fayyazb]

Very cool! Thank you. So are you sharing anything interessting with Aero at Adobe Max 2022?

[@pkkuhnmuench]

I enjoyed this a lot. thank you.

[@DunawaySmith]

Thank you!

[@martincalderon622]

Hello Heather!! Thanks a lot for your videos, you’re the best!! I want to ask you something, when you talk about scale and proximity, ther is this water effect that covers the whole ambient, how can I do that? Which material do I have to use to have this transparency and underwater ambient? Thank you :)

[@williamascencio2693]

Love how you delivered the info. Left me wondering where to find more technical applicable skills to accomplish more development and new uses in arvrxr art exploration

[@mdakhtaruzzaman4448]

good project

[@chrismuscat3022]

your work is amazing

[@DunawaySmith]

Thank you!

[@WALTEROTTOfotografo]

You are great thank you very much

[@DunawaySmith]

thanks!

[@jenfuchel7988]

Thank you so much for posting this. I was wondering if you (or others) have any video/info that explains how to 'place' a piece in a specific location, and then people can see it where I placed it - i.e. outside my nephew's window, in a specific park... also, if you know how a viewer can see the AR sculpture without having to download Aero? Thanks so much for any help with this.

[@DunawaySmith]

Thanks! GPS (location-based) positioning is only available in a special, closed Aero beta program. Or, you could use 8th Wall. You don't need to download Aero on iOS devices to view... and they are working on Android support. Hope that helps!

[@SH-cp6ug]

Hi Heather! Thanks for sharing great work! I am really interested in making interactive AR art. I am learning Aero program but I feel confused many things. How I can the objects animate smoothly and post the video properly n social media like twitter or instagram. Can you make tutorial video step by step? Please share your skill! Thank you!

[@DunawaySmith]

Yes! I will try to very soon. Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@jbonsoldc]

Have you done AR design using a VR 3D modeling app ? I’ve been using ShapesXR and am wondering if that can be used to upload to blender to animate. Or are there other VR 3D modeling or animating apps you’d recommend ?

[@DunawaySmith]

Yes, I love sculpting in VR. I have used Gravity Sketch, Substance Modeler, and Adobe Medium to do just what you're talking about it. Typically, the models will need to be cleaned up a bit to use in an actual AR experience.

[@suniltemp2308]

Hii I have a question is there any way i can see my adobe aero file in my meta quest glasses ?? It will be very helpful

[@veronikalukashevich8536]

How to export blender objects and animation into adobe aero?

[@phoenixaudas]

❤💡🙏🤩

[@shaneannconnell8022]

Can you upload this to a website.

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

I think Aero isn't quite there yet, it is currently too basic. Even in Jan 2023, it still doesn't really hold up. I was hoping I could create an AR experience with my paintings, a kind of virtual 3d version where the 2d surface of the painting opens up into a 3d world. Not possible yet, I will give it a go in Unity. Oh well. I think AR needs some real content, 99% of what I see is too frivolous....Like you suggest, AR is in it's infancy though. I enjoyed your video and found it helpful all the same.

[@brandonslough6241]

Hey can you make an AR app for me

[@AishaSelime]

Hi, I am trying to import my rigged animated bird model into Aero from Blender but it comes into Aero like all pieces are in different location . My bird is parented to an empty object, ı wonder if aero can't recognize the empty objects?

[@DunawaySmith]

I have had mixed results bringing empty objects into Aero. I try to create a bone for everything, including a root bone to control the entire object.

[@ranilaxmibianimators]

Resp. Insta page is not available.

[@DunawaySmith]

Thanks for letting me know. It had inserted invisible characters for some reason. It's instagram.com/dunawaysmith

[@ally_z67]

PNG

[@mohamedmemomemo7312]

Hi hope you are doing well how I can contact you?