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In the realm of design and innovation, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have ushered in a new era of possibilities. These technologies, collectively known as extended reality (XR), are transforming industries and revolutionizing how designers are building things in the real world.
We wanted to know more about this captivating tech so we interviewed our favorite industrial designer, Seena Mirassadi to learn how designers and creatives alike are using AR & VR to enhance and accelerate the hardware design process.
AR and VR Explained
First, let’s break down AR & VR tech.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are immersive technologies that alter our perception of reality.
AR overlays digital information in the real world, enhancing our surroundings with computer-generated images, videos, or sounds. Imagine holding up your phone or wearing glasses and seeing virtual objects or information overlaid in the real world around you.
For example, today AR is featured largely in games like Pokémon GO, where you can see and catch virtual Pokémon hiding in real parks or streets. In shopping apps, you could try on virtual clothes or see how furniture looks in your room before buying. Even in education, AR can bring textbooks to life with 3D models you can interact with.
On the other hand, VR creates a completely artificial environment, isolating users from the real world using a headset or goggles. This immersive experience allows users to interact with and explore digital environments as if they were physically present.
As the capabilities increase, these programs will come together and have major applications across industries, going beyond gaming to impact education, human health, and industrial design.
Seena’s Expertise in Extended Reality
Seena Mirassadi is a forward-thinking industrial designer who is pioneering the use of extended reality to revolutionize design processes. He leverages cutting-edge technologies like Unreal Engine and the Meta Quest 3.
With over seven years of experience in designing consumer products, vehicles, robotics, and autonomous systems, Seena possesses a profound expertise in 3D modeling, visualization, and design technology. Seena is at the forefront of the AR/VR revolution, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact it's having on the industrial world.
How Are AR & VR Being Used in the Corporate Space?
Enhancing Design Processes with AR
Seena finds AR particularly useful for enhancing productivity. For instance, during a project involving renovation designs for a hotel in Santa Monica, Seena used AR to create a full-scale visualization of the final product. This allowed stakeholders to make real-time modifications, streamlining decision-making and enhancing efficiency significantly.
Integration of AR/VR in Corporate Space
In fields like consumer products, vehicles, robotics, and autonomous systems, extended reality is streamlining decision-making and efficiency. For example, in automotive design, AR bridges the gap between 2D renderings and physical clay models, facilitating early adjustments and design improvements.
Impact of Extended Reality on Industries
“It’s still early to detail all the ways AR and VR might impact industries, but XR technology undeniably streamlines decision-making and efficiency,” Mirassadi says.
Major brands across various industries are investing in these technologies to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and understanding of the final product's form and function.
Companies like Gravity Sketch and Caddy are utilizing XR tech to improve the accuracy of visualizing the final product in real-time. Seena elaborates,
“These tools have become integral in transforming the traditional design process, offering a seamless transition from initial 2D sketches to interactive 3D mockups.”
Benefits of AR/VR in Product Design
Visualization: Extended reality tech is adding value to the design process by providing a better understanding of the final product much earlier in the process. This leads to informed decision-making and improved communication.
Cost-effective: While initial investment in AR/VR technology may be high, it can result in long-term cost savings by reducing the need for physical prototypes and rework.
Training and Education: XR tech can also be used for training designers and engineers in product design processes and techniques, as well as for educating customers about product features and benefits.
Overall, AR/VR technologies offer significant advantages in product design, enabling designers to create better products faster and more cost-effectively.
The Future of AR/VR in Design
XR tech is poised to continue to revolutionize the field of industrial design, offering designers new tools and capabilities to enhance their work. This increased adoption will drive further innovation, particularly in areas like real-time 3D scanning and neural controllers, which will greatly enhance user experiences.
Seena believes that even with technological strides, the fundamental tenets of industrial design will stay consistent. He says industrial design acts as a medium for communication between physical products and users, with a strong emphasis on ergonomics and visual allure. While ergonomics will continue to be a key consideration, the visual aspects may adapt to changing trends.
Nevertheless, the incorporation of AR/VR technologies will greatly streamline the industrial design process, enhancing designers' abilities to conceive, prototype, and test products.
Staying Updated with AR/VR Advancements
Seena stays informed about the latest VR advancements through YouTube channels dedicated to VR and academic resources, including thesis papers focusing on VR and augmented reality.
You can stay updated by following our socials and viewing our regular content that covers the up-and-coming tech that is transforming the world as we know it!
Conclusion
As we dive deeper into the world of augmented reality and virtual reality, the potential for innovation and creativity seems boundless.
Seena Mirassadi's pioneering work in utilizing extended reality to revolutionize design processes offers a glimpse into the future of industrial design. With advancements in technologies like Unreal Engine and Meta Quest 3, designers are poised to create more immersive, interactive, and effective processes that accelerate product design.
We are still in the early days of these technologies, but the future of AR and VR in design promises to usher in a new era of product development and industrial design.
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