Category: Year 3

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Practical

Practical Presentation

Figure 1 : University of Hull Wayfinder
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Dev Log

6. Testing and Evaluation

Testing

UI testing is essential for delivering a high-quality user experience and ensuring design compliance, reliability, and usability in digital product development. To meet the objective, it’s essential to evaluate interface features, adhere to guidelines, and incorporate contemporary application elements. Utilizing specialized tools and resources can streamline UI testing and enhance its effectiveness, resulting in a higher-quality product (Vladimir Pan, Maddevs, 8 February 2024).

Figure 1 : Showcasing University of Hull wayfinding app with it’s operating functions.

Evaluation

Figure 2 : Finalising my app design journey with having profesional high fidelity screen showcase the the concept ideas with user experience.

3D scanning can efficiently contribute to UI designs and other tasks for Graphic Designers with limited 3D modelling expertise. Android and iOS should equally offer tools for AR experience creation, with Android currently lagging behind due to the absence of a Lidar Scanner feature. AR’s future is bright, and more wayfinding tools will integrate floor arrows instead of holding phones forward to improve user comfort since previous research suggested discomfort with filming others. 

Despite its growing popularity, creating an AR experience remains a significant challenge. Creating AR experiences through easier methods would incentivize more content production, despite limitations in AR and mixed reality technologies for accurate results and optimal lighting.  

Summary

Overall, the project was awesome in terms of creating the app that would give the emersive experience to the users entering the University for the events such as open days or events to raise interest about the University and it’s history. Having this conceptual design idea will interest audience in terms of learning while playing. It will also engage the audience to collect all the object, as well as explore the territory.

The app’s design strategically positions each element, including a large map circle, for quick navigation, and allows users to share their experiences with friends and family, enhancing the University’s appeal and broadening its reach within the competition with other universities.

Since Google’s Material principles apply to all Android smartphones, it was decided to use them in order to develop a high-fidelity, professional design (Material Design, n.d).

This wayfinding app, with its user-friendly color choices and minimalistic design that includes common icons for visual language representation, caters to accessibility needs. As the research progressed, the project’s meaning became more profound, connecting deeply with users and leading to unexpected outcomes due to the original broad concept. 

Based on past actions, it’s crucial to consider future plans. My future plans include completing and linking the remaining 3D models to Hull, as well as promoting the app through high-visibility advertising, such as bus stop billboards.

References

Material Design, n.d. Material Design [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://m3.material.io 15 April 2024]

University of Hull, n.d. UNDERGRADUATE [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.hull.ac.uk/study/undergraduate [Accessed in 28 April 2024]

Vladimir Pan, Maddevs, 8 February 2024. Graphical User Interface Testing Best Practices [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://maddevs.io/blog/basics-of-user-interface-testing/ [Accessed in 28 April 2024]

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Dev Log

5. AR Wayfinder UI Design

Prior to UI Design, the phone model selection is crucial for ensuring accessibility to all users. Given the market dominance of Android and the preference among users of all ages for its larger screens, the decision was made to use it.

Figure 1 : With the market dominance of Android’s budget phones, larger screen models should be prioritized in design due to their widespread usage and the need for older individuals with reduced sight and young people with small budget (Josh Howarth, EXPLODING TOPICS, 6 December 2023).

In order to create an app design adhering to AR principles and accessible to all users, the screen size must be taken into account.

Figure 2 : Low-fidelity wireframes, created after user research, permit rapid and cost-effective testing of design ideas, particularly during the early exploratory phases of the design process. To ensure an efficient design, each screen should be clearly defined and refined.

Adobe Color

Figure 3 : Adobe Color extracts a stunning gradient from user-selected images and helps to create an accessible colour palettes which could meet the users with eye sight problems. You can also generate gradients featuring up to 16 different colors that align with current fashion and seign trends.

Instead of the light yellow shade, the decision was made to pair it with neutral colors and maintain the original University of Hull color scheme in other applications. Excessive use of yellow necessitates the use of neutral colors like white, gray, or black for creating a harmonious and balanced design that can be achieved.

This ensures consistent branding across all designs and straightforward recognition for the University. The app’s blue-toned color scheme keeps users focused without distraction.  

University of Hull Map

Figure 4 : University of Hull can distract people with too much information in there map, So in order for the map to be efficient, as the user moves having the map around it should straight away be shown which building it is. Rather than trying to unscribble on the current map (University of Hull, n.d).

A Map UI, aesthetically pleasing yet functional, enables smooth navigation, exploration, and interaction with surroundings.This product connects complex geographical data with an intuitive user interface, making it essential for contemporary digital solutions (Studio by UXPIN, n.d).

Figure 5 : Completely redrawn University of Hull Map with color coded areas to show buildings, grass and parking slots in order for user to be able to navigate their presence. The map will function as a standalone navigation tool when viewing a 3D model. Collecting these objects fosters a strong determination to acquire as many as possible.

References

Adobe, n.d. Adobe Color [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel [Accessed in 15 April 2024]

Figma, n.d. Icon Designer – Shared Library Ready [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.figma.com/file/89wnqK3B4w9WYc9eqTWkpw/Icons-Desinger—Shared-Library-Ready-(Community)?type=design&node-id=1-5812&mode=design&t=kyArtte0ozxCQkds-0 [Accessed in 20 April 2024[

Josh Howarth, EXPLODING TOPICS, 6 December 2023. iPhone vs Android User Stats (2024 Data) [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://explodingtopics.com/blog/iphone-android-users [Accessed in 15 April 2024]

Studio by UXPIN, n.d. Map UI – The Most Popular Layouts and Design Tips [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/map-ui/#:~:text=Balancing%20aesthetics%20with%20functionality%2C%20a,crucial%20for%20modern%20digital%20products. [Accessed in 22 April 2024]

University of Hull, n.d. UNDERGRADUATE [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.hull.ac.uk/study/undergraduate [Accessed in 20 April 2024]

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Dev Log

4. 3D Scanning and Modelling

Figure 1 : To begin my 3D scanning process, I scanned a handmade tulip to familiarize myself with the techniques and requirements for future models.The initial findings, obtained with the model near the light source, were disappointing rather than comprehensive.
Figure 2 : Later tests, carried out with three different apps, produced vastly improved and detailed results.To ensure originality of the project, attempts were made using the Magicam app to generate specific models based on the University of Hull’s shield, torch, Yorkshire flower, and bird.
Figure 3 : Since my grandfather collects antiques and the University logo features certain elements, I began my search at his flat. Finding an old fabric with a Yorkshire flower, a pair of shields, a sea bell, everything was documented with my phone in order  to start the development process.

As the processing time has ended, the shield showed the excellent detail and miniman faults, so it will be used in the app design to show AR experience.

Figure 4 : As Maya was openned, the 3D scanned model was converted from object mode to edge mode which allowed to clean up any excess while scanning the 3D object.
Figure 5 : As Maya was openned, the 3D scanned model was converted from object mode to edge mode which allowed to clean up any excess while scanning the 3D object.
Figure 6 : University of Hull Wayfinder testing with a 3D model being imported into AR Viewer to test the operation of the concept. Having in mind the detail and successfulness of the

As the model was cleaned and exported, decision was made to travel to University of Hull and film the AR experience to include into the app design. In order to create this view decision was made to use AR Viewer as the previous attempts were not successful. Especially the Geospacial Creator or Vuforia, the programs didn’t take the 3D Model in, so it was importan to find alternatives.

Yorkshire Flower

Figure 7 : Print of Yorkshire flower from the original fabric embodies the region’s beauty and historical significance, mirroring the University of Hull logo.
Figure 8 : Having in mind the potential faults with 3D scanning, decision was made to produce Yorkshire Flower as a 3D model with the help of the Maya and 3D Substance Painter.
Figure 9 : However, in order to transport this model to AR experiance, it was required to use a different AR app called Architeque which allowed to import the 3D model in to AR experience from Laptop and implement the model in to the area of your choice (Arhiteque, n.d).
Figure 10 : After the Yorkshire flower was successfully painted, difficulty came exporting the model into Stager in to order for file to read in other applications. However, the painted flower had difficulties exporting to Stager, so decision was made to import into After Effects and video montage the flower as the software allows it.

References

Arhiteque, n.d. Powerful Platform for Product Presentations in 3D and Augmented Reality [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.ar-chiteque.com [Accessed in 26 April 2024]

Google Play, n.d. AR Viewer (Augmented Reality) [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details id=com.ipol.arviewer.app&hl=en_GB&gl=US [Accessed in 18 April 2024]

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Dev Log

3. Development Process

The stages of development can now begin, as we have a clear understanding of necessary activities symbolized by the University of Hull, making the journey an enticing enough experience to encourage permanent visits. This concept allows for creating 3D scans and detailed objects to keep users engaged.

Figure 1 : Recreating one of the University of Hull symbols into a 3D Model in order to access the time management requirements for the creation of model or thinking of potential alternatives. 3D modelling in Maya and painting in Substance Painter are the keys to realizing the University of Hull symbol in 3D form and meeting time management constraints.

Setting Up Geospacial Creator in Unity

Geospatial Creator enables creators to access Google Earth’s 3D map source using the Map Tiles API. It offers a seamless 3D mesh model experience without the need for extensive infrastructure investment. Exploring new horizons with location-based AR is an exhilarating prospect as it promises to revolutionize our past experiences (Richa Tyagi, GW Prime, 30 June 2023).

In order to set up the Geospacial Creator, decision was made to revise different resources which are already out there that could help me to set up the software tools. After notes were taken, the settings up process began.

Figure 2 : Testing and making sure all assets are included in order for the software to work.
Figure 3 : Final Geospacial Creator Setup and searching for the location in order to test the software asset.
Figure 4 : Video showcasing Geospacial Creator’s possibilities.
Figure 5 : Showcasing Geospacial Creator with University of Hull coordinates in order to test the working abilities of this software.

After Geospacial map was set up, the first difficulties appeared such as adding the 3D Models of any format. So decision was to make also to try other alternatives in order to create the best possible AR experiance with all features working smoothly.

Challenges

During the setting up process, the main challenges were finding the right package assets as not many of the referred assets in tutorial videos were connecting to the Unity. So, lots of trial and error were made during this this process. Additional connection were required to be made using Google in order to receive relevant keys and bank details to prove the user asking for keys being human. Data in the live map itself is slightly out dated causes difficulties as some of the buildings might have not even existed.

Despite this, challenges remain. The Google Earth 3D view lacks complete visual accuracy. 3D tiles are not universally accessible and lack support on numerous platforms (Richa Tyagi, GW Prime, 30 June 2023).

Summary

Geospacial Creator is an excellent tool for creating 360 view and allowing to integrate 3D models. However, as the other Mixed Reality software its extremely fiddly and requires a whole day in order for the software to be completely operating.

References

Richa Tyagi, GW Prime, 30 June 2023. What are the Main Benefits of Google Geospatial Creator? [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.geospatialworld.net/prime/main-benefits-google-geospatial-creator/ [Accessed in 20 April 2024]

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Dev Log

2. Concept Reevaluation

Previously chosen concept meant constructing an augmented reality app/web and allowing users to share their experience with their peers by sharing a link. This app/web would also help with navigation, eliminating the need for spoken communication in a place they plan to visit by utilising visual communication signals such as instructions and universal symbols. Google Live Maps provides an alternative, however it is a little rudimentary and does not address the issues that tourists confront while travelling. Augmented reality is becoming more popular in the tourism industry as a way to enhance the experience while using fewer resources, such as paper maps.

However, the project was too particular in terms of how it will assist users in navigating the region and how it will address the issues that users have, therefore the decision was made to reevaluate the project. Following additional investigation, an article about Edinbrough’s Royal Botanical Garden caught my interest.

Figure 1 : This article examines how a significant new exhibition that is limited to viewing on a smartphone or tablet has changed one of Edinburgh’s most popular tourist destinations (Brian Ferguson, THE SCOTSMAN, 1 October 2021).

Following reading the article, the decision was made to create an augmented reality experience that would introduce users to the location rather than guide them through it. Creating an augmented reality experience for the open days, which welcome guests and students who wish to study at the university, would be one way to introduce the concept. To keep everyone interested during the event, the experience will make use of 3D elements. However, the debate remained as to what emblem best represented Hull University.

Figure 2 : The University of Hull’s logo design (University of Hull, n.d.) caught my attention the most when browsing through the Google photos associated with the institution since it was visually rich.

Therefore, it was decided to incorporate these symbols into the augmented reality experience in order to introduce the audience to the university’s little-known past.

Figure 3 : In the original blazon, torch represents study and light in general, while the crown is based on Hull’s arms. The rose and fleur-de-lys symbolise the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, respectively. The university has always drawn students from these two countries (Heraldry of the world, n.d).

Using the symbols listed above may enhance the range of 3D models that may be included in the map and provide the opportunity to grow even farther throughout the territory as opposed to just in the library area, as was first intended.

References

Brian Ferguson, THE SCOTSMAN, 1 October 2021. Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden transformed by ‘invisible’ art in augmented reality exhibition [Online] (Updated in 1st October 2021) Avaliable at : Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden transformed by ‘invisible’ art in augmented reality exhibition (scotsman.com) [Accessed in 8 February 2024].

Heraldry of the world, n.d. University of Hull [Online] (n.d.) Avaliable at : Coat of arms (crest) of University of Hull (heraldry-wiki.com) [Accessed in 10 February 2024].

University of Hull, n.d. Study at Hull in 2024 [Online] (n.d.) Avaliable at : Study with us in 2024 | University of Hull [Accessed in 10 February 2024].

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Dev Log

1. Development Planning

Before beginning the design process, it is critical to consider past research and design concepts in order to create a successful product.

AR Principles

Environment in AR

Before using your app, it’s critical that the user knows its extent so they can estimate how much space they’ll need to keep it running. Although it might seem obvious, being explicit about its scope guarantees the user receives the greatest possible first impression. You don’t want their space being too big or too small to lead them to feel frustrated right away (Joseph Downs, Justinmind, 29 August 2019).

Light and Sound in AR

You’ll want visual objects in the AR environment to react to light by casting the proper shadows and reflections. If the lighting isn’t perfect you might also think about including a prompt that tells the user how to change the lighting in the space to enhance their experience. With sound, you might wish to take similar things into account. For instance, in a GPS app, the voice mode might not be an option if the car radio is playing at maximum volume. In this case, the app will alert the user to the need to pair the app with Bluetooth or the stereo (Joseph Downs, Justinmind, 29 August 2019).

Motion and Safety in AR

When creating an augmented reality software, you have to consider how the user moves. It’s critical that you notify the user of any possible risks in their immediate surroundings. Prompts and proper warning messages can help prevent the user from strolling onto a busy road, for example, which could result in a serious accident (Joseph Downs, Justinmind, 29 August 2019).

Development Tools in AR

When it comes to AR design, you may be unsure whether what you produce will be development-compatible. That is why it is important to understand the tool that will be used to construct your app or software design. Google’s AR Core is an example of an AR app development platform for iOS and Android. AR Core offers numerous functions, including Surface Plane Detection and Light Estimation. These properties imply that your ideas could make use of the ability to distinguish different surfaces and respond to light by shadowing and reflecting. Taking the effort to learn about the development platform is essential for building successful AR features (Joseph Downs, Justinmind, 29 August 2019).

Geospatial Creator

Figure 1 : Geospatial Creator enables you to create world-anchored, cross-platform experiences for devices running Android and iOS. Everything you develop in Geospatial Creator may be experienced in the physical world thanks to real-time localization and augmentation (ARCore, n.d).

Geospatial Creator integrates the world into your editor, allowing for more creative possibilities. The process involves picking a place, obtaining 3D geometry, and flying through the area, similar to Google Earth. Create and test your augmented reality experience with this 3D world view (ARCore, n.d).

References

ARCore, n.d. Geospatial Creator [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://developers.google.com/ar/geospatialcreator/intro [Accessed in 14 December 2023]

Joseph Downs, Justinmind, 29 August 2019. 18 AR, MR and VR design principles [Online] Available at : https://www.justinmind.com/blog/vr-design/ [Accessed in 10 December 2023]

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Production/Portfolio

6. Forward-Thinking and Emerging Trends

What are Emerging Technology trends and concepts?

Technology trends indicate the most recent shifts in the sector, and with the internet’s influence, these changes happen quickly. It is critical for software workers to stay up to current on these trends. As we approach 2023, there are growing technology trends that will define our future world (GeeksforGeeks, n.d).

Figure 1 : Users will be able to engage and immerse themselves at a new level thanks to the utilisation of AR and VR in sectors including gaming, education, healthcare, and retail (Vidhya Boopath, WHIZLABS, 15 March 2023).

Examples of current developing trends include the use of AR and VR technology by healthcare professionals to replicate complex treatments and surgeries, as well as how they might improve education by offering immersive learning experiences. AR and VR can be utilised in retail to give clients customised shopping experiences and interactive product encounters (Vidhya Boopath, WHIZLABS, 15 March 2023).

Haptic feedback is shown to be an effective tool for engagement and learning in a variety of applications, including training simulations, gaming, and healthcare. This technology has enormous potential for use in teaching, entertainment, and medical simulations, among other fields. The combination of touch, hearing, and sight with other senses, known as sensory immersion, can produce extremely intense experiences that conflate virtual and real worlds (

How Production Piece follows the Emerging Trends?

With the use of mixed reality and virtual reality, the production piece exhibits forward-thinking by embracing new trends and concepts. Just like wearing a VR headset all the time can lead to headaches or VR sickness. Thus, by utilising and investigating WebVR, one has the option to wear a headset. Additionally, you will be able to experience the virtual world even if you decide not to wear it.

Even so, the production piece covers the country’s introduction, which is more in line with the exhibition. Nonetheless, it can also serve as a place for individuals to get together and talk about things if they are unable to attend. Thus, WebVR has some connections to the Metaverse, which investigates the concept of meeting virtually and experiencing a partially genuine experience (Israel Okereke, Linkedin, 7 August 2023).

References

GeeksforGeeks, n.d. Top 15 New Technology Trends 2023 – “Next Tech Wave” [Online] (Updated in 11 October 2023) Available at : https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/top-technology-trends/ [Accessed in 27 December 2023]

Israel Okereke, Linkedin, 7 August 2023. Emerging trends in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/emerging-trends-augmented-reality-ar-virtual-vr-israel-okereke [Accessed in 27 December 2023]

Vidhya Boopath, WHIZLABS, 15 March 2023. Top 15 New Technology Trends 2023 [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.whizlabs.com/blog/new-technology-trends-2023/ [Accessed in 17 December 2023]

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Production/Portfolio

5. Ethics and Values

Ethical conditions were incorporated into my production work by adhering to the three primary aspects of ethical consideration, namely privacy, accessibility, and diversity, so that each user would feel at ease in the visual world while having their requirements satisfied.

Privacy

Figure 1 : Regarding privacy, FrameVR does not request more personal data, and you are able to change your login on the website each time you visit. Your personal information is therefore not memorised.

Accessibility

Users don’t feel excluded because they are all equally equal in the virtual world. This is beneficial for privacy because it prevents strangers from knowing who is who simply by looking at their avatars. A visual element was also added to the production piece in place of words because text might be difficult for those who struggle with reading or vision. Just four keyboard keys will be available to those with movement issues, or they can connect a specialist device.

Diversity

Since all of the content in the WebVR is entirely neutral, no user will encounter any discrimination-related material. The information was produced so that readers might learn something new on their own.

Why Ethical Consideration is important in Emerging Technology?

Companies can implement a variety of techniques to address ethical concerns associated with developing technologies. Companies that are proactive and engage with stakeholders can assist guarantee that these technologies are developed and used responsibly and ethically (Ada Fetahu-Haxhiaj, Linkedin, 29 December 2022).

With simply a URL link, users can now access augmented and virtual material more easily thanks to WebAR and WebVR technologies, which do away with the requirement for users to download separate applications. By using this strategy, AR and VR experiences become more accessible and convenient for a wider range of users (Israel Okereke, Linkedin, 7 August 2023).

It’s important to accept and understand other cultures, particularly in a multicultural workplace. Through immersive scenarios created by VR training, employees can get a firsthand look at cultural diversity. Your staff can virtually attend a traditional Indian wedding to learn about cultural conventions, or they might visit a restaurant in Japan to learn about local etiquette (Christopher Pappas, eLearning Industry, 15 November 2023).

References

Ada Fetahu-Haxhiaj, Linkedin, 29 December 2022. Emerging Technologies Ethical Considerations [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/emerging-technologies-ethical-considerations-ada-fetahu-haxhiaj [Accessed in 27 December 2023]

Christopher Pappas, eLearning Industry, 15 November 2023. 5 Ways To Encourage Inclusivity In The Workplace Through VR Training [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://elearningindustry.com/ways-to-encourage-inclusivity-in-the-workplace-through-vr-training [Accessed in 27 December 2023]

Israel Okereke, Linkedin, 7 August 2023. Emerging trends in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology [Online] (n.d.) Available at : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/emerging-trends-augmented-reality-ar-virtual-vr-israel-okereke [Accessed in 27 December 2023]

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Production/Portfolio

4. Software Proficiency

During the production process, a background from the FrameVR options was picked to fit the natural beauty of the location while also providing enough space to exhibit both sections. FrameVR is incredibly efficient software with a wide range of things you may import into it. For example, it is linked to an open source website called Sketchfab, which provides a variety of 3D models of your choosing. So, the tree element that may be used will be available there.

FrameVR

Figure 1 : FrameVR is an excellent tool for providing possibilities to bring in assets from 2D to 3D. Apart from assets, FrameVR can bring multiple people into the space which is ideal for my project.

Illustrator

Figure 2 : Adobe Illustrator provides endless posibilities in creation of vector graphics which are used across the gallery in FrameVR to give visual representation of personal and working life benefits without using too many text.
Figure 3 : Vector illustration was created using Image Trace and shapes from the original reference image to demonstrate the environmental impact of potentially living or travelling to Lithuania. My Illustrator abilities were sufficient to complete this final work, but further progress is still feasible.

Animate

Figure 4 : Adobe Animate helped to animate vector graphics created in Illustrator in order to increase engagement of the audience and bring life to the previously produced vector graphics. Software takes time to become familiar to and capable of producing motion; yet, once mastered, it becomes a rapid instrument that can be used for animation with the click of a single button on the keyboard.

Maya + Substance Painter

Figure 5 : In order to produce the chair with table, Maya was used however some improvisation was made because the reference was too detailed and end result give innovative view which would give interest to the users. Maya’s knowledge was sufficient for me to complete this, although some other tutorials were also used. More knowledge can still be gained in this software.
Figure 6 : After successfully exporting the model into Substance Painter for painting, the file could not be exported directly into the required format. It will need to be transferred to Substance Stager. Substance Painter was successful and efficient thanks to good UV unwrapping.

Substance Stager

Figure 7 : While in Substance Stager, the model was painted with a black metal finish to match the reference. This software is incredibly efficient to use, and the knowledge learned was sufficient to complete this task with potential alterations. However, the file format transition should be remembered when creating a piece the next time to save time.