ARCore allows developers to build augmented reality experiences for Android devices. It provides APIs for motion tracking, environmental understanding, and depth perception to allow virtual objects to be placed in and interact with the real world. Unity is a common development environment used to build ARCore apps. Some design principles for AR include avoiding separate onscreen controls, using the entire display to engage users, and being mindful of user safety. Audio and haptics can also enhance AR experiences. When developing for AR, it is important to focus on creating engaging and useful experiences for users and to test for safety, comfort and other factors.

1. xR Experiences
with ARCore &
Unity
/c/nobleackerson
@nobleackerson

2. What is Augmented
Reality?

3. Sort of...

4. The mixture of the real world
and virtual worlds so that
one understands the other.
This creates experiences that
cannot possibly happen
anywhere else.
- Graeme Devine, Magic Leap

5. The R is for Data
Image Credit: https://dribbble.com/AndrewCoyleDesign
xR works when
computers interpret the
environment and return
responses that engage
our senses.

6. Hi, I’m Noble
Technical Product Manager, Independent Dev

9. So what is ARCore?

10. Motion Tracking

11. Area Learning

12. Depth Perception

13. ARCore
Environmental
Understanding
Motion
Tracking
Light
Estimation

14. Development
environment
● Unity 2017.2.0b9 or later
● Configure Player Settings:
○ Other Settings > Multithreaded Rendering: Off
○ Other Settings > Minimum/Target API Level:
Android 7.0 or higher
○ XR Settings > ARCore Supported: On
● Prepare your phone

15. Editor/Code

16. Tracked Plane
HelloARController.cs

17. Point cloud
/SDK/.../PointClud.cs (/PointCloudVisualizer.cs)

18. Managing Our Model
HelloARController.cs

19. LightEstimation
/SDK/.../LightEstimate.cs

20. Some Design Principles for Augmented Reality
Be mindful of the user's safety.
Avoid separate onscreen
controls.
Use the entire display to
engage people.

21. Visual clutter in AR

22. ?

23. Building
Engaging AR
Experiences
That Matter
Factors Effort/Cost Marketability Better in AR
- Unique
Solves a
problem
Score
Weights 20% 25% 20% 35% 100%
Metro Issues AR
Visualizer
3
(0.6)
5
(1.25)
2
(0.4)
3
(1.05)
3.3
Workout with
AR/AI Assistant
4
(0.8)
3
(0.75)
1
(0.2)
1
(0.35)
Other idea 2
(0.4)
3
(0.6)
5
(1)
2
(0.7)

24. Demos

25. What About Audio?

26. Audio and haptic
feedback enhances
xR experiences.
Provide confirmation that a virtual object
has come into contact with a physical
surface or other virtual object

27. Safety, Comfort, Happiness, Engagement,
Utility
Image Credit: Luden.io
Testing & Validation

28. In summary
● It is still the early days of AR (xR generally)
● The R in AR is Data
● Make it obvious you’re gathering data
● Build for mobile AR
● Consider WebAR for quick demos
● Be mindful of the user's safety
● Favor functional experiences that matter

29. Thank you!
@nobleackerson