course
description

Augmented Reality (AR) refers to a suit of technologies  that overlay computer generated imagery on top of the "real" world.  In  addition to superimposing images and 3D models over the camera feed,  these toolkits offer the opportunity to map physical spaces, understand  ambient lighting and track the position of a phone in space. Pokemon Go  used these techniques to capture the public interest and brought AR into  the mainstream, but it begs the question, what else can we do with this  technology? 

These techniques are just a starting point for  what may be possible. There is much experimentation to be done by  utilising the other capabilities of handheld devices to stream live  data, communicate with others, and incorporate information from from  built in sensors.

Although various types of augmented reality  systems have existed for some time, recent advances in mobile technology  platforms provide us more powerful ways of creating and sharing these  experiences with a wider audience. So as the technology is advancing,  what happens when we bring conceptual ideas and criticality to the fore?       

The primary tools of this program will be Unity 3D  and Openframeworks. We will work with the ARKit and Vuforia libraries.  As we engage the potential of these new tools, we will also take a  critical perspective discussing the shortcomings and challenges of  future technologies. No previous experience in augmented reality  required.

in this course,
you will be
introduced to

• Creative development with Unity3D*

• Introduction to ARKit (iOS) and Vuforia*

• Scripting in Unity3D to create interactivity*

• Intro to ARKit in OpenFrameworks*

• Attaching virtual objects to real images (posters, paintings, etc.)*

• Creating interactive AR spaces (creating, moving, deleting objects)*

• Recording and placing sounds inside a virtual AR space*

• Designing an AR space that can be shared and explored with multiple people at the same time*

• Building a mixed reality experience blending AR and a physical animatronic character or toy*

• Critical and conceptual development of projects*

• Preparing a final showcase of work / collectively-created interacive experience*

• An amazing network and community of like-minded creative beings and potential future collaborators

• *No previous experience necessary

course outline

Week 1: Introductions, concepts, narratives, play, and critical discourse.

Week 2: Tools and techniques for creating interactive AR experiences in Unity

Week 3: Advanced tools and Techniques for creating interactive AR experiences in Unity and OpenFrameworks

Week 4: Projects for final exhibition

who is this class for?

This workshop is geared toward anyone involved in creative projects (designers, makers, artists, musicians, performers etc.) that wish to begin incorporating interactive augmented reality experiences into their work or practice. The course approaches AR from an introductory level. A basic knowledge of programming (in any language/platform) is encouraged *but not required*.