Augmented Reality (AR) in Product Design, Modeling, and Prototyping

Have you ever wondered how to turn the painstaking process of product design, modeling, and prototyping into an innovative and interactive journey? We have the answer. Augmented Reality technology is what you are looking for. 

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of using AR, from its ability to foster collaboration across teams to its ability to create highly accurate product models that can be tested in real time. 

Key Benefits of Augmented Reality for Product Design and Prototyping 

First, let’s talk about what it is. Augmented Reality is a technology that overlays digital information and visuals onto the real world. Using devices such as smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses, users can see 3D models and design elements overlaid on their physical environment.  

You no longer need expensive physical models or many physical prototypes for product testing. Isn’t that wonderful? But there’s more. AR simplifies the lives of designers, constructors, engineers, and anyone else involved in product design and prototyping. So let’s look at the benefits of the technology.

Cutting the Prototyping High Costs

When we think about utilizing new technology in business, we primarily analyze the financial benefit. And that’s smart enough. In our case, be sure that augmented reality tools can help your company save money and increase income as well. How exactly?

• Share prototypes digitally, anywhere.
• Save budget on materials and manufacturing.
• Eliminate travel expenses for reviews.
• Make instant updates; no rebuilds are needed.
• Quicker design iterations require fewer human resources.
• A faster development process cuts overall costs.

Just think how much money your company might save in the long run. Have you counted already? Surprised? Are you convinced now that augmented reality technology is a great investment for your business? Then, let’s continue.

Real-Time Visualization

What is this about? Designers can see and interact with their creations in real-time within their actual environment. Also, employees have an excellent opportunity to make quick adjustments and refinements. 

For example, an interior designer can place a virtual piece of furniture in a client’s living space, adjusting colors and dimensions on the fly. This way, both the contractor and customer can be sure that the design is perfect before any physical piece is manufactured. 

Easy Remote Collaboration 

With AR tools, you can change the approach to how your team collaborates, particularly in situations when detailed visual communication is required. Now, employees located across different geographies can view and interact with the same 3D model in a shared virtual space. 

Imagine engineers and designers from around the world coming together in a virtual room, pointing out changes and testing features on a prototype car engine in real time, all without leaving their offices. 

New Level of Product Interactions 

Whether a prototype is in the development stage or already on the market, stakeholders can examine and interact with it from anywhere in the world. Using AR, you can make any product demonstration more dynamic and accessible. What options are available?

• View prototypes in actual settings.
• Make and view changes on the spot.
• Adjust size and scale effortlessly.
• Avoid expensive physical models.
• Gather real-time input from remote teams.

For instance, an automotive company can use AR to showcase a new car design. Engineers and designers project the car model onto any real-world environment. Stakeholders walk around it and explore different features. 

Developing Process Optimization 

The prototyping process with augmented reality tools is a different kettle of fish. If you run a furniture design firm, use AR to create and adjust virtual models of new chairs and tables. Designers try on the size, materials, and ergonomics in a virtual environment, quickly identifying and fixing design issues.

Training and Maintenance

Beyond design and prototyping, you can use the technology in the training and maintenance phases. For example, industrial equipment manufacturers are using it to train operators on new machines. 

By overlaying digital information and operating instructions on the real equipment via AR glasses, trainees can learn in a hands-on, immersive environment. 

This approach accelerates the training process and improves safety and efficiency. Operators become familiar with the machine in a controlled, informative environment before operating it in real-world conditions.

Same Limitations of AR in Design and Prototyping

Is everything that incredible, you might ask? There is one important condition here. You should entrust the implementation of augmented reality technology to professionals who have experience in performing similar tasks. Besides, you should be aware of certain limitations.

• AR requires specific hardware (AR glasses or smartphones)
• Some equipment costs an arm and a leg and may not be readily available in all design settings.
• Technical constraints usually affect the accuracy and resolution of AR models.
• Poor user experience due to cumbersome interfaces or unintuitive software can hinder the technology’s effectiveness.
• Systems rely heavily on lighting and spatial conditions.
• Integrating augmented reality into larger teams or projects requires significant investment.

Despite these limitations, the strategic use of AR offers the substantial benefits we discussed above. However, recognizing the boundaries is very important for maximizing technology potential while managing realistic expectations and planning for possible challenges. 

Final Words

With augmented reality technology, you can take your business to a whole new level. Expand your audience without being limited by geography. Increase employee efficiency. Improve customer engagement. The possibilities are great. 

Contact us for a free consultation today and be ahead of the market tomorrow.

Denys Pavlov Head of Immersive (AR/VR) Department at SmartTek Solutions