Using Adobe Aero to Create a Toy Store Scene Through Augmented Reality

One of the most profound examples of Augmented Reality is Snapchat. Have you ever used a Snapchat filter or lense? Swiping through the exciting library of lenses to try over and over again, trying to find the funniest or most interesting filter?

Snapchat has one of the best examples of Augmented Reality from a social media standpoint. The introduction of snapchat lenses cultivated a powerful and memorable way to connect with consumers using augmented reality.

From Snapchat filters to creating a toy scene, augmented reality’s (AR) exponential growth has increased user engagement and inter-activeness, leading to a better experience.

But how do we create that user experience?

I’m all about efficiency so here’s what I’m going to discuss today.

1. What is Augmented Reality + How Does it Work?
2. Snapchat Used Case — AR
3. Building an AR experience + Spinning Toys
4. Why Does It Matter?
5. TL;DR

What is Augmented Reality + How Does it Work?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to superimpose digital content such as: images, sounds, text over real-life scenes. Furthermore, AR is a direct or indirect live view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are “augmented” by computer-generated perceptual information.

For example, in the image below, I’ve taken the toy and backdrop and superimposed it on my desk and over my computer. While the digital content isn’t physically in my environment, it’s being augmented through my device.

A preview of the AR experience I created using Adobe Aero.

Now that we’ve understood what AR is, let’s dive into the behind the scenes. How are images appearing on my desk? Throughout the process of displaying digital assets and content on my physical space, AR is created through motion tracking, using my phone.

The accelerometer and gyroscope in the phone are the two focal pieces that generate the AR experience. The gyroscope is used to measure the phones angle and assist in the placement of the objects, while the accelerometer is used to measure the phones speed and track…