The NIKKEI STEAM 2025 Symposium “Change the Rule: Challenging Common Sense,” organized by Nikkei Inc. (Osaka Head Office), kicked off on August 8 and ran at full pace across Osaka and Tokyo. At the center of the action, our partner Daiwabo Information System Co., Ltd. (DIS) showcased MyWebAR in a hands-on format, giving students and educators a direct experience with browser-based AR.

What happened

As a special sponsor of the symposium, DIS hosted an interactive MyWebAR Hands-on Workshop at the DIS Experience Corner in both cities. The focus was practical and creative: help participants try AR themselves, build confidence with digital tools, and see how immersive media can support learning and self-expression.

Inside the workshop

Participants:

• Created an AR business card with a personal self-introduction video.

• Recorded a short message, embedded it into an AR experience with MyWebAR, and received a unique QR code.

• Took home a printed card so friends, teachers, and family could scan and instantly view the AR intro.

The sessions ran multiple times a day. Junior high, high school, university, and graduate students all took part, and educators joined as well to observe and learn how to apply the same approach in their classrooms.

Who participated

Fifty-seven schools from across Japan took part, including 14 DX-designated high schools from the country’s High School DX Acceleration Promotion Project. The scale and diversity of participants underscored the symposium’s national importance for digital transformation in education.

Why it matters

Thanks to DIS’s exclusive partnership with MyWebAR (announced in 2024), augmented reality and generative AI are moving from theory to practice in Japanese classrooms. Students built something tangible, educators saw how browser-based AR can fit into lessons, and both groups left with a reusable artifact—an AR business card, that connects personal storytelling with practical digital skills.

We’re proud to see MyWebAR helping students and teachers approach AR as a tool for creativity, learning, and future careers, and we’re grateful to DIS and Nikkei for creating a platform where the next generation can experiment, build, and share their ideas at scale.

We constantly come across new videos, clips, and publications created in MyWebAR. And these are only the ones where users remembered to tag us! Below is an ever-growing list of creators who inspire and teach others how to work with our platform in their videos.

If you’re currently working with MyWebAR, post your work, tag @MyWebAR, or add #mywebar. We’ll continue expanding this list so that our entire community of creators can learn from and admire each other.

Our ever-growing circle of MyWebAR friends:

A tutorial by Denys Gamers
YouTube
Denys is a developer and 3D artist who proves that a simple, no-code workflow and a little imagination are all it takes to create WebAR magic.

Digital Scholar from India
Facebook
This marketing skills training center offers a complete tutorial in one video on Facebook — how to create your first project on the MyWebAR platform. Perfect for beginners who need a quick and practical guide.

On the small channel Joselle Caligner
YouTube
We found a short video on how to build a simple project with a QR code. Perfect as a tutorial for educational institutions. Thanks!

OAR — an online channel managed by the Department of Educational Technology and Innovation, Library Services Center, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
YouTube
A full guide on how to create an augmented reality business card in Thai.
We love that they created the project live on air. Respect!

Muhammad Farhan
YouTube
Like a true engineer, he tested MyWebAR on a container ship. And it looks awesome.

Tutorial by DISEÑO Y FABRICACIÓN DIGITAL
YouTube
A step-by-step guide on how to create an AR project with Real World Tracking. Entirely in Spanish! Thanks, amigos!

Video by AR creator from EdTech Jaime Donally
YouTube
One of the first videos with a photo coming to life on YouTube. It still impresses viewers! “What, is it possible to make photos come to life, like in the newspapers in the movie Harry Potter?”

Guides by Zarinah
YouTube
In her video, Zarinah shows off a really cute 3D coffee pot house from her laptop screen. And did we mention that MyWebAR is perfect for showcasing real estate?

Amol Kale
Instagram
Shows how easy it is to create projects on MyWebAR. Clear, understandable, and inspiring.

What a cool Instagram channel — 60 Seconds Tech
Instagram
These guys featured our favorite content — a living menu in augmented reality! You’re the best!

One of our favorite videos from Studio Sam and his team
YouTube
An art project by young creatives just taking their first steps in augmented reality. Wow!

Enough about business!
Have you tried making a greeting card with wild wishes in AR? Rohit Chaturvedi’s video
(Instagram) will surely inspire you!

We love the creators from AR Makers Studio
Their constant work with our favorite plugins always inspires us. Like here, for example.
Keep creating, guys! You are very talented!

Face effects tutorial by Emiliusvgs
YouTube
Emilio from Peru created this clear and detailed tutorial on how to use the new Face Effects feature on MyWebAR. In just a few minutes, he shows how to build a face-tracking AR experience directly in the browser.
And yes, it’s in Spanish again! ¡Hola!

Show us what you’re creating!
Publish your project on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook — wherever you share your work. Tag @MyWebAR or use the hashtag #mywebar so we can find it. We’ll keep adding your posts with interesting tutorials to this article.

Your creativity is the driving force behind the entire MyWebAR ecosystem. Keep generating ideas, and let’s grow together!

We’ve got something truly inspiring on the blog! Sam Guilmard, Digital Director at Playbound, shares how he introduced kids aged 12–16 to the magic of animation and augmented reality — using MyWebAR. From hand-painted flipbooks to interactive AR posters, this workshop turned creativity into immersive tech. Curious how it all came together in under an hour? Dive into the full story now!

Hello!

My name is Sam, and I’m the Digital Director at Playbound, an augmented reality (AR) studio based in Milton Keynes, England. At Playbound, we specialize in creating unique and memorable experiences for brands and individuals who want to engage their audience in new and exciting ways.

I recently had the opportunity to run a workshop using the AR tool MyWebAR, and I’d love to share why I think it’s a fantastic platform for developers, especially those new to augmented reality. But first, some background on the project that led me to this conclusion.

A Creative Workshop: From Flipbooks to AR Posters

A couple of months ago, I led a workshop at the Milton Keynes Arts Centre for children aged 12 to 16. The goal was to teach them the fundamentals of animation and, by the end of the week, work together to create a collaborative animation. We would then transform this animation into an augmented reality poster.

We kicked off the week by making flipbooks to help the children understand the basics of animation and how a series of still images can come to life through motion. Once everyone grasped the concept, we brainstormed animation ideas and settled on a simple yet beautiful concept: a bird in flight.

I created the outline of each frame in the animation and printed them out, leaving the children to bring them to life using any artistic medium they wanted. The results were incredible. Some used watercolours, others chose acrylics, and a few even used collage techniques to complete their frames.

Enter Augmented Reality

With all the frames complete, I scanned each one to build the final animation. Now came the exciting part, bringing it into AR!

Fortunately, MyWebAR made this step incredibly simple. Even though this wasn’t a technically complex project, I was able to build the AR experience in under an hour. MyWebAR provides a wide variety of templates for different types of AR experiences. In my case, I used the “AR on flat image” template.

All I had to do was upload the poster as the image to be tracked, and then upload the animation to appear once the image was detected. The process was intuitive and required no prior coding knowledge.

Another standout feature of MyWebAR is the ability to customize elements like the landing page, splash screen, and on-screen user interface. This is especially useful for brands looking to maintain consistency with their visual identity.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’d highly recommend MyWebAR to anyone interested in developing AR experiences. It’s accessible, affordable, and surprisingly powerful for quick-turnaround projects like this one.

If I had to sum up my experience in three words, they would be: easy, affordable, and extensive.

If you would like to try the experience out for yourself then please use this LINK and if you would like to watch my video where I discuss this project in more detail then click here:

Pioneering AR in Japan: Daiwabo Information System concludes an exclusive distributor agreement with phygital company DEVAR Entertainment.

Daiwabo Information System, Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as DIS; Head Office: Kita-ku, Osaka; President: Hiroyuki Matsumoto) and DEVAR Entertainment LLC (hereinafter referred to as DEVAR; Head Office: Palo Alto, California, USA; Founder and CEO: Anna Belova), a Phygital company provides and supports augmented reality (hereinafter “AR”) technology around the world, have concluded an exclusive distributor agreement and will begin providing a platform and services for utilizing AR technology.

AR is a technology that combines virtual 3D models with real space and is expected to be used not only in the entertainment field such as games, but also in various business industries and fields. In these days when technology is rapidly evolving and developing, DIS starts collaborating with DEVAR to quickly introduce such technology into the domestic market and realize a sophisticated and convenient digital society.

DEVAR provides products and services centered on AR technology headquartered in California, USA, is one of the world’s leading companies in the development and dissemination of AR technology and boasts the world’s top market share in WebAR services.

The fusion of the real world and digital content to create new lifestyle and consumption experiences is called “Phygital” (physical + digital). Advances in these technologies will lead to new and exciting lifestyle experiences. DEVAR has developed the MyWebAR.com platform to create AR/XR experiences and phygital products. MyWebAR.com is a revolutionary service that allows users, even without programming skills, to create and experience AR content in a web browser.

Its unique feature is that all AR contents can be operated with simple operations. Even in environments where there are no AR experts or engineers, AR can be used to convey proposals more concretely and realistically with augmented reality, making it possible to materialize ideas.

For example, users can see the overall atmosphere of a room when furnishings are placed in it, have a unique experience interacting with books or physical objects in education, explore complex mechanisms in 3D at manufacturing plants, conduct test runs in 3D, ‘try on’ clothes, shoes, glasses, or makeup, and explore restaurant menus in augmented reality before placing an order. It can be used in a variety of situations regardless of industry to see how it changes in relation to the scenery, or display the selling points and usage of a products.

DIS will deliver MyWebAR provided by DEVAR to users nationwide through approximately 19,000 sales partners via a community-based sales network with 96 sales bases throughout Japan to support the digitalization and business transformation of companies. In addition, by maximizing the potential of AR technology, DIS will work to create new business models.

Anna Belova, Founder and CEO of DEVAR Entertainment LLC says

“Augmented reality is no longer confined to the entertainment sector; it is rapidly becoming a transformative technology across various industries. From education and retail to healthcare and manufacturing, AR offers unique opportunities to enhance user engagement, streamline processes, and create immersive experiences. As the AR segment continues its exponential growth, we at DEVAR are excited to partner with DIS to bring our cutting-edge MyWebAR platform to Japan, empowering businesses to tap into the vast potential of this technology and drive innovation across the board.”

Shigeki Tanimizu, Senior Vice President of Daiwabo Information System Co., Ltd., says,

“AR has been used mainly in the entertainment industry until now because it requires specialized knowledge and skills. However, by collaborating with DEVAR, we are able to provide an environment where customers all over Japan can easily use AR. AR can provide a more intuitive and immersive experience, and we believe it will lead to a revolution in proposal styles and the creation of new businesses. By providing DEVAR MyWebAR, we aim to improve corporate productivity and realize a future where users can enjoy more convenient and enriched lives.”

In this interview, we explore the experiences of Brazilian university professors who have integrated augmented reality into their educational programs. As pioneers of this innovative technology, these professors share their challenges, successes, and insights on using AR to enhance learning and student engagement. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of how AR is changing education and the potential it holds for the future. We interviewed Ronan Corrêa Santos, a systems analyst and developer, postgraduate student in Educational Technologies and Online Education, and augmented reality developer. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as a computer science teacher at the educational center?

Our group consists of:

• Ronan Corrêa Santos — Systems analyst and developer, postgraduate student in Educational Technologies and Online Education. Augmented Reality Developer.
• Romário Costa Ribeiro — Systems analyst and developer, postgraduate student in Educational Robotics and Digital Technologies in Information and Communication in Education. Instructor at the State Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão (IEMA) (São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil). Augmented Reality Developer.
• Andrey Marcos Mendonça Ferreira — Systems analyst and developer, postgraduate student in Digital Technologies in Information and Communication in Education, instructor at the State Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão (IEMA) (São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil). Augmented Reality Developer.

As enthusiasts and passionate advocates of emerging and immersive technologies, we strive to bring innovation and technology to vulnerable communities and groups, making them attractive, engaging, and focused on hands-on learning.

To begin with, when did you first encounter augmented reality technology, and what was your initial reaction, particularly in the context of working with teenagers?

At the end of 2021, I, Ronan Santos, was looking for a topic for my final project in the Systems Analysis and Development course. After various research and testing of mobile and web applications, I came across an app called “Civilisations AR – BBC” and decided to develop a similar application, although at that time I was unaware of the existence of augmented reality. A few months later, I developed an application called “ManguApp,” aimed at educating elementary school students about the fauna and flora of mangrove forests. During this learning process, I became familiar with various tools that allow for the creation of immersive AR experiences, ranging from apps to web pages, and it was during this time that I discovered MyWebAR and was impressed by the platform’s simplicity and the amazing results it delivers. After graduating, I developed several training courses for students and teachers in schools in my hometown of Carutapera (MA, Brazil). Since then, I have continued to pursue further learning in AR development and deepen my knowledge of this technology every day. In 2023, I met teachers Romário and Andrey, and together we began to study immersive technologies and promote their teaching in classrooms.

What inspired you to integrate AR technology into your educational programs?

We know that augmented reality can be implemented in various fields, from culture and entertainment to education. During our study of this technology, we quickly realized that the educational field is still underexplored and, consequently, in need of Brazilian applications. Moreover, many of these applications are in English, which makes it difficult for Brazilian students to interact with them. Unfortunately, as a result, lessons still remain very monotonous. These problems, along with the curiosity and enthusiasm of young people for new technologies, became strong motivators for using AR as an innovative method to capture and maintain students’ interest, creating a more stimulating educational environment, an effective and interactive way to explore complex concepts, allowing for better visualization and understanding of the materials presented by teachers in the classroom.

How long have you been using immersive technologies like AR and VR in your classes with teenagers?

We have been working with AR and VR in education for over 2 years.

Can you share some of your favorite projects that have used AR at your center, especially with the MyWebAR platform?

We are happy to share photos and videos from our workshops. Some other recordings can be found on our Instagram: @ronan_csantos, @romario_cribeiro, @andrey.mendonca.

Have the results of using AR in your educational programs met your expectations? If possible, tell us about these results and how they benefited the students.

Yes, the results have fully met our expectations. As a result, every session brings new and amazing results because the goal of the sessions is not only to engage participants in the concept of AR but also to explore its application possibilities, first access, and the creation of immersive experiences using the MyWebAR platform.Participants explore all the tools of the platform and create their own AR experiences based on their creativity. All the knowledge gained in the sessions is based on problem-solving, computational thinking, hands-on learning, creativity, and logic.

What do you think is the future of AR and VR in education? Do you think their use will become more widespread?

Yes, we believe that the future of AR and VR in education is extremely promising, as they have the potential to change the way we teach and learn, making the educational process more immersive, interactive, and engaging. Furthermore, AR and VR allow students to experience situations and environments that would be impossible or impractical to replicate in real life. This, in turn, not only enriches the understanding of concepts but also increases engagement and knowledge retention. Additionally, over time, the use of these technologies is becoming more accessible and economically viable, which, consequently, contributes to their spread in classrooms, especially with the continuous development of devices and platforms.

We expect that the use of AR and VR will become common tools in the educational arsenal. As schools and educational institutions recognize the benefits of these technologies, their adoption should increase, providing richer and more diverse learning experiences for students of all ages.

Michael Voskoboynik, an innovative educator, has been integrating cutting-edge technologies like AR, VR, and AI into his teaching. After discovering his work through several publications and learning about his participation in ISTELive 2024 in Denver (CO), we reached out for a brief interview. Here, Michael shares insights into his projects and the transformative impact of immersive technologies in education.

Michael Voskoboynik

Technology Coordinator and Technology Teacher

Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as a Technology Teacher? 

I was born and raised in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States in 1992. I was a Math teacher prior to emigration. I was fortunate to be able to continue my teaching career after my arrival to the US. In addition to Math, I began teaching Technology. I developed a passion for using technology to discover family history, and put together various projects that encouraged my students to delve into their ancestors’ stories. I created a Holocaust-related project known as “Virtual Trip to Eastern Europe”, where students conduct research on their relatives’ Holocaust experience, and present them in a way that makes their stories come alive. This project evolved into creation of our school’s award-winning interactive Holocaust museum. 

Over the past decade, my students have been selected to present their projects at various conferences and events around the world.

When did you first encounter AR technology and what was your initial reaction, especially in the context of working with students?

Well, I’ve been attending various EdTech conferences, probably since I started teaching Technology. Therefore, if there is anything new on the horizon, I always try to learn about it as soon as I can. When Aurasma came around in 2010s, we immediately started using it.

For example, here’s is slide from one of my presentation in 2016:

On the right side of the image, there is a photo of my grandparents’ wedding in 1928. When we aimed our phone camera at this photo, a video of an old-time Jewish wedding appeared on the screen. 

We also used Merge Cube for AR projects within its own environment and with CoSpaces. My goal was (and is) that student would create their own content for those AR projects, instead of using (playing with) what’s available. We began students’ 3D scanning at that time, animated 3D scans and inserted them in various AR projects.

The simplest AR program for us to use 3D scans was Microsoft 3D viewer, which was part of Windows. We also enjoyed using Adobe Aero.

And then MyWebAR came around for us last year

What inspired you to integrate AR technology into your educational programs?

Integrating AR technology into our educational programs allows students create immersive and interactive learning experiences. This approach helps them visualize complex concepts, engage more deeply with the material, and retain information more effectively.

Can you share some of your favorite projects that have used AR at your school?

We have been working with projects in the field for over three years. Before MyWebAR, we already had a number of projects with creative ways to incorporate virtual and augmented reality into the learning process.

Last year, at ISTE23 Live in Philadelphia I discovered MyWebAR. I immediately loved how the program worked and shortly after coming back home from ISTE I contacted MyWebAR PR department. In a few weeks an Educational platform for us was set up.

During the last school year my students in grades 4 – 8 enjoyed creating with MyWebAR. Additionally, we shared the program with our partner school in Israel, and students there joined us in creating collaborative projects.

Below are some of the most interesting designs from last school year: AR Masks, Avatar2Gether Book – Collaborative project with our partner school in Israel, Students’ favorite heroes AR Book Example.

And this is my personal favorite. I created this for my college classmate, who is currently a teacher in Ukraine. I generated a 3D avatar of her, with a shirt in Ukrainian colors and Ukrainian music background. I also talked to her about the MyWebAR program and she became very interested in learning more about it.

Tell us about your experience participating in ISTELive in June 2024. Can you tell us about your project that you prepared with your students? What was the reaction from the audience? 

This was our 8th consecutive trip to present at ISTE, and each year we are preparing something new to share with the conference attendees. This time, the theme of our presentation was: Unleashing Creativity: Generating, Animating and Coding 3D Student Avatars for Interactive School Projects. An integral part of the presentation were MyWebAR projects. Of course, for most, if not all, attendees that participated in our two sessions, it was something totally new and unique. We definitely saw a lot of excitement in the reaction from the audience.

Have the results of using AR in your educational programs met your expectations? If possible, please tell us about these results and how they benefited the students.

Yes, the results of using AR in our educational programs have exceeded my expectations. Students have shown increased engagement and improved understanding of complex concepts. AR’s immersive experiences make learning more interactive and enjoyable, helping students retain information better. Additionally, it has fostered collaboration and creativity, as students explore and interact with the material in new and exciting ways.

What do you think is the future of AR and VR in education?

I think it is already widespread. The addition of AI has the potential to revolutionize learning. AR, VR and AI are set to play a significant role in the evolution of education.

Welcome to an exclusive interview with Jean-François Réveillard, an artist and pioneer in the field of digital and augmented reality art. Known for his innovative approach and his involvement in various mediums, Jean-François shares his journey, insights, and the future of AR in the art world. He creates his AR projects on the MyWebAR platform, showcasing the cutting-edge potential of this technology. The Future of Art on AR and AI is unfolding before us, and we have the privilege of exploring it with this creative genius. Let’s delve into the mind of Jean-François Réveillard.

Jean-François Réveillard, also known as JfR, is an artist living in Switzerland, dividing his time between Zürich, Paris, and the world. JfR creates and develops concepts in the spirit of being here and now, using Japanese calligraphy techniques for painting and drawing. Since the 1980s, he has been involved in digital media, video art, virtual worlds, and now 3D printing. In 1997, he founded one of the first webTVs in Europe. JfR likes to define himself as a “Cross Media Picture Maker.”

Could you please tell us a bit about yourself and your creative journey?

I like to define myself as a cross-media picture maker and part of the Post-Contemporary movement. Since childhood, I have been writing, drawing, and making movies. After studying science (biochemistry) and art at the École du Louvre, I began using technology mixed with classical mediums. My journey started with video art in 1981, followed by creating web TV in Europe in 1996/97. I also pioneered virtual worlds, making exhibitions and streaming in Second Life since 2007. I continued with 3D printing and now explore AI and AR. My daily artwork includes drawing and writing.

I consult on the pedagogical aspects of art and technology for the Greek School Ellino Germaniki within European Union projects and exhibit worldwide. My art space in Engelberg, Switzerland, serves as a laboratory for testing new concepts and approaches to digital art. As Armen Avanessian (Austrian philosopher, literary theorist, and political theorist – editorial note) describes, we are in the era of Post-Contemporary.

“The first thesis of the post-contemporary is that time changes. We are not just living in a new or accelerated time, but the time itself – the direction of the time – has changed. We are no longer faced with a linear time, in this time when the past was followed by the present and then the future. The opposite is true: the future takes place before the present, time comes from the future. If people feel that time is out of control, or that time no longer makes sense, or is not what it used to be, the reason is, I think, that they have – that we all have – difficulty living in such a speculative time or within a speculative temporality.”

When did you first encounter AR technology, and what was your initial reaction?

My first encounter was with QR codes used as simple links. I quickly thought of using them with video and was fascinated by the new dimension added to objects, even if initially it was just for price lists or website links. After trying several platforms and creating my own coding, I searched for tools that synchronized with my concepts. The main feeling was about the added dimension, crossing with reality, and using smartphones. I was and am very excited about this new opportunity to blend reality, especially with the introduction of artificial intelligence. It feels like adding a new layer, a new field for my creative brain, directly to the viewers.

What sparked your interest in using AR in art?

Digital art needs to find new way of delivery, we are outside definitively of the grotto. A new state of things is under progress with AR headset, augmented reality, artificial intelligence. Along is history Art uses a new brush of century to stay connected and to share the best of human creation. The debates is not if it’s exist or not if it’s good or not it’s time to use it in order to be inside and to stay in civilization under progress that humanity build and dream about to be better all together.

How long have you been exploring immersive technologies, including AR, in your creative work?

My first official public exhibition with AR was in June 2022 during Basel art week. After testing several forms and research before for one year I have created series made of 3Dprint sculpture and pictures of it inside nature, each picture was with augmented reality video in situ. Before i have built many virtual immersive virtual world projects, including art, education, and science since 2007 connected with installation.

Could you share some of your favorite artistic projects that have utilized AR, specifically on the MyWebAR platform?

I find that augmented reality applied to street art is amazing specially on big building.

One of my actual research projects is about mixing virtual world powered by Augmented reality, particularly inside a museum about story of Myrtis and a Virtual Museum dedicated to my AI and AR concept.

And of course, my Ink drawing powered by AI and AR series, don’t miss my next installation during Zurich Art Fait 2024 in Congress Haus 11-13 October 2024 presenting some.

Have the outcomes of using AR in art and your projects met your expectations? If possible, please elaborate on these outcomes.

The outcomes have exceeded my expectations, particularly since I use AR without an application, making it easier for viewers. The efficient anchoring of various sources and the use of a single QR code for all installation content have been game-changers in my approach. Most collectors, once they understand they can have the same AR effect in their space and show it to friends and visitors, are eager to buy or exhibit it. Testing with their own smartphones is essential, and the lack of OS barriers is key. Clear explanation panels are important to guide most people, as QR codes are generally known for adding information about artwork (price, website, etc.).

Have you noticed any changes in how people perceive or interact with art after experiencing your digital works?

My artwork, which includes handmade ink drawings, the use of artificial intelligence, and a mix of nature and reality, adds a new dimension and animation to the pieces, changing how most art lovers and collectors view art. The public is generally not close to digital, virtual, AR, VR, or AI technologies. But such artwork demonstrates a new way of seeing, thinking, receive digital art, the handmade drawing base is not just a machine, or a database manipulate by computer its art made by human brain first, and a new dimension added controlled by the artist. I have many discussions about and have seen many people changing their view about all this new tech after experiment with my immersive artwork.

In your opinion, what does the future hold for AR in the art sphere? Do you see its usage becoming more prevalent as part of the future of art on AR and AI?

Art is a dimension added to reality by the artist; it’s a kind of augmented reality through different canvases, and digital is the new canvas. No canvas destroys another; it just extends the field and gives a new angle to reality. Many evolutions are needed, and I am confident we will find solutions for protecting content and other aspects. I am sure we will develop very efficient and lightweight glasses systems. I look forward to using QR codes embedded in reality with devices like Vision Pro, but I have more hope for simple glasses devices. It’s just a matter of time. Many new fields in art will open soon, and as an artist, I work hard to extend and give more space to my creations and share them.

Thank you for joining us in this insightful conversation with Jean-François Réveillard. His pioneering work in integrating AR and AI into art showcases the endless possibilities and future of digital creativity. We are thrilled that he agreed to share more about his projects utilizing augmented reality. They undoubtedly inspire us and the entire MyWebAR creator community. We look forward to seeing his upcoming projects and installations that continue to push the boundaries of art and technology.

Hanuman Beverages, a 100% Cambodian-owned brewery known for its fusion of Khmer traditions with German beer production techniques, has teamed up with Morozzi Creative Lab, an immersive agency specializing in innovative solutions. This collaboration gave rise to the launch of Neak Beer – a classic Asian lager, with a legendary Cambodian dragon Neak as its brand character. Neak Beer’s omni-channel campaign officially launched in May 2023, provided beer fans with a visual immersive experience with inclusion of a hyper-realistic 3D character in TV ads, 3D Illusion billboards, and augmented reality (AR) for the first time in Cambodia.

As a part of this innovative campaign, in partnership with tech company Devar, a novel concept was developed that used beer cans for visual communication via AR technology. This project utilized the MyWebAR platform to create web-based AR content (webAR), negating the need for users to download extra apps, and instead only requiring a simple QR code scan.

The campaign amassed impressive user engagement stats. Additionally, a new experience was unveiled featuring Hanuman Beer, with a music video from a popular Cambodian hip-hop artist VannDa playing directly on the beer can, further enhancing user engagement.

Looking to the future, Hanuman Beverages and Morozzi Creative Lab aim to further delve into AR technologies for retail marketing, develop a dedicated AR can platform, and join forces with celebrity figures to showcase visual content on cans. This approach evidences their deep-rooted commitment to both innovation and delivering captivating consumer experiences.

In a recent, enlightening conversation with BookDao, we were delighted to have Anastasia Ly, the Business Development Director at DEVAR, share her valuable insights. Anastasia took us on a captivating journey into the mesmerizing world of augmented reality (AR) books, where conventional reading is transformed into a thrilling, interactive adventure. At DEVAR, a pioneering technology company specializing in AR, we have breathed life into these groundbreaking books.

The discussion delved deep into the motivations that ignited DEVAR’s venture into the book industry, the manifold advantages of infusing AR into books, and the challenges we’ve encountered and surmounted. The interview underscored the immense educational potential of AR books, as they offer an immersive experience that not only captures the attention of children but also provides them with invaluable content.

Anastasia also illuminated DEVAR’s steadfast commitment to explore fresh themes beyond encyclopedic content, along with our foray into other educational products. Moreover, the interview provided a glimpse into the evolving landscape of AR technology and its promising applications on the horizon.

We invite you to embark on this enthralling journey with us as we unveil the enchanting universe of AR books and witness how DEVAR is redefining the way children read, learn, and explore.

Anastasia Ly, the Business Development Director at DEVAR

At the end of this article, you can find the recorded video of the interview.

BookDao: The fact that the author of this book series is listed as a company rather than an individual has piqued our curiosity. Can you tell us more about DEVAR?

Anastasia Ly: Thank you for the invitation. I’m thrilled to be here and start with the interview. We are DEVAR, a technology company specializing in augmented reality. We have been operating in this market for 8 years. During this time, we have successfully introduced millions of children worldwide to the wonders of augmented reality. Our offerings include not only books but also toys and consumer educational products. These products have been sold in 74 countries, translated into 27 languages. Just imagine the impact of holding one of our books in your hands. It means that children in 74 countries have access to the same content and can interact with it. However, there is one common observation: children are simply captivated by our products. They can’t seem to get enough of them. Currently, our company collaborates with some of the world’s largest companies and brands. Our products are available on leading marketplaces and have become best-sellers with thousands of positive customer reviews and feedback.

BookDao: What factors motivated DEVAR to enter the book industry and incorporate new technologies to enhance the reading experience for readers?

Anastasia Ly: In general, our products aim to provide a seamless and exciting learning experience for kids. But you might be wondering, how did our journey begin? To answer that, let’s take a closer look at current market trends. One prominent trend is that children have a strong affinity for smartphones. They enjoy spending time with screens and accessing the internet. On average, children spend up to 8 hours a day engaged with screens. For Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2013, this screen time increases to around 9 hours a day, accounting for approximately 30% of the world’s population. Even toddlers under 2 years old interact with smartphones, spending around 1 hour a day. It’s truly astonishing to see the extent of their screen time and the content they consume. Moreover, during the pandemic, screen time increased by more than 7 hours.

This presents a conflict between generations, as children want to spend time on their phones while parents often want to limit their screen time. Nowadays, network gadgets and technologies have become common and necessary aspects of digital native lives. In fact, 98% of children live in households with at least one mobile device, and 42% of children aged eight and under already have their own mobile device. This raises the question: how can we make this screen time as beneficial as possible? How can we create a product that aligns with both the desires of children and the concerns of parents? This led us to the decision of enhancing books with digital content in augmented reality, with the goal of rekindling children’s interest in reading.

BookDao: While augmented reality (AR) is gaining popularity on the internet and social media, the concept of incorporating AR into books is relatively new. Could you provide more information on this?

Anastasia Ly: First and foremost, let’s clarify what augmented reality is. Augmented reality is a technology that integrates virtual objects into the real world using devices such as smartphones or tablets, regardless of whether they are iOS or Android-based. Currently, there are two commonly used types of augmented reality: app-based and browser-based. The distinction is quite simple. With app-based augmented reality, users need to install a specific app on their devices to access and experience augmented reality. On the other hand, browser-based augmented reality can be accessed directly through the system browser without the need for any app installations.

While it’s easier to demonstrate and explain through videos, the best way to understand augmented reality is to try it yourself. I invite you to scan the QR code provided and follow the instructions on your screen. Typically, you will be prompted to grant camera access permissions and then point your camera at the designated image, such as the Scorpio or the spider. Additionally, I encourage you to turn on your sound as there may be interactive elements like insects dancing.

Now, let’s delve into what an augmented reality book is and how it’s used. Augmented reality books combine traditional printed materials with the interactive capabilities of technology, providing users with an exciting and novel experience. They are designed to be user-friendly, typically including an instruction page with three simple steps for users to follow. It’s important to note that the camera and the app need to recognize the images, so we always advise users to place the book as flat as possible and scan it in the best way to ensure the optimal augmented reality experience.

Regarding the app itself, it features an intuitive interface that is easy for kids to navigate, allowing them to learn and explore independently. Furthermore, rest assured that the content they interact with on their smartphones or tablets is 100% safe. The app usually starts with a home screen, followed by camera image recognition, where users can scan the QR code of the book. This will lead them to the book showcase, and the download process will begin automatically. An internet connection is only required for the initial download, as subsequent interactions with the augmented reality content can be enjoyed offline.

Augmented reality books offer numerous benefits, which is why we have chosen to move forward in this direction.

BookDao: What are some of the benefits of incorporating augmented reality (AR) into books, and how does it enhance the reading experience for children and parents?

Anastasia Ly: And when it comes to the benefits, they are truly undeniable. One significant advantage is the inclusion of helpful extra content. Augmented reality books may appear like ordinary printed books on your shelf, containing information and visual vocabulary within their pages. However, they offer additional educational content through augmented reality. This content is unique and not repeated across the pages. It is presented in a new and interactive way, providing a truly unforgettable experience that goes beyond what is possible in real life.

Imagine being able to hold a human heart in your hand, observe dinosaurs that no longer exist, or virtually travel to wonders of the world such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Augmented reality allows for these incredible experiences.

Furthermore, it enables safe experiments in physics or chemistry, even without specialized equipment. Children can touch the objects that appear in the augmented scene, and the objects respond to their touches. They can interact with the content, calling objects and receiving responses. This immersive educational process actively engages children, leading to a higher level of attention and understanding of the information.

One of the broader benefits of augmented reality is its ability to visualize complex subjects in detail. Whether it’s exploring the human body, delving into physics and chemistry, or examining architecture, augmented reality provides a three-dimensional sectional view of objects, allowing for in-depth learning and interaction. Additionally, research conducted by neuroscientists has shown that augmented reality activates three modes of human perception in the brain simultaneously, resulting in a doubled attention level. This indicates that augmented reality has a more powerful impact compared to non-augmented reality experiences.

Augmented reality in books also enhances reading through educational games, interactive characters, and lifelike interactions. It presents information from fresh perspectives, making reading an immersive and enriching experience. In terms of our business model, we have over 200 titles, and we primarily focus on selling them. We are delighted to have partnered with Juvenile and Children’s Publishing in China, who have done exceptional work in adapting our series for the Chinese market. Each book is thoroughly localized for the specific country, ensuring accurate facts, precise translation, and a state-of-the-art reading experience.

These books, created in 2017, have become our best-selling titles, reaching over 40 countries worldwide. While they are primarily aimed at children aged 6 and above, they have garnered love from kids of all ages. Even parents find themselves captivated by the interactive content. This series provides visual learning without the need for special equipment, offering exciting and interactive lessons that take children on captivating journeys through space, underwater adventures, encounters with dinosaurs, explorations of the human body from skin to skeleton, and introductions to biology through micro-animals. It allows children to inhabit an invisible universe, revealing wonders that are hidden to the human eye.

BookDao: Can you tell us more about the production process such as what type of people were involved? How much time and manpower was required. And what some of our main challenges encountered during the process.

Anastasia Ly: The process of creating augmented reality books involves a large team of dedicated professionals. Typically, we have a production team consisting of around 100 people working on each book. Our in-house editorial team conducts research to identify topics that are both interesting for kids and aligned with our company’s goals. Once the topic is confirmed, we move on to the production phase, where we determine the types of interactions that will be included.

Our creative tech department works on developing the concept and scenario, while the programming team is responsible for implementing the necessary technology. We also have a 3D department that brings characters to life with realistic animations, skins, shaders, and other visual effects. Additionally, we have a sound designer who not only adds sounds but also composes original songs for our books. In fact, some of the songs are created exclusively by our sound designer.

After creating the first demo, we invite kids to our office to interact with the books. Their feedback is invaluable and often leads to improvements in the final product. For example, during one testing session with an Angry Birds book, a programmer thought the game was too difficult and suggested simplifying it. However, the kids in the focus group effortlessly completed the game in just one minute, making it clear that no further simplification was needed. This kind of feedback helps us understand the expectations and preferences of our target audience.

We also receive feedback from customers through our customer and technical support channels, which allows us to gather additional insights and enhance future works. Launching an augmented reality book is not simply about adding augmented reality as a selling point. It is a complex and time-consuming process that requires years of experience to deliver the best possible product for children and their parents. The involvement of a dedicated and skilled team is crucial to the success of these projects.

BookDao: I’ve noticed that current AR books are mostly encyclopedic in nature. Is DEVAR working on AR books with other themes as well?

Anastasia Ly: We initially started with augmented reality coloring books, which have become a significant part of our product lineup. The unique feature of these books is that children can bring the pages and characters to life in the colors they choose. For example, if there’s a dinosaur on the page, they can color it with red pencils, and through augmented reality, the dinosaur will appear as a red-colored creature. It’s important to note that the accuracy of the coloring also affects the augmented reality model. If the child colors the page accurately, the model will look more visually appealing.

During testing in Germany, we encountered an interesting situation. As children began using our augmented reality coloring books, they started to expect other coloring books to come to life as well. They would color pages in regular coloring books and then ask their parents to bring them to life, not understanding that only our special coloring books had augmented reality features. This highlights the level of engagement and excitement that augmented reality brings to the coloring experience.

In addition to coloring books, we also offer activity books featuring popular IPs such as Paw Patrol and My Little Pony. These activity books allow kids to explore the characters in different ways and engage in mini-games with their favorite characters like Pinkie Pie and Chase.

Our range of products also includes encyclopedias, such as the Wild series. These are not traditional encyclopedias; they incorporate a storyline where two main characters embark on a journey to find their missing grandpa, who is an explorer. Along the way, they travel the world, encounter various creatures, and learn about them. This combination of storytelling and educational content makes our encyclopedias unique.

Furthermore, our augmented reality experiences extend beyond books. We offer posters, flashcards, fossils, and leaflets that can be used in schools for extra-curricular activities. Teachers can hang space-themed posters in the classroom, allowing students to interact with the augmented reality content. Kindergartens have also integrated our dinosaur books into their STEM lessons, providing a fun and interactive learning experience for young children.

We have also partnered with toy manufacturers to create augmented reality experiences that complement their toys. For example, a company from Hong Kong called East Collide produces anatomy models that perfectly align with our augmented reality content on anatomy. By pointing a camera at the toy, children can see an interactive 3D representation of the anatomy and learn about its different parts.

BookDao: As AR technology continues to evolve, what other applications do you think will come to market? If these new applications were deployed in the five books of this series, what effect would they have? Would you consider re-publishing the series in light of these new developments?

Anastasia Ly: The augmented reality market is poised for continuous growth and development. Apple’s recent introduction of their long-awaited headset marks a significant milestone in technology advancement, specifically for augmented reality. This step is expected to have a profound impact on the field of augmented reality and its future prospects.

Augmented reality has found applications in various industries, including marketing, communication, gaming, learning, and professional fields. In marketing, augmented reality allows customers to interact with products directly on the shelf, providing them with additional information and increasing their engagement. Recent polls by marketing agencies indicate that approximately 68% of customers are willing to try augmented reality products if they are available on the shelf, making it an attractive and effective marketing tool.

Augmented reality also serves as a new media channel, enabling users to scan products and directly interact with the brand. Users can access cultural actions and obtain detailed information directly from the producers of the goods. The content associated with augmented reality experiences can be updated quickly by simply changing the QR code, eliminating the need for redesigning packaging. This flexibility allows for dynamic and customizable augmented reality content that enhances user experiences.

Furthermore, augmented reality has made significant contributions to the gaming industry, as demonstrated by the ongoing popularity of games like Pokémon Go. It has also been adopted in the field of education, providing interactive and immersive learning experiences. In professional settings such as medicine, augmented reality glasses are used to perform precise operations and enhance accuracy by providing detailed information about different parts of the human body. Industrial sectors, including construction and architecture, have also embraced augmented reality technology to facilitate design processes and improve efficiency.

As technology continues to advance, new developments in augmented reality are emerging. For example, browser-based augmented reality experiences are becoming more prevalent, eliminating the need for users to install dedicated apps. This approach is particularly appealing to users who are reluctant to install multiple apps on their devices. However, for products like toys or books that require frequent interaction, dedicated apps still offer a more seamless experience. Users can install the app once and easily access the augmented reality content whenever they interact with the product.

In our latest editions, we have introduced augmented reality covers that come to life without the need for any apps. This allows customers to preview the book’s content in stores, making an instant decision about whether they like it or not. Once they decide to purchase the book, they can then download the app and fully engage with the augmented reality features.

Overall, augmented reality continues to evolve and find new applications in various industries, enabling interactive and immersive experiences for users while enhancing marketing strategies, communication channels, learning environments, and professional practices.

AR in Art
Augmented Reality (AR) opens new horizons for perceiving art, expanding its possibilities. Today, AR finds its application in museums, galleries, historical and cultural reconstructions, urban spaces (including giant murals), cinema, music, concerts, shows, and theaters. Many AR projects may appear complex and requiring the efforts of dozens of creative professionals, designers, and programmers, but today, we would like to share the story of a project titled ‘The Red String’, which came to life in New York City in 2022 and was crafted by just two artists.

Rendering of The Red String with digital AR activation on iPhone (© Lily Honglei Art Studio, all images courtesy More Art)

Context
‘The Red String’ is a public art project created by Lily Honglei Art Studio, bringing together artists Lily & Honglei. The duo consists of Lily Yang, primarily working with AR, and Honglei Li, specializing in oil painting. The main goal of the project is to strengthen cultural ties between the Asian immigrant community and the broader society of New York City, highlighting their cultural heritage, and bringing healing to the community afflicted by the pandemic and its subsequent anti-Asian sentiment. Last year, this public art project was presented at Columbus Park in Manhattan’s Chinatown and Bowne Playground in Flushing’s Chinatown in New York.

Lily Yang and Honglei Li

AR Experience
The project’s installation comprised a series of large banners featuring traditional Chinese patterns, also known as ‘red strings.’ These banners were placed on fences in public parks, near benches and tables where visitors gather daily. Digital components included Augmented Reality for mobile phones: short animations inspired by East Asian folktales and traditional opera performances. By scanning QR codes, park visitors could enjoy interactive animations overlaying the banners, as well as fragments of artistic videos by Lily & Honglei.

All the AR content was presented on the MyWebAR platform. Lily Yang commented on her platform choice as follows: “The WeWebAR interactive AR experience is seamless, straightforward, and enjoyable. It allows viewers to watch AR content on their mobile devices by scanning QR codes instead of installing an additional app. Removing this barrier is a significant improvement in the AR art experience. Many park visitors spontaneously took out their smartphones and scanned multiple banners to watch animations. They found the whole process easy, beautiful, and moving. The AR contents combining painting, video, and sound loaded fast and were high quality.”

Special Feature
Augmented Reality in art is becoming increasingly common, and it’s worth noting that MyWebAR is a platform that enables creating AR content directly in a web browser. There’s no need to download additional apps to visit museums, galleries, art spaces, and exhibitions. This is particularly convenient for outdoor exhibitions like the ‘The Red String.’ Exhibition visitors — passersby — can spontaneously engage in the exhibition concept by scanning the first available QR code.

Results
Organizers noted the rather impressive number of QR code scans. Besides, the project has received a wide coverage in the mass media and there were a lot of publications from users in social networks. Lily Yang shared, “Many viewers shared their feelings via email, with some stating they shed tears when watching the AR animations depicting immigrants’ journeys in NYC.”

Conclusions
Instead of conclusions, we invite you to explore the videos showcasing the magnificent content by Lily Honglei Art Studio.

And here are a few pieces of advice for art enthusiasts who might want to try their hand at using Augmented Reality:

• Consider your work from a new perspective. Nearly any work of art can be enriched with digital content.
  
• Numerous examples of successful AR in art are available for study. Spend time searching for interesting projects, especially those related to your field of expertise.
  
• Remember that AR projects can be refined and expanded over time. You can add new elements to your projects without changing the QR code. Printed QR codes for activating Augmented Reality on the MyWebAR platform can easily work with updated content.
  
• Embrace the latest innovations in AR, such as using webAR technology instead of standalone apps, offering visitors access to a virtual portal (a great idea for presenting new spaces and time travel), and utilizing the ‘multi-scene’ option to present your art object in multiple variations with a single QR code.
  
• You can register on the MyWebAR platform and start experimenting with creating your own projects today. If your projects are non-commercial (e.g. art), you can use the platform absolutely free with no time limit.
  

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the ‘The Red String’ exhibition is planned for 2023 as well. In the coming autumn, the third installment of the project will appear at Margaret I. Carman Green – Weeping Beech Park in Queens. If you happen to be in New York during that time, welcome to the exhibition!