Augmented reality is no longer just a futuristic concept. It’s a practical tool changing how we learn, teach, and experience the world around us. When used in education, AR makes abstract concepts tangible, fosters creativity, and engages students in entirely new ways.

From primary schools to universities, here are 17 inspiring ideas for using AR in education. Platforms like MyWebAR are making it easy to build immersive content with the help of AI.

1. Bring historical events to life

Recreate historical scenes in 3D so students can witness them in context. Imagine standing in front of the Berlin Wall or seeing the signing of the Declaration of Independence in a 360° AR experience.
Why it matters: Increases retention and empathy by creating emotional connections to the material.

2. Interactive AR science labs

Allow students to explore the human body, dissect a frog, or experiment with chemical reactions virtually.
Why it matters: Gives access to lab experiences without needing physical equipment. And yup! No animals will get hurt.

3. Math made visual

Visualize geometry, algebra, and calculus concepts in 3D. Graphs become interactive, and shapes become manipulable.
Why it matters: Improves understanding of abstract problems and equations.

4. Language learning through AR prompts

Place interactive vocabulary cards or conversation scenarios in physical space. Scan and hear native pronunciation or answer questions in a gamified AR quiz.
Why it matters: Encourages active participation and better memorization.

5. Campus navigation for new students

Create AR wayfinding experiences to guide students to classrooms, cafeterias, or event spaces.
Why it matters: Makes campuses feel welcoming and accessible.

6. Enhance textbooks and printed materials

Add QR codes to textbooks that launch 3D models, animations, or video explanations.
Why it matters: Makes print interactive and keeps learning relevant.

Did you know? DEVAR, the creator of the MyWebAR platform, has been working with augmented reality in education for over 10 years. One of the company’s flagship areas is developing AR-powered books and encyclopedias. More than 15 million copies have been sold in 75 countries in 27 languages.

7. AR for inclusive education (Autism, ADHD)

Create AR scenes that simplify instructions, provide visual cues, and help students with ASD or ADHD stay engaged.
Why it matters: Offers personalized learning paths and reduces cognitive overload and anxiety.

8. AR treasure hunts and quizzes

Design scavenger hunts where clues appear in AR, making learning a playful adventure.
Why it matters: Boosts engagement and adds physical activity to learning.

9. AR-enhanced art and design classes

Use AR to show design iterations, scale models, or animate student artworks.
Why it matters: Encourages creative expression and portfolio development.

10. Time travel tours of cities

Overlay historical scenes on present-day streets. Let students walk through their hometown as it looked 100 or 500 years ago.
Why it matters: Deepens connection with local history and geography.

11. AR coding and robotics training

Visualize code outcomes in AR or connect physical robots to virtual environments.
Why it matters: Helps learners understand cause-and-effect in programming.

12. Student-generated AR projects

Let students build their own AR scenes to present projects or tell stories.
Why it matters: Fosters ownership of learning and digital literacy.

13. Interactive school exhibitions

Add AR to science fairs, art shows, or presentations. Let students narrate their work via 3D avatars.
Why it matters: Builds confidence and engagement with parents and peers.

14. Library exploration and book previews

Use AR to scan book covers and show summaries, trailers, or author bios.
Why it matters: Encourages reading and helps students choose books.

15. School branding and AR yearbooks

Imagine school logos, uniforms, or banners coming to life with messages, videos, or 3D animations. Yearbooks can hold memories that speak — literally.
Why it matters: Brings school culture to life in new, interactive ways.

16. Immersive storytelling in literature

Make books magical. Characters jump off the pages, settings transform into 3D environments, and students interact with stories as if they were part of them.
Why it matters: Makes literature engaging and accessible, especially for young learners.

17. AI + AR in project-based learning

Using built-in AI tools in platforms like MyWebAR, students can create 3D models, voiceovers, animations, or music. All without coding. In one week, a team can create a fully interactive AR scene to present their project.
Why it matters: Encourages teamwork, creativity, and real-world skills in digital storytelling.

Built-in AI tools to create AR content faster

With MyWebAR, educators don’t need technical expertise. The platform has built-in AI tools that help you:

• Generate 3D models quickly

• Create voiceovers in multiple languages

• Write scripts and quizzes

• Animate scenes

• Translate and localize projects instantly

These tools save time and help educators create high-quality content with ease.

Final thoughts

AR in education isn’t just about novelty. It’s about impact. It helps students understand complex ideas and makes learning inclusive, interactive, and memorable.

With no-code, AI-enhanced platforms like MyWebAR, building an AR scene can be as easy as dragging and dropping content.

Start small. Try one idea. And let your classroom or learning space become a place students will never forget.

In this article, we’re diving into spatial tracking on the MyWebAR platform. We launched this tracking type a year ago, and today it has become an essential tool for building AR experiences — simple, versatile, and visually powerful.

Today, we’re transforming the beautiful city of Hong Kong using spatial tracking.
In a place where ultramodern skyscrapers meet colonial architecture and lush green hills, we’re using augmented reality to bring a new layer of meaning to familiar spaces. Spatial tracking turns the entire city into an open stage — with no limitations and no extra hardware.

Over the past year, spatial tracking has become one of the most beloved features on MyWebAR, alongside 3D Object Tracking. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out our previous articles:
Devar launches the world’s first 3D Object Tracking
9 ways to use 3D Object Tracking in your AR projects

What is Spatial Tracking — and how is it different?

Spatial tracking allows you to anchor virtual content not to flat images or printed markers, but to real-world volumetric objects — buildings, sculptures, facades, or architectural structures. This is especially important when working with large-scale environments or outdoor spaces.

Unlike 3D Object Tracking, which is ideal for compact items, spatial tracking is designed for full-scale, real-world objects — entire buildings, public installations, and urban spaces. All you need is a camera and the physical environment around you.

And on MyWebAR, it all works directly in the browser:
– No apps required
– No extra setup
– Just scan → place → publish

Where Spatial Tracking really shines

This technology has already proven its value in projects across the globe. Here are some of the areas where it’s making the biggest impact:

• Urban spaces — Create temporary or permanent AR installations integrated into buildings, streets, or infrastructure. Offer navigation without needing physical signs.
  
• Tourism and culture — Deliver interactive guides, reconstructions, or animations directly on top of real-world landmarks.
  
• Historical sites — Enrich museum trails or open-air heritage locations with immersive storytelling in situ.
  
• Architecture and real estate — Visualize future buildings on-site, bring blueprints to life at scale for clients and investors.
  
• Art and creativity — Build spatial AR sculptures, digital open-air galleries, and public art accessible only through AR.
  
• Business and industry — Present large-scale machinery, deliver AR-powered manuals, or run remote demos in real working environments.

The future Is already here

Spatial tracking is more than a technical feature. It’s a new way of interacting with the world around us — one where digital experiences seamlessly merge with physical spaces. Content doesn’t just float in the air anymore — it belongs exactly where it’s meant to be, at full scale and with real context.

At MyWebAR, we’re building the tools to make this future accessible to everyone.

In our next article, we’ll revisit spatial tracking — and more importantly, we’ll show you how to create your own spatial tracking projects step by step on MyWebAR.
Coming soon! Make sure to subscribe to our blog updates so you don’t miss it.

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.

Before you is the personal story of Sean Cooper, the creative director of a well-known marketing agency, the name of which, for understandable reasons, we cannot disclose.

In this article, he delves into the realm of augmented reality (AR) within the educational landscape, presenting a rich tapestry of insights, practical examples, and compelling illustrations of AR’s application in education and immersive learning, including its positive influence on individuals with autism and other developmental differences.

What it all started with… 

Recently, my neighbor Karen complained to me that her eldest son absolutely refuses to study. Sitting still and listening to the teacher is torture for him. The same goes for reading educational materials, which are not only uninteresting to him but also completely incomprehensible.

“I sincerely don’t understand what the problem is!” Karen exclaimed. “He is such a smart boy! He always grasps everything quickly. And now he’s just stuck. But this is just a regular educational text, with normal illustrations and graphics. We studied the same way and understood everything perfectly. Oh, these gadgets and modern technologies…”

At that moment, I felt my eye twitch at the phrase “Oh, these gadgets and modern technologies.”

“Listen, Karen, information perception is a very individual thing. Some people find simple text sufficient, while others do not. And there’s nothing shameful or wrong about that. I’m telling you this as a marketer. The key is to find the type of perception that suits the individual best. Or to target all channels at once. And gadgets and modern technologies can only help with that.”

“How so?” Karen exclaimed, and I realized I had just found an excellent topic for another article.

Information Changes the World

The recent pandemic has made us think about this particularly sharply. The widespread transition to remote learning has brought not only numerous challenges but also innovative ideas.

Let’s be honest, not everyone wants to study. Not only children but also adults, conscious individuals. But they need to. At home, as it was during the pandemic, something constantly distracted us. A new episode of a favorite series was released, someone replied to a message, and the desire for another cup of tea arose. The pen didn’t write, and it’s better to start tomorrow. In general, even a passing fly sometimes seemed more interesting than sheets of texts and graphs, incomprehensible formulas, and examples.

Overall, information perception is a fundamental aspect of human cognition. It involves how we receive, interpret, and make sense of sensory input from our environment. Modern learning, while attempting to progress, is still predominantly linked to visual and auditory memory. However, as modern psychology informs us, this is not the sole method of perceiving and retaining information. There exist diverse forms of information perception that shape our understanding and interaction with the world around us.

Types of Information Perception

• Visual Perception. Visual perception is the ability to interpret and make sense of visual information received through the eyes. It involves processes such as object recognition, depth perception, color perception, and visual attention. Visual perception plays a crucial role in tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

• Auditory Perception. Auditory perception refers to the processing of sound information received through the ears. It includes the ability to discriminate between different sounds, localize sound sources, and understand speech. Auditory perception is essential for communication, music appreciation, and environmental awareness.

• Tactile Perception. Tactile perception involves the interpretation of touch sensations on the skin, such as pressure, temperature, and texture. It enables us to perceive objects through touch, navigate our environment, and experience physical sensations. Tactile perception is vital for tasks like typing, grasping objects, and feeling pain or pleasure.

• Olfactory Perception. Olfactory perception relates to the sense of smell and the interpretation of chemical stimuli in the environment. It allows us to detect and identify different odors, recognize food, and experience emotional responses triggered by scents. Olfactory perception contributes to our sense of taste, memory recall, and emotional well-being.

• Gustatory Perception. Gustatory perception pertains to the sense of taste and the ability to detect different flavors through the taste buds on the tongue. It involves distinguishing between sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami tastes, as well as experiencing food preferences and aversions. Gustatory perception influences our dietary choices, enjoyment of food, and overall sensory experience.

• Multisensory Perception. Multisensory perception integrates information from multiple sensory modalities, such as vision, audition, touch, smell, and taste, to create a unified perceptual experience. It enhances our ability to perceive the world accurately, make quick judgments, and adapt to changing environments.

Unite and Discover

Understanding the diverse types of information perception is vital for comprehending how we process sensory input, engage with our environment, and navigate the complexities of daily life. Each facet of information perception contributes uniquely to our cognitive functioning, shaping our perceptions, behaviors, and experiences within the world.

The more varied types of information perception operate simultaneously, the stronger and more firmly established causal relationships form in our consciousness. This leads to a more comprehensive and enduring assimilation and retention of information. After all, memory is a complex cognitive process that significantly impacts our daily existence.

Therefore, immersive education is the best way to explore the world.

What is Immersive Education?

Immersive education is a cutting-edge approach that leverages immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. By integrating these technologies into educational settings, immersive education aims to enhance learning outcomes. It also aims to foster creativity and provide students with a more immersive and personalized learning environment.

At its core, immersive education seeks to transport learners into virtual worlds where they can explore concepts, interact with simulations, and engage in hands-on learning experiences. This approach goes beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering students a truly immersive and interactive way to learn.

One of the key benefits of immersive education is its ability to cater to different learning styles and preferences. Visual learners may benefit from vivid 3D visualizations, auditory learners can engage with interactive audio elements, and kinesthetic learners can interact physically with virtual objects. This personalized approach to learning helps students better understand complex concepts and retain information more effectively.

Possibilities of Immersive Education

Immersive education has the potential to make learning more engaging and memorable. By simulating real-world scenarios and environments, students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Immersive experiences also promote collaboration among students, as they can work together in virtual spaces to solve challenges and complete tasks.

In addition to traditional academic subjects, immersive education is being increasingly used in vocational training, medical education, corporate training, and other specialized fields. From virtual medical simulations for healthcare professionals to virtual reality tours of historical sites for history students, the applications of immersive education are diverse and far-reaching.

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for immersive education are expanding. With the development of more sophisticated VR and AR tools, educators have the opportunity to create even more immersive and interactive learning experiences for their students.

Immersive education represents a transformative shift in the way we approach teaching and learning. By harnessing the power of immersive technologies, educators can create dynamic, engaging, and personalized learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Using AR in Immersive Education 

Augmented Reality has emerged as a transformative technology that is reshaping various industries, with education being at the forefront of its innovative applications. In immersive learning, AR offers a unique and engaging way to enhance traditional educational methods, making learning more interactive, personalized, and effective.

One of the key advantages of integrating AR into immersive learning is its ability to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. By superimposing digital content onto the real world, AR technology enables students to visualize complex concepts in a three-dimensional space, making abstract ideas more tangible and easier to comprehend. For example, students studying anatomy can use AR apps to explore virtual human bodies and interact with different organs, gaining a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

AR enhances student engagement by providing interactive and hands-on learning experiences. Instead of passively consuming information, students can actively participate in educational simulations, experiments, and activities through AR applications. This active involvement not only increases retention rates but also fosters a deeper level of understanding and critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, AR in immersive learning promotes personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. With AR apps, educators can create customized learning paths and adaptive content based on students’ learning styles, preferences, and progress. This personalized approach not only enhances student motivation and interest but also ensures that each learner receives the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Pearson’s VR Nursing Experience

Pearson, a prominent educational publisher, has innovatively created a Virtual Reality Nursing Experience tailored for nursing students to engage in hands-on practice of diverse medical procedures within a secure and monitored setting.

This immersive experience encompasses realistic simulations of essential tasks like wound care, intravenous (IV) insertion, and medication administration.

Through this interactive platform, students have the opportunity to receive immediate feedback and expert guidance, facilitating continuous skill enhancement and bolstering their confidence levels in clinical scenarios.

Walmart’s VR Training Program

Walmart has introduced an innovative VRtraining initiative designed to educate employees across multiple departments, encompassing customer service and compliance training.

This comprehensive program incorporates simulated scenarios that mirror real-world situations employees may face, ranging from handling challenging customers to recognizing workplace hazards. 

The VR training program has demonstrated notable success in enhancing employee engagement, knowledge retention, and skills application, leading to a more proficient and responsive workforce.

Case Western Reserve University’s HoloAnatomy

Case Western Reserve University employs the cutting-edge HoloAnatomy program, leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Microsoft HoloLens AR headset to revolutionize the teaching of anatomy for medical students.

Through this innovative program, students are immersed in a dynamic educational environment where they can visualize intricate 3D holographic representations of the human body.

This interactive approach not only enhances understanding but also elevates the learning experience to a new level of engagement and depth, surpassing the limitations of conventional teaching methods. By integrating AR technology, students can explore anatomy in a way that is both visually captivating and intellectually stimulating, paving the way for a more comprehensive and effective learning journey.

Walmart And Verison’s AR Training Program

Walmart and Verizon have joined forces in a collaborative effort to develop an Augmented Reality training initiative tailored specifically for Walmart employees.

This innovative program comprises engaging and interactive modules designed to educate employees on the latest technology products, including smartphones and smart home devices.

Through the utilization of AR technology, employees can immerse themselves in a dynamic learning environment where they have access to interactive 3D models of the products. This hands-on approach enables employees to explore the features and functionalities of the devices, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively demonstrate and assist customers with these cutting-edge technologies. 

The partnership between Walmart and Verizon underscores a commitment to enhancing employee training and expertise through the integration of AR technology, ultimately fostering a more informed and tech-savvy workforce.

These examples demonstrate how AR/VR can be used to enhance the learning experience in various fields, including healthcare, retail, and technology. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AR/VR in eLearning.

How AR Books Help Children with Autism

Augmented Reality technology has shown promising results in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by providing interactive and engaging educational experiences. AR books, specifically designed for children with autism, have emerged as a valuable tool in improving their learning, communication, and social skills.

• Enhanced Engagement. AR books offer a multisensory learning experience that captivates the attention of children with autism. The interactive and visually stimulating nature of AR content helps in maintaining focus and engagement, which can be challenging for children with ASD.

• Visual Learning. Children with autism often excel in visual learning. AR books leverage visual cues, animations, and interactive elements to present information in a way that is more easily understood by children with autism. This visual approach enhances comprehension and retention of information.

• Personalized Learning. AR books can be customized to cater to the individual needs and preferences of children with autism. Educators and parents can tailor the content, pace, and level of interaction in AR books to match the learning style of each child, promoting personalized learning experiences.

• Social Skills Development. AR books can also aid in the development of social skills for children with autism. Interactive features in AR books encourage communication, turn-taking, and collaboration, providing opportunities for children to practice social interactions in a safe and engaging environment.

• Sensory Integration. Many children with autism experience sensory challenges. AR books offer a controlled sensory environment where children can explore and interact with digital elements at their own pace, helping them improve sensory integration and regulation.

• Motivation and Confidence. The interactive nature of AR books can boost motivation and confidence in children with autism. The sense of achievement and success in interacting with AR content can enhance self-esteem and encourage further learning and exploration.

AR Books By DEVAR

Augmented Reality books play a significant role in supporting children with autism by providing a unique and effective learning tool that enhances engagement, communication, social skills, and sensory integration. By leveraging the benefits of AR technology, educators and parents can create inclusive and interactive learning experiences that empower children with autism to reach their full potential.

At DEVAR, a company specializing in developing augmented reality books, there is a wonderful partner – young Al Dabi Al Meiri, who is a remarkable young Emirati entrepreneur. She started Rainbow Chimney Educational Aids, a bookstore, and publishing house at the age of nine. She has entered the Guinness World Records as the youngest publisher.

Rainbow Chimney has published 17 AR books, catering to different age groups, with a focus on real case studies demonstrating the positive impact of AR technology on children with diverse learning requirements. Apart from this, augmented reality books help children with autism understand the learned material and securely cement it in their memory. You can read more about this in one of our articles.

My Conclusions

AR technology in immersive learning opens up new possibilities for collaborative learning and peer interaction. Students can work together in virtual environments, solve problems, and engage in group projects, regardless of their physical location. This fosters teamwork, communication skills, and social interaction, essential components of a well-rounded education.

Harnessing AR in immersive learning has the potential to revolutionize education by making learning more interactive, engaging, and effective. By leveraging the power of AR technology, educators can create immersive learning experiences that inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and empower students to become lifelong learners in the digital age.

…and what it all came to.

Of course, Karen perceived my words about immersive education somewhat skeptically. It is challenging to convince someone to do things differently when they are accustomed to and understand the old ways. Oh, the great power of habit!

I chose not to argue with her, allowing her to reflect on everything thoroughly, and returned to my office. There, I was literally ambushed by Chloe Jamal, my friend and colleague in creative development.

“Oh, these gadgets and modern technologies!” she exclaimed.

“And what about them?” I immediately became alert, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

“They are amazing! That’s what about them,” she laughed and told me how they conducted a classic experiment with a volcano, vinegar, and baking soda with her younger brother. Then, using augmented reality, they explored volcanic processes using a realistic 3D model.

“He must have been thrilled, I presume?” I smiled.

“Absolutely! And why didn’t we have such cool stuff when I was studying? Exploring everything from different perspectives is much clearer and more interesting.”

All I could do was agree with that statement.

Sincerely yours, Sean Cooper

Every day we are rapidly plunging into the world of the future, about which the visionaries of the past wrote with enthusiasm.

Recently, a friend of ours recalled a story:

For many years, I used to buy small gadgets. All very necessary. And all exclusively for work: phone, camera, router, laptop, printer, and scanner. A substantial pile of boxes had formed. We engaged in a conversation with the salesman.

“Do you have any device that can take photos, make calls, view pictures of documents, and send them to others? It would be great if we could also watch movies and listen to music.”

“No,” replied the salesman. “There are no such devices. It’s already some kind of space-age technology. They won’t invent anything like that in our lifetime for sure. Maybe in a hundred years – yes. But not now…”

A year later, the first smartphone with a camera was released.

Now all these huge boxes and gadgets easily fit inside one smartphone. Familiar, understandable, and necessary. And no one, of course, has any associations with space-age technologies anymore.

Crossing the threshold, we are greeted by a smart home system. The refrigerator reminds us of proper nutrition, and the watch on our wrist tracks our pulse, monitors sleep, diet, and even suggests stretching if we sit in one place for too long.

Kettles have long learned to heat water to the perfect temperature for different purposes and notify us on our smartphones. You can even play games with them!

Robot vacuum cleaners tidy up our homes, and smart speakers chat with us about the weather, give us the latest news, and pick out our favorite music that suits our mood or daily rhythm.

We gladly accept help from technology in our daily lives, unloading our brains already overloaded with information. Life becomes easier, but at the same time, richer, faster, more interesting, and more productive.

Fear of New Technologies

As our consultant Sean Cooper has already mentioned in one of his articles, being afraid of new technologies is normal. It is a part of our consciousness.

However, such fear does not mean that we should not try to experiment and look for convenient and effective approaches. In the age of technology and information, we have thousands of opportunities, but our brain remains the same as it was a thousand years ago. It is not eager to overexert itself. Instead of rejecting something, we can create many assistants to help it. Not only in our daily routines but also in our work.

While some may have concerns about the use of AI due to the potential replacement of human jobs, it is important to understand that AI is a tool to enhance work and assist people, not replace them.

Proper use and implementation of AI can bring significant benefits to both businesses and employees, so there is no need to fear using AI at work. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth and development.

Opportunities of AI

The emergence of AI has brought us a plethora of new possibilities and prospects:

• Automation and process optimization. AI enables the automation of routine tasks, speeding up production processes and enhancing business efficiency. For instance, in manufacturing, AI can manage assembly processes, optimize inventory, and handle supply chains.

• Improvement in medical diagnostics. AI can assist doctors in diagnosing illnesses, analyzing medical images, and predicting treatment outcomes. This leads to more precise diagnoses and enhances the quality of medical care.

• Personalized experiences for consumers. AI is used to analyze consumer data and create personalized recommendations. For example, music streaming platforms utilize AI to suggest songs and artists based on user preferences.

• Trend and behavior forecasting. AI can analyze vast amounts of data and uncover hidden patterns. This helps companies forecast market trends, predict consumer behavior, and make more informed business decisions.

• Development of autonomous systems. AI is employed in developing autonomous systems such as self-driving cars and drones. These systems can make decisions independently based on their environment and sensor data.

• Enhancement of security. AI is utilized for detecting fraud, cyberattacks, and other threats. Machine learning systems can analyze data and identify anomalies, aiding in safeguarding information and ensuring security.

These are just a few of the myriad new possibilities that have arisen due to the advancement of AI. Each of these areas continues to evolve, offering new perspectives and potential for innovation across various aspects of life.

It may seem like a no-brainer to leverage all these benefits of the new world. However, many modern individuals are reluctant to work with AI, and each person has their own reasons for this. Some consider it unethical to use borrowed labor, some fear for their skills and future career, and some simply do not understand how to work with all of this at all.

AI: Enemies or Helpers?

AI will not replace humans. But it will significantly ease their lives. That is why it is better to treat it not as a cunning invader, but as a helper. Not as a competitor, not as a divine all-knowing machine, not as a magical wonder, but as a tool that can help you work faster, but not do it for you.

And since AI is a helper, in this case, it is worth considering it as a full-fledged worker. Today, we will look at the roles of such giants’ assistants as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and StableAudio.

It is with them that our team works more frequently and extensively.

We have prepared brief profiles for each participant. In them, we tried to consider both strengths and weaknesses. The participants themselves cannot attend the interview, so we will do it for them.

ChatGPT

Name: ChatGPT

Date of Birth: November 30, 2022

Parents: OpenAI

Occupation: Versatile talent in all fields

Hobbies: Creating new algorithms, robotics (he said it himself!)

Dislikes: Illogicality

Strengths: Speed, objectivity, broad knowledge, multilingual, accessibility

Weaknesses: Can sometimes invent events that did not happen, easily swayed, may slightly lie and not even realize it

The halo of his fame is so wide that it becomes quite challenging to spot other networks. And no wonder, as the chat is a real jack-of-all-trades. He can write code, reply to emails, suggest ideas, and even substitute for a search engine. It’s easier to say what he can’t do.

Naturally, we first tested this wonder. Clumsily, with trembling hands, we entered our queries and received… something. Spark, storm, misunderstanding. We talked about one thing, and it was about something else entirely. But through trial and error, with advice from the book “Conversations with Robot Invaders for Dummies” and a sea of friendliness, we eventually found a common language.

He learned from us, and we learned from him. Sometimes ChatGPT literally pulled us out of creative blocks, and sometimes amused us with blatantly implausible information.

And he also writes scripts and translates into different languages quite well.

DALL-E

We talked about the common inspirer, and now the performer steps onto the stage.

An artist who never drank water from the paint instead of tea, never cut a finger with a sheet of paper, and never lost a pencil behind his ear. But for whom the fear of a blank canvas is unknown. Let’s welcome DALL-E!

Name: DALL-E

Date of Birth: January 5, 2021

Parents: OpenAI

Occupation: Artist of all trades

Hobbies: Experimenting with styles

Dislikes: Being asked to draw in a single style, doesn’t remember faces

Strengths: Rich imagination

Weaknesses: Do not ask to draw hands. Ever!

Unlike the no less famous Midjourney, this neural network is more about advertising materials, banners, photos, and concepts. It excels in illustrating articles, providing references for artists, creating conceptual visualizations for future projects, and so on.

Of course, this neural network cannot replace a real artist, designer, illustrator, or creator. But it can help them choose a palette or composition, inspire an unexpected approach, or test a creative hypothesis.

StableAudio

Well, can a robot write a symphony? The question can be considered closed. Not without the help and imagination of a person, of course, but the neural networks have learned to compose music. As they can.

Name: StableAudio

Date of Birth: August 2023

Parents: Stability AI

Occupation: Musician on all instruments

Hobbies: Creating short tracks

Dislikes: Sometimes gets too carried away with sound effects

Strengths: Knowledgeable in various music styles

Weaknesses: May add a ghostly choir where you least expect it, won’t really write a long symphony

An interesting assistant for creating short musical tracks and effects. Even someone far from music can select the desired music with the help of hints and examples. Of course, experimentation will be necessary, trying different queries, maybe delving into terms, or requesting help from ChatGPT.

Your ears may slightly protest such experiments; you may hear ghostly voices in the background, but in return, you will hear how the northern forest sounds and the glimmers of sunlight.

This neural network is ideal for accompanying short videos and background sounds. The downside is that you cannot reprocess the resulting track by adding a few strokes. But fast work and convenient text input soften this inconvenience.

We have introduced our little helpers. As you can see, they have both strengths and weaknesses. But it is in our hands to teach them to fit our needs and make them our third hand. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment and smile at every result.

A Small Piece of Advice

A general piece of advice for all AI: before hastily typing your query into the search bar, formulate the question in your mind. Now, imagine each word of the query separately. Are there any words among them that can be understood in a double or even triple sense?

Humans possess abstract thinking, but AI does not. This is often what hinders us when working with it. We are accustomed to the idea that even if we don’t finish a sentence, mix up words, or provide an analogy or association, we will still be understood. However, AI has its own language and thinking. It cannot understand us in the same way yet.

It is us who must change our way of thinking because we are capable of it, while neural networks are not yet.

Do not be afraid to embrace new technologies! After all, AI can significantly increase work productivity by executing tasks more quickly and accurately. For example, AI can aid in process optimization, reduce task completion time, and enhance work quality.

Furthermore, companies that successfully integrate AI into their operations can become more competitive in the market by improving the efficiency of business processes, enhancing product quality, and offering more innovative services.

Not to mention that working with AI can help employees develop new skills and competencies, such as data handling, analytics, machine learning, and other technologies, which can be beneficial for their career advancement.

Before you is the personal story of Sean Cooper, the creative director of a well-known marketing agency, the name of which, for understandable reasons, we cannot disclose.

In this article, he shares his thoughts, ideas, and research on the use of augmented reality (AR) in museums. Here you will find numerous real examples and inspiring facts about how museums are already using AR and what prospects await them in the future.

What it all started with… 

When I was a little boy, I found visiting museums to be a rather boring activity.

But, of course, there was an exception to this rule. Dinosaurs! Huge skeletons displayed in equally huge museum halls excited my mind and imagination. I would sit next to them for a long time, dreaming of seeing them in real life. To observe how they move, eat, and interact with each other.

I imagined that someday there would definitely be amazing museums of the future where I could see all of this firsthand.

But, please, not like in “Jurassic Park,” thank you very much!

In my dreams, I was not alone. Honestly, there wasn’t much interactivity in museums at that time. You could read labels, talk to the guide, or play archaeologist in a sandbox filled with toy bones.

Boring.

This, of course, is nothing compared to what, for example, The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. offers these days!

Of course, they are not dinosaurs (which is very unfortunate!), but these cuties look just as cool. If you have been to this museum, you probably recognize this place. It’s the Bone Hall, one of its oldest and most loved displays in the museum. Many skeletons have been exhibited here since as far back as 1881!

And how cool is it that the people who work here didn’t treat this ancient exhibition conservatively and traditionally, but instead tried to find new interesting solutions for it. Solutions that not only engage visitors but also allow them to delve even deeper into the subject they are exploring.

To bring the skeletons to life, users will have to download a special app, through which 13 skeletons come alive using augmented reality technology, growing bones and muscles and starting to move.

Visitors will not only see a skeleton, like that of a vampire bat, but also witness how it takes flight.

“This app is all about sharing some of the untold stories behind one of the museum’s most iconic collections,” said Robert Costello, the producer of the app and national outreach program manager at the Museum of Natural History.

This is interesting. This is truly amazing! Although it’s a bit of a shame that it’s not web AR. In my opinion, research would be much faster and easier if it didn’t require downloading a separate app.

Actually, the topic of using AR in museums caught my interest precisely after watching this video. And I thought, “Sean, this is a great topic for an article!” Because museums are simply a treasure trove of endless ideas, interactivity, learning, and inspiration.

There is so much that can be imagined here! Unusual, cool, exciting, and inspiring… But let’s start, as usual, with research.

AR Resurrection: AR in Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle

This beautiful museum is located in Paris. In many sources, it is referred to as a pioneer in the use of augmented reality. I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but their project is truly amazing.

So, what have they done? Using modern technologies, they offered their visitors a unique opportunity to come face to face with digital copies of animals that are no longer possible to encounter in our world.

This project has a very stylish and mesmerizing name, “REVIVRE,” which translates to “To Live Again.”

I don’t know about you, but all of this gives me goosebumps.

Augmented Reality Art Gallery 2021

Do you think you can only bring animals to life? Well, think again! The bold British project, Art of London, literally spilled art onto the streets of London’s West End using augmented reality.

Moreover, many leading galleries in London have come together to display a curation of their most beloved classic art pieces outdoors. This exhibition is in a free and accessible environment for all. They are using augmented reality to present the public with the art gallery of the future.

A huge free digital exhibition stretched from Trafalgar Square to Green Park, offering to explore a fascinating curation of masterpieces. Works from the likes of the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, and Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year were displayed for all to see. This allowed residents and visitors of the city to touch art beyond the walls of museums and galleries.

In my opinion, both the idea and its execution in this project were top-notch!

AR Interactive: AR in the National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore has created a beautiful immersive installation that is truly a living fairy tale!

The exhibition, titled “Story of the Forest,” focused on 69 images from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. These images were transformed into three-dimensional animations that visitors could interact with.

Of course, visitors had to download a separate app here as well, but for the magic happening around, I won’t even grumble about it this time.

Users were invited to stroll through the exhibition and discover various animals and plants depicted in the paintings, “catch” them, and add them to a special collection.

Yes, it does seem familiar to you. It really does resemble Pokémon Go. But it’s such a clear and fun interactive experience for the whole family, so why not?

AR and Double Exposure: AR in Seattle Art Museum

The title of this exhibition held at the Seattle Art Museum speaks for itself: “Double Exposure.” In my opinion, it sounds really great because behind one painting, there is a hidden second one. And it comes to life thanks to augmented reality technology.

Pocket AR Museum: AR in the Cleveland Museum of Art

Here is another example of an excellent interactive experience for the whole family! The Cleveland Museum of Art came up with using augmented reality technology in conjunction with Xbox Kinect, and here is what they have achieved from it:

With the application, your smartphone will turn into a museum companion. It will also give you the opportunity to explore and create without leaving home. This means you can both come to the museum and leave with it at home, and then take it with you wherever you want.

Isn’t that great?

AR Engagement: AR in the Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario, in collaboration with digital artist Alex Mayhew, pondered on the fact that in the age of gadgets and modern technologies, people are in such a rush to consume information that even art – especially static art such as paintings – is consumed too quickly.

We pass by without taking the time to delve into the narrative, appreciate its meaning, or savor the aftertaste of realization.

So, with the help of AR, Mayhew reimagined some of the existing pieces in the collection and created a project called ReBlink, hoping to engage exhibition visitors through modern technologies. And it… worked.

According to the AGO’s Interpretive Planner Shiralee Hudson Hill, 84% of visitors to this exhibition reported feeling engaged with the art. 39% looked again at the images after using the app.

In my opinion, this is excellent evidence that our world is changing. We think and act differently, but it’s neither bad nor good. It’s simply a new stage in our development and perception of reality.

I have already reflected on this in my previous article about the future we are not prepared for. We should not fear change, but rather act proactively. And this project is a great confirmation of that.

AR Time Travel: AR in the Kennedy Space Centre

So, we have seen how augmented reality brings animal skeletons to life and resurrects species that we may never see again. We have seen how AR can create an art exhibition on the city streets and provide entertainment for the whole family in a museum. We have seen how AR captivates visitors’ attention.

What else can AR do? Ha-ha, how about time travel?

The Heroes and Legends exhibit at the Kennedy Space Centre is a great example of how AR can help museum visitors better understand historical events by making them participants in history. Here, through AR technologies, visitors can witness a key moment in the history of the American space program.

Visitors will not only observe the daring flight of astronaut Gene Cernan, who made the second spacewalk in history, which he himself called “a spacewalk from hell.” (I remind you that during the flight, his spacesuit overheated, causing him to go into an uncontrolled spin without the ability to see). But also to hear his voice, his comments, and his experiences.

Additionally, at this exhibition, you can encounter numerous AR holograms. So, visitors will be able to hear the stories of famous NASA employees, told in their own words.

And this is a very powerful and engaging project!

AR Reconstruction: AR in Roman City of Carnuntum

The team at the Roman City of Carnuntum decided that with the help of AR, they could not only travel to the past but also literally reconstruct historical monuments.

Based on the scientific results of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology, they built a digital model of the gladiator school in Carnuntum.

A completely new approach to visiting historical monuments, isn’t it?

AR Guide: AR in Museum of Celtic Heritage

The Museum of Celtic Heritage came up with an AR guide back in 2018, which accompanies visitors and tells them interesting facts. The project was aptly named: “The Speaking Celt.”

The graphics may seem a bit naive, but it’s a great idea for tours. Especially for children’s tours.

My Conclusions about AR in Museums

In the digital age, museums are constantly exploring innovative ways to engage and educate visitors. One powerful tool that has revolutionized the museum experience is Augmented Reality. AR seamlessly blends the physical world with digital content, offering a new dimension to storytelling and interaction within museum spaces.

I believe this technology has the potential to transform the way we engage with and experience museums. By leveraging AR technology, museums can create dynamic, interactive, and inclusive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of modern audiences. As AR continues to evolve, its integration into museums will undoubtedly shape the future of cultural institutions worldwide.

But who am I kidding? The use of AR is shaping the future of museums right now.

Just look at the myriad possibilities that AR technology offers: engaging visitors, surprising them, delving deeper into exploration, inspiring, transporting them to the past, entertaining, making museums more accessible, and so much more!

Moreover, it is truly in demand. In a 2018 survey of over 21,000 consumers conducted by Accenture, the AR use case with the highest demand was “learning more about a place they are visiting.”

People love to explore, to know more, to dive deeper. And AR can help them do so in an engaging and impressive way.

What Does the Statistics Say?

According to a study published in 2022, “AR technology can trigger users’ engagement, learning, meaningful experience, and emotional connection, and hence arouse their interest and learning process.”

This study also showed that AR can make the environment more informal and the information perception process more engaging.

The combination of AR technology with storytelling, 3D models, and animation not only enhances motivation and interest in learning but also encourages people to a higher level of the learning process.

Thus, AR technology allows visitors to actively participate in the museum experience and create rich interactions with exhibits. This significantly stimulates the emotional connection between visitors and exhibits during the museum exploration process.

Another equally interesting study on this topic states the following: “The museum is an open space for the preservation of knowledge and culture. Although defined as a space of perpetual learning, it still contributes to the popularization of knowledge. Furthermore, the museum gradually integrates augmented reality in the exhibitions to enhance visitors’ educational experience, which has transformed traditional education.

A pleasant learning surrounding can make learning more effective, and augmented reality is a catalyst for a pleasant learning surrounding. to experience the museum autonomously”. 

I think comments are unnecessary here.

Apple Vision Pro and AR in Museums

And again about Apple Vision Pro. I can’t bypass this topic. Especially in the context of discussing museums. Since the headset’s release, the entire art community has been discussing its incredible potential for use.

The point is that the headset’s impressive computational capabilities and ultra-high-definition graphics, praised by critical technology experts, allow artists and developers to display their work with unmatched clarity. This encompasses images, 3D models, videos, and virtual environments at an exceptionally high resolution, appearing free of pixels.

This will not only take art to a whole new level but also open up previously unimaginable possibilities for exhibitions and museums. It will further blur the boundaries between exhibits and digital content.

Why is Web AR better than an app?

One key benefit of Web AR is its ease of access. Users can engage with AR experiences directly through a web browser without the need for downloading and installing a separate app. This eliminates the barrier of entry for users who may be hesitant to download new apps, making AR content more readily available to a wider audience.

Additionally, Web AR provides a seamless and frictionless experience for users. They can instantly access AR content without taking up storage space on their devices. With Web AR, users can simply scan a QR code or click on a link to launch the AR experience quickly and efficiently. This convenience and immediacy make Web AR a more user-friendly option compared to traditional app-based AR solutions.

…and what it all came to.

I constantly talk about how the world is changing, and I suppose you might be getting a little tired of it. So this time, I will say the following: no matter how much the world changes, what remains unchanged are sincere emotions and insatiable human curiosity.

We yearn to explore, experiment, immerse ourselves, compare, discover, be charmed, be amazed, relate, understand, learn. All of this can be provided by information. But there is a vast chasm, as deep as the Mariana Trench, between dry and dull information and information that turns our perception of reality upside down.

No matter what goal a museum sets for itself, whether it’s education, preservation of history, memory, sparking interest, advertising, or seeking commercial support, all of these objectives will be enhanced by the use of augmented reality in the exhibition. The incorporation of augmented reality can amplify the educational experience for visitors, enhance the preservation and presentation of historical artifacts, spark increased interest and engagement from the public, boost promotional efforts, and potentially attract commercial support for the museum’s initiatives.

Maps, guides, animated paintings, interactive scenes – all of this is real and available right now. Just like my childhood dream of a living dinosaur.

Sincerely yours, Sean Cooper

Before you is the personal story of Sean Cooper, the creative director of a well-known marketing agency, the name of which, for understandable reasons, we cannot disclose.

In this article, he shares his thoughts, ideas, and research on how people resisted new technologies that still managed to infiltrate their lives and turn them upside down. He also discusses how AR and new gadgets like Apple Vision Pro can completely transform the approach to online commerce.

What it all started with… 

My nephew Chris is two years old, and he knows how to use a smartphone better than me. I swear, sometimes I don’t even notice such amazing gadget usage in adults. Chris was literally born with a smartphone in his hands. And this has made him more adapted to the world of the future than you and me.

Let’s skip the details of upbringing. Although even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long allowed children to play with gadgets. Yes, they don’t recommend giving them to children under 18 months and advise watching only high-quality content. Only together with parents, and preferably not more than an hour a day, of course.

But… let’s be honest, in 2011 they didn’t even allow that. Complete ban on gadgets until the age of two or even more. And no TV!

Are we afraid that children will become smarter than us? Well, there’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of here! Because they will become smarter anyway.

But what is much more important, in my opinion, is what will happen to us? To me, to my colleagues and friends who were not fortunate enough to be born with a smartphone. Will we be ready for the world of the future and the changes it will bring to our everyday lives? Or will we simply remain observers with a dumb and clueless look?

If you have already read my previous article about QR codes, you may remember my conversation with my good friend and colleague in creative development, Chloe Jamal. She told me about the fear of change. How the human mind is structured in such a way that it simultaneously harbors two conflicting vectors. One is geared towards stability, while the other is focused on change and growth.

Surely, many of you also have moments when, upon updating a familiar application, you think, “Damn! Did they change the interface again? The previous one was better!” No, well, sometimes the previous one really could have been better. And sometimes we simply feel discomfort because we have to get used to something new again. Or the layout of products in the nearest store has changed, and you weren’t prepared for it. Innovations almost always annoy us, don’t they?

For example, not long ago, I was angry and dismayed. Because the menu at my favorite restaurant was replaced with a boring black-and-white QR code. And that’s when Chloe told me, “You know, Sean, desiring stability and not wanting anything to change is a normal human strategy. After all, change is very difficult. The old and familiar order is already established and predictable, while changes bring chaos into life. We cannot control them, and that’s why we are afraid.”

Back then, I didn’t understand it, but now I fully realize that Chloe was right. Most of us are so afraid of change that sometimes, even unconsciously, we hinder our own opportunities for further development. Moreover, this can be related to practically anything! Starting from our attitude towards the world around us, friendships, partnerships, fashion, and of course, our attitude towards technological progress.

Oh, this relentless technological progress! Centuries go by, and people still want to pitchfork the latest creation of evolution. Do you think that artificial intelligence or robots are the first invention that people have been afraid of?

Ha! Ha! And ha again! I bet that humanity has been dealing with this since the invention of fire. We will never be ready for the future. Because it always arrives suddenly. Almost like tornado season.

Now, I will provide a few historical examples to back up my statement and not just rely on empty words.

Very, Very Scary Technologies

The buzz around neural networks has surely not passed you by. Some feared losing their jobs, while others were horrified by the increasing reach of AI, depriving people of the need to create, think, and analyze.

But do you think this is the only modern horror story? Well, think again!

In recent times, there has been a growing body of research indicating that social media is significantly influencing the neurological functioning of our younger generation. This has caused considerable concern and public outcry regarding the addictive nature of technological products. Furthermore, the popular television series “Black Mirror” has drawn attention to the alarming and dystopian risks associated with the use of technology in our lives.

The World Health Organization is actively investigating the potential link between Wi-Fi and the development of cancer, amplifying anxieties surrounding the safety of wireless networks. Harvard University has also expressed mounting apprehension about the impact of the Internet on privacy, highlighting the need to address the growing concerns surrounding online personal information security. Moreover, Microsoft has released a book that serves as a warning to society about the potential dangers of AI, emphasizing the need for caution and responsible development of this technology.

Should we tremble in fear? Well, there is absolutely nothing new about it. On the contrary, if we dig a little into the history of our ancestors, we will realize how ridiculous the fears of previous generations seem now.

Writing Impairs Our Memory

Have you heard of Socrates? He was a renowned ancient Greek philosopher who lived in the 5th century BCE. A great thinker and the founder of modern philosophy, Socrates had such a significant impact that ancient Greek philosophy is divided into “pre-Socratic” and “Socratic” periods. Quite impressive, isn’t it?

Here’s another interesting fact about Socrates: he despised writing. Yes, you heard it right. I said, “Socrates hated writing.” He made a conscious effort to never put his thoughts on paper because he firmly believed it would lead to a deterioration of memory. 

In “The Phaedrus,” written by Plato, there is a dialogue between Socrates and Phaedrus. Socrates shares the tale of the god Theuth, also known as Ammon, who presents the king Thamus with the gift of writing. Among other things, Thamus says: “…for this discovery of yours will create forgetfulness in the learners’ souls, because they will not use their memories; they will trust to the external written characters and not remember of themselves. “

Sorry, but… what?

Dependence on writing, how about that?

Fortunately, his views did not gain widespread acceptance and support from society. Otherwise, the need to orally recite every article or blog post would not only be incredibly burdensome but also drive half of humanity to madness.

Of course, I won’t argue with the fact that our brain is designed in such a clever way that it can easily choose to forget something simply because it knows it doesn’t need to remember it. It seems to be called the Zeigarnik effect (but I don’t remember that for sure, hehe).

And it is true that capturing information in writing can relax us and sometimes even cool us down a little. However, writing is one of the greatest inventions of humanity. And that is an undeniable fact.

Books Overwhelm Us With Information

Conrad Gessner, a renowned Swiss biologist during the 16th century, expressed strong disapproval towards the invention of the printing press. He believed that this revolutionary technology would inevitably lead to an overwhelming influx of information, which he considered would cause immense harm to humanity.

In order to raise awareness about the potential consequences, Gessner dedicated his efforts to informing society about the urgent need for action. His primary concern was to protect the public from the negative effects of what he perceived as an excessive and confusing abundance of books. He emphasized the importance of controlling the trade and distribution of books as a means to alleviate the potential burden of information overload on the general public.

However, was the issue really about books themselves? In essence, Gessner’s apprehension reflected a cautious approach towards the rapid advancement of technology and its potential consequences. The printing press would have made books more accessible, thus altering the established social order. Therefore, it is likely that Gessner’s fear of the unrestricted flow of information leading to confusion and harm for society contributed to his stance.

Rather than embracing the printing press as a tool for disseminating knowledge, Gessner advocated for the intervention of monarchs to regulate the distribution of printed materials. This, in my view, represents a narrow-minded approach to technology.

Electricity Poses a Deadly Danger to Us

During the emergence of electricity in the 19th century, there was a widespread fear and apprehension among many individuals regarding its usage. This fear extended even to influential figures such as U.S. President Benjamin Harrison. It is rumored that Harrison was so afraid of being electrocuted that he had the White House staff handle the task of turning the lights on and off for him. This instance highlights the deep-seated concerns surrounding the potential deadly dangers of this new technology.

The public’s trepidation towards electricity was not limited to high-ranking officials alone. Ordinary citizens experienced equal, if not greater, fear. They were even hesitant to install electric doorbells when they were initially introduced. The unfamiliarity and perceived risks associated with electricity made people reluctant to adopt these new innovations.

It is intriguing to contemplate how astonished these individuals would be if they were to witness the ubiquitous presence of electricity in modern times. From lighting our homes and powering our devices to running industries and transportation systems, electricity has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. It has surpassed the initial fears and reservations that surrounded its introduction. And this is truly remarkable!

Personally, I am not ready to part with my robotic vacuum cleaner, microwave, and the wonderful widescreen plasma TV in our living room.

Radio Drives Us Crazy

In 1936, Gramophone, a music magazine, expressed its concerns about the advent of radio, drawing parallels to the criticisms faced by reading and writing. Interestingly, the magazine opposed radio because it believed that radio diminished the significance of these activities, which the 20th century widely regarded as positive.

Radio had a tendency to captivate children, leading them to divide their attention between mundane school assignments and the captivating excitement of the loudspeaker, according to the magazine. Moreover, it noted that children often experienced restlessness, fear, and nightmares influenced by mystery stories when exposed to radio at night. People have raised similar arguments against nearly every new technology that has emerged, including video games, the Internet, and texting.

For instance, critics have criticized video games for their potential to distract children from academic pursuits, leading to a perceived decline in educational performance. People have also raised concerns about the Internet, fearing that excessive screen time and online interactions may lead to social isolation and a decline in face-to-face communication skills. Additionally, the advent of texting has prompted debates about its impact on language proficiency, as well as concerns about the potential negative effects of constant connectivity on individuals’ mental health.

Email Damages Our IQ

This is one of my favorite and most absurd statements. In April 2005, CNN published an article about the harm of email. The title, and I’m not joking, was “E-mails hurt IQ more than pot.”

Ha, really?

In their article, they reference a “certain British study” (oh, those ubiquitous British researchers) that claims “workers distracted by phone calls, emails, and text messages suffer a greater loss of IQ than a person smoking marijuana.”

Following that are some rather confusing pieces of evidence, and the funniest part is a quote from a certain David Smith of Hewlett Packard. 

Wait, hold on. Hewlett Packard. That sounds familiar. Aren’t they the ones who make printers, hmm?

My Conclusions about Technology Fears

“Okay, okay, Sean,” you might say. “Socrates hated writing, people were afraid of doorbells, and they believed that email could lower their IQ. But where the hell are you going with this?”

Well, I’m just pondering about the future and our readiness for it. Remember where I started my story? My nephew Chris is two years old, and he knows how to use a smartphone better than me.

And a smartphone is just the beginning. The world is constantly introducing a multitude of new gadgets and technologies that we don’t even know how to approach. But in reality, it’s only a matter of time before our children master them and make them part of their daily routine.

In ten to fifteen years, people just like Chris will become cool, financially capable members of society. They will come to us for services, expecting us to be able to communicate with them in their language, while all we can offer is grumbling about how gadgets have ruined the youth of today.

Just kidding! Most likely, all of this will happen much sooner.

What, don’t believe me? Then let me give you an example of something that nobody believed in either. And then it simply wove itself into our familiar world and turned it upside down.

Have you already guessed what I’m talking about? Bingo. I’m talking about the Internet.

The Internet Was Not Supposed to Happen… 

…but it did. 

The pre-1995 perceptions of the Internet were shaped by a mix of excitement, skepticism, and uncertainty. It was a time of exploration and debate, as individuals and society as a whole tried to comprehend the scope and implications of this transformative force.

In any case, that’s how it is written about in modern media. There’s also a popular saying that most people didn’t believe in the Internet and its commercial success. In reality, the situation was much more prosaic.

Before 1995, hardly anyone talked about the Internet because only a very small percentage of people actually understood what it was. Seriously, try explaining this monster to people who live by completely different rules.

To write letters or articles, people used typewriters. Well, or they wrote them by hand. They listened to music on the radio or on vinyl records or cassettes. And people would go to the cinema or simply watch what was shown on television to watch a movie. Yes, and there was no Netflix!

They went to the store to buy groceries and only paid in cash. And for socializing, they went to the park, bar, or nightclub. Of course, they had no concept that someday social networks could appear, connecting not only people from the same city but people from all over the world.

How do you think one could explain the concept of the Internet to these people? They were not at all prepared for it.

In 1995, Windows made the decision to transition to graphics, and online services began connecting to the Internet. It was a real revolution!

And here we are. What’s next?

I’m ready to bet, now it’s going to be a little unexpected. Or maybe not.

Apple Vision Pro and Online Commerce

I just couldn’t ignore the buzz around this device, augmented reality, and what we are absolutely not ready for. And, of course, we are not ready for the future.

The folks at Apple offered us a computer that is completely different from what we are accustomed to. And why should it be any different, really?

This gadget gives its users boundless freedom of self-expression. It practically screams, “The whole world is now your canvas! Create, modify, invent, explore.” Isn’t that a fascinating idea? To me, it’s simply marvelous.

But here’s the thing… is the world itself ready for it?

Let’s take, for example, my favorite topic: online commerce. So, there you are. You have a wonderful online store that brings you quite a good profit. Everything is great in this online store: design, usability, product presentation, the review and payment system, pop-up ads, online consultants, and so on.

By the way, your online store’s layout is perfectly adapted for different devices: laptops, smartphones, tablets… But can users view it in AR?

Most likely, no. Because you did not anticipate such a turn of events and were not prepared for it. No one was.

But here it is, the new gadget, the computer of the future. The more people buy and use it, the more they will actively engage with the content that it offers

And that means, no matter how wonderful and competitive your online store is under the current conditions, adding one more variable to the equation ― and voila! ― everything instantly changes.

Think about it, because something similar happened to the stores that refused to create their own website during the heyday of the Internet.

…and what it all came to.

Throughout history, the introduction of innovative technologies has frequently sparked concerns about potential negative effects on individuals and society. These concerns are not without merit, as excessive or inappropriate use of technology can indeed have negative consequences. It is crucial to find a balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining healthy habits and lifestyles.

The initial concerns and criticisms directed towards new technologies often subside over time as societies adapt and find ways to leverage their advantages while minimizing their drawbacks. It is important to approach technological advancements with an open mind, acknowledging both the potential benefits and challenges they present, and working towards responsible and informed usage to ensure a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.

So, I have a nephew named Chris. He’s only two years old, but he can already use a smartphone better than me. And believe me, there are many Chrises like him all over the country ― no, not just the country, but all over the world! 

Give someone like Chris an Apple Vision Pro or any other modern gadget or technology like AR that still seems unfamiliar to us, and he will effortlessly incorporate them into his life. Moreover, he won’t be able to imagine reality any other way.

I personally have witnessed how children playing with augmented reality books then expect augmented reality from every book. In their worldview, it’s just natural.

Just like for us, sending an email, searching something on the Internet, or visiting the website of our favorite store to make online purchases and pay with a card is second nature.

Therefore, if you feel that you’re not ready for the future that’s coming, think about it. You still have time to adapt properly to it starting right now.

Sincerely yours, Sean Cooper

P.S. In my next article, I will try to delve much deeper and provide much more detailed insights into what exactly awaits us in the field of AR commerce in the near future.

Believe it or not, books with augmented reality (AR) not only exist but are also extremely popular. Their circulation exceeds the circulation of other books on similar topics and genres by tens of times.

AR and books (as well as comics, coloring books, postcards, and other printed materials) form a powerful combination that opens up new possibilities for storytelling, learning, and engagement. 

Surely each of us has at least once dreamed of a book coming to life. Not in the form of a movie or animation, where the story is already completely invented and visualized for us, but in the form of the same book that still tells us a story, leaving room for our imagination.

Unlike movies or computer games, books give us a unique opportunity to not just be spectators but guests and even participants in the adventures unfolding on their pages. So how can we preserve this important role of books while making them even more magical and technological? In other words, how can we give a book a new life without changing its essence? The answer is simple: using AR in books

We have prepared 15 cool tips and ideas that will change your perception of books and guide you on how to implement augmented reality in publishing, creativity, and education.

Are you ready for amazing discoveries? Then let’s move on to the tips!

Tip 1: The Good Book Starts with an AR Cover

People don’t fall in love with a book based on its cover, but they do choose it precisely because of it.

Traditional book covers often rely on static images or illustrations, but with augmented reality, these covers can come alive. Imagine a fantasy novel with a dragon on the cover that suddenly starts breathing fire or a thriller book with a mysterious figure that moves in response to the reader’s touch. These dynamic and interactive covers instantly grab attention and create a sense of excitement, making them irresistibly cool.

Animated augmented reality book covers take storytelling to a whole new level. They allow readers to interact with the cover itself, providing a glimpse into the narrative before even opening the book. For example, a cover depicting a spaceship can transform into a virtual cockpit, allowing readers to explore the ship’s controls or view a short animated scene from the story.

This interactive element adds depth to the storytelling experience, immersing readers in the world of the book and fostering a stronger connection with the characters and plot. 

Learn more about AR covers in one of our articles.

Tip 2: Use the Right Genres for AR Books

Genres define the trends and mood of the book market, and AR amplifies it multiple times.

While augmented reality can enhance any book, certain genres lend themselves particularly well to this technology. For example, children’s books, fantasy novels, and educational texts can be greatly enriched with AR elements.

Children’s books can come to life with interactive characters and animations, while fantasy novels can transport readers into immersive worlds. Educational texts can use AR to provide additional information or interactive quizzes. By selecting the right genres, you can maximize the impact of AR in your books.

Tip 3: Experiment with Content in AR Books

The more experiments you conduct, the more unique and successful discoveries you make. Dare to be bold!

Books with augmented reality offer a fantastic modern concept that allows you to expand the boundaries of how a book is perceived, make it more useful and visual, turn it into a true wonder, and stand out from competitors.

It’s also a creative discovery that gives your book a voice, music, magic, and depth.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and tracking. Bring illustrations to life by adding 3D models, videos, animations, and educational games (AR on a Flat Image), or let book characters step into the real world (AR in the Real World). Dress up the reader according to the plot or theme using Masks and Face Filters, or enhance the reading experience by hiding magical QR codes throughout the pages.

Tip 4: Make Reader A Co-Author And Director

Every reader dreams of becoming the hero of the story, so just give them a chance.

Readers will someday be able to create their own avatars and literally go inside a story in order to help develop a character, interact with other readers or characters, share experiences, move through time, compete for prizes, and even influence the plot.

The first steps in this direction have already been taken. In 2021 alone, digital strategies with AR and gaming experiences helped generate billions in revenue. Examples include a role-playing game created by American Eagle where people can digitally explore their Members Always Club in Roblox, as well as NBA 2K’s in-game NFT and virtual store.

Well, if people enjoy it so much, why deny them the pleasure, right?

Tip 5: Transform AR Books to AR Portals

Think time travel and space exploration are only possible in fictional stories? Hehe… how about AR?

AR portals allow readers to explore virtual environments, interact with characters, access additional information, and engage in educational and entertaining experiences. It revolutionizes the way we perceive and interact with books, creating a dynamic and captivating reading experience.

Books can become portals and bring together museums, libraries, research clubs, and educational institutions. The combination of AR and publishing creates endless ideas for collaboration. Just imagine: you can hold an encyclopedia about dinosaurs in your hands, take a tour of the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in China, and then explore the famous Dinosaur National Monument park in Utah and Colorado all through one book.

It sounds simply amazing, doesn’t it? And think about the incredible opportunities it opens up for collaborations, research, and entertainment! Read more in our article about whether new technologies will change publishing.

Tip 6: Provide Clear Instructions for AR

Underestimate the power and impact of a good and engaging instruction. So many problems could be avoided if people would carefully read them…

To ensure readers can easily access and engage with the AR content, provide clear instructions on how to use it. This can be done through a brief introduction at the beginning of the book, step-by-step guides, or even tutorial videos. Clear instructions will help readers navigate the AR features seamlessly and fully enjoy the enhanced experience.

Tip 7: Enhance the Storytelling Experience

The magic of a book unfolds only when the reader fully immerses themselves in its narrative.

AR should be used to enhance the storytelling experience rather than overshadowing it. Consider how AR can add depth and engagement to the narrative so that readers can obtain a more immersive and captivating reading experience.

For instance, instead of merely displaying static images, use AR to create dynamic scenes, interactive elements, 3D models, augmented information, and incorporate sound effects or narration. By doing so, the storytelling experience can be enhanced and made more engaging. Remember that our main goal is to complement the narrative and captivate readers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the world of the book.

Tip 8: Personalized Reading Experience

Who wouldn’t appreciate a personalized approach? After all, the whole world is just your personal story.

AR has the potential to transform the reading experience by adapting content based on reader interactions and providing a customized and engaging journey through the book.

By tracking the reader’s movements, gestures, or even eye gaze, AR can dynamically respond and tailor the content to their preferences and engagement levels. This level of personalization creates a unique and customized journey through the book, making it more engaging and immersive.

One way AR can enhance the reading experience is by offering additional layers of information or context. For example, while reading a historical novel, AR can overlay historical facts, maps, or images on top of the text, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the time period or events being described. This added information not only enriches the reading experience but also encourages readers to actively explore and learn beyond the boundaries of the book

Tip 9: Bring Characters to Life

Do you think that communicating with books is just a beautiful metaphor? Not anymore

AR opens up exciting opportunities for readers to explore and engage with literary worlds in ways that were previously unimaginable. For example, this technology enables readers to interact with characters from books, creating a more immersive and interactive reading experience. The ability to engage in conversations, collaborate in storytelling, and influence the plot adds a new dimension to the relationship between readers and characters.

Imagine being able to have a conversation with a character from a book, asking them questions or hearing their thoughts on certain topics. AR can bring characters to life in a way that goes beyond the limitations of traditional text. By using voice recognition or chatbot technology, readers can engage in realistic and dynamic conversations with these virtual characters, making the reading experience more dynamic and memorable.

Furthermore, AR can allow readers to engage in collaborative storytelling with characters. They can participate in quests, solve puzzles, or make choices that impact the story’s outcome. This level of interaction not only enhances the reading experience but also promotes creativity and critical thinking skills. Readers become active participants in the narrative, co-creating the story alongside the characters.

Tip 10: Games? AR Games!

We explore the world through games. That’s how our brain and consciousness are structured. And it’s much more enjoyable, isn’t it?

By integrating AR games into books, publishers and authors can captivate readers in new and innovative ways, making the reading experience more immersive and enjoyable.

AR games can transform a book into an interactive adventure. By scanning specific pages or images, readers can unlock hidden puzzles, challenges, or quests within the book. These games encourage active participation, problem-solving, and critical thinking, making the reading experience more engaging and enjoyable. For example, a mystery novel might include a hidden object game within its pages, where readers must search for clues using AR to advance the story.

Moreover, AR games can extend the narrative beyond the confines of the book. By overlaying virtual elements onto the physical world, readers can experience the story environment in a more immersive way. For instance, a fantasy novel could have an AR game that allows readers to explore a virtual map of the story’s world, interact with characters, or even engage in virtual battles. This expands the reader’s connection to the story and enhances their understanding of the fictional universe.

Lastly, AR games in books can foster collaboration and social interaction. Readers can compete with friends or join forces to solve challenges within the book. This not only adds a social element to the reading experience but also encourages teamwork and communication skills.

Tip 11:  Use the Multiscene Option!

Seriously, it’s a super useful feature. And we will talk about it in every article

The Multiscene option allows for the creation of multiple scenes within a single WebAR experience. Put simply, it enables you to group projects created on the DEVAR (MyWebAR) platform so that users can interact with them simultaneously.

With just one QR code scan, users can point their device’s camera at various markers and view different scenes without having to reload the browser page or activate each scene individually. The Multiscene option is great for creating AR books.

Tip 12: Do not be Afraid to Use AI

Technologies are not scary! Moreover, they save time for analysis and creativity. Only advantages.

Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in generating and assisting in the creation of content for books. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, extract relevant information, and generate written content.

For instance, an AI-powered system can automatically summarize a book or generate explanations based on specific topics or genres. This capability is valuable for authors, publishers, and educators, saving time and effort in content creation while providing more diverse and personalized reading materials.

And do not forget that AI is an excellent tool for generating ideas and concepts for AR projects.

Tip 13: Use AR as a Powerful Analytical Tool

Augmented reality can be used not only as a WOW factor. This technology has plenty of cool features up its sleeve!

Imagine that you have created a book about dinosaurs. By incorporating augmented reality, you can not only amaze readers and provide them with a fully immersive experience, but also gather data on the number of scans for each specific page, as well as the average time readers spend in each AR scene.

This way, you can find out which characters, games, or types of interactions users like the most. And you can create your next book taking this information into account.

Tip 14: Create a Unified Product

Any product, especially a book, should always remain a cohesive entity and be perceived as a whole. This is its strength!

Don’t get carried away with separation. Remember that the key success of a book with AR lies in the physical and digital parts complementing each other, coming together as a unified product. Don’t create AR just for the sake of AR or a game just for the sake of a game. Only when all the components of your product blend seamlessly, you’ll have a cool and cohesive product that will surely impress readers.

Seamless integration of AR is key to ensuring a smooth reading experience. Avoid abrupt transitions between the physical book and the AR content. The AR elements should seamlessly blend with the printed text and illustrations. Use markers or triggers within the book to activate the AR content, ensuring that readers can easily access and engage with it.

Remember, while AR can enhance a book, it should not overshadow the core reading experience. Strive to strike a balance between the physical book and the AR elements, creating a harmonious blend that adds value to the overall reading experience.

Tip 15: And don’t Forget about Retargeting!

Some stories can be read again and again. But it’s even better in a new rendition.

To gather information about your customers, you can always utilize the Marketing Tools extension. It provides you with the ability to add social media pixels to not only websites but also AR projects. This allows you to communicate with your target audience more efficiently.

When users visit a website, they typically expect some form of advertising. However, with an AR experience, users may be unaware of the advertising. By placing a pixel in an AR scene on a specific product, such as a book, you can obtain information about the user who purchased the product and the people they shared the book with. This data opens up fascinating possibilities.

By leveraging the Marketing Tools extension, you can gain a better understanding of your audience and enhance the effectiveness of your targeted ads. After all, having read one book, many are eager to find something similar. Isn’t this an opportunity for you to seize?

What’s Next?

No matter what sector of the book industry you are engaged in, whether it’s publishing, book sales, or the creative process itself, it’s crucial to recognize the immense potential of augmented reality. 

For publishers, integrating augmented reality into books can offer a unique selling point and a competitive edge in the market. By incorporating interactive AR elements, publishers can provide readers with a more immersive and engaging reading experience. 

Similarly, for authors and creators, augmented reality provides a platform for pushing the boundaries of creativity. It allows for the integration of multimedia elements, such as 3D animations, sound effects, or interactive features, to enhance the narrative and bring it to life in ways that were previously unimaginable. By leveraging augmented reality, authors can deliver their stories in more dynamic and memorable ways, fostering deeper connections with their readers and expanding the possibilities of storytelling.

In summary, augmented reality is a powerful tool that can elevate the publishing industry, revolutionize the reading experience, and unlock new levels of creativity. 

Try implementing one of our tips right now! Just start your journey into augmented reality!

Augmented reality (AR) has the potential to transform the way we experience and interact with food. AR can enhance our dining experiences, provide educational content, and even make cooking more fun and engaging. 

We have prepared 15 cool tips and ideas for restaurants and beyond that will change your perception of augmented reality. It can help you in implementing AR in your business. It can also help you expand your areas of interaction if you already have some experience with AR.

Regardless of your role in the food and beverage industry, whether you are a producer, packaging creator, or skilled in making coffee or pizza, these ideas and tips will be useful. They can help you delight and surprise your customers, gather valuable marketing data, turn dish presentation into art, and stay up to date with the latest trends.

Many of these tips can be applied to other industries such as shopping, fashion, travel, hotel business, education, and more.

Intrigued? Then let’s move on to the tips!

Tip 1: Start with an AR Menu

It is the face of your establishment!

One significant way AR impacts the restaurant business is through menu visualization. Traditional menus can sometimes be limited in showcasing the true essence of a dish. However, with AR, customers can use their smartphones to scan the menu and see realistic, 3D visualizations of each dish.

This allows customers to have a better understanding of the presentation, portion size, and even the ingredients used. It enhances their dining experience, making it more informed and exciting.

For the sake of convenience and hygiene, restaurants can replace traditional paper menus with interactive AR tabletop menus. Why not?

Another way AR enhances the restaurant business is through virtual food try-on experiences. Customers can use AR applications to virtually try on different dishes. This allows them to see how a particular dish will look on their table before ordering. This feature is particularly helpful for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. They can visually explore alternative options without the need for physical samples.

Tip 2: Customizable Dining Experiences with AR

Everyone loves a personalized approach

With AR, restaurants can offer customizable dining experiences where customers can personalize their meals. By using AR, users can modify ingredients, portion sizes, or even cooking methods to suit their preferences. Mix and match ingredients, flavors, and presentations to create their own unique dishes.

This level of customization empowers customers to tailor their meals according to their dietary needs, taste preferences, or cultural preferences. It makes the dining experience more inclusive and satisfying for them.

AR can enhance the dining experience by providing real-time wine pairing suggestions for each dish. By scanning the menu or a specific dish, customers can receive recommendations on the best wine to complement their meal. This enhances the overall flavor and enjoyment of their dining experience.

Tip 3: Caution and Attention to Health

Even if you don’t remember about food intolerance, it remembers about you.

AR can be used to detect allergens in food, making dining safer for individuals with allergies. Users can access detailed information about the calorie content, macronutrient breakdown, or allergen warnings.

This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with dietary restrictions or those who are health-conscious, as it allows them to make informed choices and maintain their desired eating habits.

Tip 4: The More Holidays, the Better!

Variety comes along with events, holidays & festivals.

AR technology can also be used in the restaurant industry to enhance the experience of events, holidays, and festivals. Restaurants can use AR to create interactive and immersive experiences that engage customers and provide a unique dining experience.

For example, during holidays such as Halloween or Christmas, restaurants can use AR technology to create interactive displays or menus that incorporate holiday themes. Customers could use an AR app to scan a special menu or table setting, which would trigger an interactive content featuring holiday-themed decorations, animations, or even virtual performances.

Restaurants could also use AR technology to gamify the dining experience, giving customers a fun and engaging way to participate. For example, a restaurant could create an AR treasure hunt, where customers use their mobile devices to find hidden objects or clues throughout the restaurant.

AR technology provides restaurants with a powerful tool to create a unique and engaging dining experience for customers during events, holidays, and festivals.

Tip 5: AR ― the Best Decoration for Food and Place

Sometimes the Atmosphere is even more important than the food!

With augmented reality, restaurant owners can enhance the dining experience by creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for their customers.

AR can transform the dining ambiance by overlaying virtual elements onto the physical environment. Restaurants can use AR to create virtual decorations, themes, or even change the appearance of the surroundings, enhancing the overall dining atmosphere. 

By using AR to enhance the music and atmosphere of the restaurant, owners can create a truly immersive experience that takes the dining experience to new heights. The use of bright and dynamic folk motifs can help enhance the ambiance of traditional cuisine, while classical music can add a touch of sophistication to haute cuisine dishes. For molecular or unusual cuisine, the use of cosmic, unconventional music and design elements can create a futuristic and otherworldly experience.

Overall, the use of augmented reality in restaurants can help create a unique and memorable dining experience that customers will remember long after they leave the restaurant.

Tip 6: Use the Multiscene Option!

One QR code can offer numerous possibilities, especially if it’s the Multiscene option

The Multiscene option allows for the creation of multiple scenes within a single WebAR experience. Put simply, it enables you to group projects created on the DEVAR (MyWebAR) platform so that users can interact with them simultaneously.

With just one QR code scan, users can point their device’s camera at various markers and view different scenes without having to reload the browser page or activate each scene individually. The Multiscene option is great for creating AR menus.

What besides the menu? Anything! You can build a whole ecosystem inside your restaurant. Create your own Metaverse. And AR will become part of your brand.

Place AR content on napkins, dishes, disposable cups, bags, takeout boxes (a pizza box would be a great place), tables, tablecloths, loyalty cards, advertising banners, schedule on the door, on the website… even on the doormat! All of these AR scenes can have completely different content, but will be activated after scanning just one QR code.

In other words, the Multiscene option is an excellent tool that allows you to make the AR environment more accessible and convenient for users. It helps to speed up and simplify interaction with AR content, making it more interesting and attractive.

Tip 7: Never Forget About AR Packaging for Food!

Boxes and packaging for products are a powerful tool for promoting and engaging with consumers.

To fully realize the potential of packaging, Augmented Reality technology can be incorporated. It can help build brand recognition, enable closer examination of a product before a final decision is made, and simply grab attention.

By integrating AR into packaging, brands can create interactive experiences that go beyond traditional advertising. For example, when a customer scans a product’s packaging with their smartphone, they can unlock additional information, videos, or games related to the product. This not only engages the consumer on a deeper level but also provides an opportunity for the brand to showcase its unique selling points and create a memorable impression.

But in addition to boxes, which mainly influence product selection during in-store purchases, there is another category of packaging such as bottles and cans, as well as disposable (or reusable, why not?) coffee cups to-go, which occasionally become part of our external image and can convey style, values, or product features.

Bright cans for energy drinks, stylish bottles for sports beverages, atmospheric coffee cups to-go… All of this can be made even more effective by adding augmented reality content.

Tip 8: Update, Update, and… Update!

By using updates, you can make the same QR code work indefinitely. Muahaha!

Do you know that you can update AR scenes? Even if the content was linked to a specific QR code or image, you can simply update the content in your project, and then it will be replaced on all physical media.

How to use it?

Without changing the menu design, you can update its content, add seasonal and holiday events, share news, divide content for weekdays and weekends, and so on. In this way, you can always improve the atmosphere of your restaurant, add music and decorations, while keeping the previous interior elements unchanged.

This is a great way to keep your customers engaged and interested in your restaurant. By regularly updating the AR scenes, you can create a unique and dynamic experience that will keep customers coming back for more. You can also use this feature to promote new menu items, special promotions, or highlight popular dishes.

Tip 9: Share Something Interesting!

Everyone loves short, interesting facts and little stories. Do you have something to share? Share it!

Adding interesting facts to your menu (or on napkins, boxes, posters… your imagination is practically limitless) can not only make the wait more enjoyable for your customers, but it can also help create a deeper connection between your customers and your business.

By telling the story of your dishes, you can give customers a better understanding of the unique flavors and ingredients that make your restaurant stand out. In addition, sharing your company’s history and motto can help create a sense of community and shared values with your customers.

To take this a step further, using AR technology can help make this information even more engaging and interactive for your customers. By creating AR experiences that allow customers to explore the history and ingredients of each dish, or learn more about your company’s values and goals, you can create a more immersive and personalized experience for your customers.

This can help build stronger relationships with your customers and increase brand loyalty. Overall, adding fun facts and using AR technology can be powerful tools to create a more engaging and memorable experience for your customers.

Tip 10: Games and Interactivity!

Games are not just for kids. So never deny yourself the pleasure of playing a little!

Incorporating games into your restaurant experience through AR technology can be a fun and engaging way to keep your customers entertained and satisfied. Games have always been a popular way to pass the time, and by using AR technology, you can take this experience to the next level. Not only can games be a great way to entertain younger customers, but they can also be a fun and interactive way for adults to relax and unwind.

Some popular game mechanics that can be implemented in AR include puzzles, speed games, control, and object search. These games can be customized to fit your brand and menu, creating a unique and personalized experience for your customers. By incorporating branded items such as napkins, cups, or coasters, you can create an immersive and interactive experience that keeps customers engaged and entertained.

Overall, using game mechanics in AR can be a powerful tool to enhance the customer experience and build brand loyalty. By providing your customers with a fun and engaging experience, you can create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience that will keep them coming back for more.

Tip 11: AR Masks are Always Fun! (Especially for Food)

As long as AR Masks & Face Filters entertain and amaze, people will have fun and be amazed! It’s like an everlasting engine.

Masks and Face Filters in augmented reality can be a great way for cafes and other businesses to attract customers and create a unique and memorable experience.

By using AR masks and face filters, you can offer their customers an interactive and engaging experience that goes beyond just eating or shopping. AR scenes with masks and filters can also be updated frequently to keep the experience fresh and exciting for customers.

You can also use AR technology to promote your brand and products by creating branded masks and face filters that users can try on and share on social media. This can help increase brand awareness and attract new customers to your business.

And to get even more familiar with this tool, you can always watch our tutorial.

Tip 12: AR and Food ― It’s Art

So be skillful and bold with them.

Expanding on the idea of using AR in the restaurant industry, it’s important to note that AR can be used in a variety of ways to create a unique and memorable dining experience.

For example, AR can be used to create virtual art installations that complement the restaurant’s decor and theme, or to project images and animations onto the walls or tables of the restaurant. This can create an immersive and interactive environment that engages diners and transforms the dining experience into a true spectacle.

By the way, here is a great article about how our partners from Tenshino Restaurant (Bangkok) used AR.

Tip 13: Social Sharing and Engagement

The best advertisement is people and their opinions!

AR can facilitate social interaction and sharing within the food community. Users can capture and share their AR-enhanced dining experiences on social media platforms, creating a sense of community and sparking conversations about food.

This social engagement aspect adds a fun and interactive dimension to the dining experience, as users can exchange recommendations, reviews, and stories with others.

Tip 14: AR as a Quality Guardian for Food!

For prepared food, semi-finished products, or packaged food, AR will become the best advertisement and assistant!

AR can help in reducing food waste by providing real-time information on the freshness and expiration dates of ingredients. By scanning the ingredients or packaging, users can get suggestions for recipes or meals that utilize those ingredients before they spoil.

Some takeout food items may require customers to reheat or assemble certain components before they can be enjoyed. AR can provide step-by-step instructions overlaid on the packaging or the cooking area, guiding customers through the process.

This can help ensure that customers have a seamless experience and that the food is prepared and enjoyed correctly.

Tip 15: Utilize Marketing Tools

AR can not only be an engaging, entertaining, and helpful tool, but it can also help create smart retargeting campaigns.

Marketing Tools extension provides you with the ability to add social media pixels to not only websites but also AR projects. This allows you to communicate with your target audience more efficiently.

When users visit a website, they expect some form of advertising. However, with AR experience, users are unaware of the advertising. If you put a pixel in an AR scene on a specific product, such as a pizza box, you can get information about the user who bought the product. This data provides fascinating possibilities.

By using the Marketing Tools extension, you can gain a better understanding of your audience. You can make your targeted ads work more efficiently.

What’s next?

Augmented Reality can be a valuable assistant and tool in every aspect of the restaurant business. Whether it’s menu creation, advertising design, branding, decoration, or customer interaction, AR can help bring your plans to life.

Successfully implementing AR in the food industry requires creativity, openness to new ideas and technologies, and a willingness to experiment. By utilizing AR as a valuable tool, restaurant owners and managers have the opportunity to create a distinct and unforgettable dining experience. This can set their establishment apart from competitors and leave a lasting impression on customers.

This innovative technology can help differentiate their establishment from competitors and ensure customer loyalty. By embracing AR, restaurants can captivate their customers, leaving a lasting impression and encouraging them to return for more.

Try implementing one of these tips right now! Just start your journey into augmented reality!

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technologies has opened up new avenues for creating content in books. This dynamic combination has revolutionized the traditional reading experience, bringing interactivity, immersion, and personalization to the forefront. 

The use of AI and AR in book creation is a simple and accessible opportunity to enhance reading experiences and create interactive and captivating content in books.

Assistance or Soulless Automation?

Many fear the use of digital technologies in their work, especially in creative fields. The fear that technology will replace us and that the content it creates will become more primitive, mechanical, and soulless has haunted humanity since the emergence of the first science fiction stories about robots.

Fear of technology is normal. Our ancestors feared the first looms and cameras, and now we are apprehensive about neural networks and GPT chatbots. Mass culture often intimidates us with the potential dangers of technology, while in practice, the results are quite the opposite.

Modern technologies are not meant to replace humans but rather to be reliable assistants. They do not eliminate creativity but rather provide opportunities to expand our capabilities. They help save time on mundane and repetitive tasks, leaving more space for freedom and imagination.

Translation: Therefore, instead of blindly condemning, we should simply explore the possibilities of using technology in our work.

AR and AI in Book Creation

AI can be used to generate or assist in creating content for books. For example, AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data and generate written content, such as summaries, explanations, or even entire chapters based on specific topics or genres. This can help authors, publishers, or educators to quickly generate content and provide more diverse and personalized reading materials.

AR, on the other hand, allows for the overlay of digital content onto the physical pages of a book. By using a smartphone, tablet, or dedicated AR devices, readers can scan the pages of a book and access additional multimedia content, such as 3D models, videos, audio clips, or interactive elements. This brings the book to life and provides a more engaging and interactive reading experience.

For example, a children’s book might use AR to display animated characters or objects when the reader points their device at specific illustrations. A textbook could use AR to provide interactive simulations or visualizations of complex concepts, making it easier for students to understand and learn.

Overall, combining AI and AR in book content creation offers exciting possibilities for expanding the traditional reading experience and making it more interactive, immersive, and engaging.

AI in Book Content Creation

Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in generating and assisting in the creation of content for books. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, extract relevant information, and generate written content.

For instance, an AI-powered system can automatically summarize a book or generate explanations based on specific topics or genres. This capability is valuable for authors, publishers, and educators, saving time and effort in content creation while providing more diverse and personalized reading materials.

And do not forget that AI is an excellent tool for generating ideas and concepts for AR projects.

AR in Book Content Creation

Augmented reality enhances the reading experience by overlaying digital content onto physical book pages. By using smartphones, tablets, or dedicated AR devices, readers can scan book pages and access additional multimedia content. This could include 3D models, videos, audio clips, or interactive elements. AR brings the book to life, immersing readers in a captivating and interactive world.

Enhanced Children’s Books

Children’s books have greatly benefited from the integration of AI and AR technologies. With AR, static illustrations can transform into animated characters or objects, capturing the imagination of young readers. 

Interactive elements can be incorporated, allowing children to actively engage with the content and deepen their understanding of the story. This fusion of AI and AR creates an immersive learning experience that fosters curiosity and creativity in children.

Enriched Educational Textbooks

Educational textbooks can be transformed into powerful learning tools through AI and AR integration. AR simulations and visualizations can provide students with a hands-on understanding of complex concepts. 

For example, a biology textbook could use AR to display 3D models of cells or interactive diagrams to illustrate biological processes. Such interactive content helps students grasp abstract concepts more effectively, making learning engaging and memorable.

Personalized Reading Experience

AI and AR technologies enable a personalized reading experience tailored to the individual reader’s preferences and needs. AI algorithms can analyze the reader’s reading habits, interests, and learning style to recommend relevant content. AR can then enhance the reading experience by adapting content based on the reader’s interactions, providing a customized and engaging journey through the book.

Secret Technique from DEVAR

We are not only the creators of the DEVAR (MyWebAR) no-code platform, which is one of the most user-friendly tools on the market for creating augmented reality on the web, but also an innovative publishing house. Yes, you heard it right. Our augmented reality books were on the market long before AR became a trend and a marketing gimmick.

Of course, over time, we have accumulated a lot of secrets and useful techniques. Here’s one of them: augmented reality can be used not only as a WOW factor for your product, but also as a powerful analytical tool.

Imagine that you have created a book about dinosaurs. By incorporating augmented reality, you can not only amaze readers and provide them with a fully immersive experience, but also gather data on the number of scans for each specific page, as well as the average time readers spend in each AR scene.

This way, you can find out which characters, games, or types of interactions users like the most. And you can create your next book taking this information into account.

The Magic of AR and AI

Of course, this applies not only to books, but to any products with augmented reality! We have already talked about how you can use AR for retargeting. Well, augmented reality can also help gather information about the strengths and weaknesses of your product, in order to improve it and take it into consideration when creating the next one.

Pretty cool, right?

And let’s not underestimate the ability to bring book covers to life with augmented reality. AR is not only a powerful advertising and analytical tool, but also a magical element that can make your products, especially books, come alive.

Does anyone still think that technology makes things soulless?

What Сonclusions Сan Be Drawn?

The integration of AI and AR technologies in book content creation has transformed the traditional reading experience. By leveraging AI’s content generation capabilities and AR’s interactive features, books have become more immersive, engaging, and personalized.

From children’s books to educational textbooks, the combination of AI and AR has enriched the content, making learning and reading more enjoyable and effective. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative ways to create content in books using AI and AR, fostering a new era of interactive and immersive reading experiences.

Do not be afraid to embrace modern technologies. Make AI and AR your friends and assistants on the path of creating new innovative products that will help us, humans, explore this world in all its details, enjoying its beauty and delving even deeper into its mysteries.

Don’t waste time! Try creating your own AR project right now.