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What is augmented reality (AR)?

AR technologies can provide rich, contextual user experiences in ways that have not been previously possible. An augmented reality program layers 3-D virtual objects into a 3-D real-time environment. In other words, AR is to superimpose images, audio and other objects on top of the real world.

A notable research leader on AR defines it as "an environment that includes both virtual reality and real-world elements” (Azuma, 1997, p. 357). Other technologists and researchers, including myself, have gone on to further clarify that AR also includes physical movement around a real environment, interacting with virtual objects superimposed on the real-world in real time (Chang, Wu, & Hsu, 2013; Conley, 2013; Shelton, 2003).

AR has been around longer than most people realize. An early example that you might remember from TV is the FoxTrax system, which was used to highlight the hard-to-see hockey puck as it moved around the ice. Even earlier than that, you may remember seeing AR while watching the evening news. AR was used for during a news broadcast to indicate the names of the reporters or location of the scene. In addition to television networks, movie production studios have been doing similar things with graphics for decades (Cavallaro, 1997).

How does augmented reality work?

AR uses a camera, computer, and software to alter a viewer’s perception of the world around them.

The camera’s job is to feed images to the computer to process the image. The computer retrieves information from the Internet, and then projects data from the computer onto an object in front of the user; which can be a computer monitor, a wall, or even a person. Lastly, the software seamlessly integrates the process for the user and allows them to interact with the technology (Azuma, 1997).

The major components of today’s AR systems are:

A microprocessor

Software

A camera

A display screen

Usually, the camera and display screen are fitted for the user with goggles of some sort. However, as long as the user looks through a display screen, the AR device will augment whatever he or she looks at with or without goggles. Conversely, the microprocessor with software can come in many forms, i.e. a desktop, laptop computer, or cell phone.

Current uses of augmented reality

The technology behind augmented reality for corporate training has already been shown to have many purposes, most widely used in marketing and entertainment so far.

AR for shopping

Rayban, the popular eyewear manufacturer, offers an online application that allows shoppers to see themselves wearing the sunglasses before buying or even having to see them in person. Executives of the brand have stated that this function has helped drive up sales and shopping satisfaction over their competitors. Brilliant idea, right?!?

Home decorating vendors have also begun to take advantage of this trend. Just by downloading an AR app, DIY’ers shopping at Build.com can re-design a space all in the palm of their hand. Using AR technology, users can see what color paint would look like on walls. They can also see and adjust furniture around a room (without the sore back from actually moving it).

AR in entertainment

Video game companies are quickly hopping aboard the augmented reality trend, too. Major gaming console manufacturers like Nintendo and Microsoft are leading the charge, because they realize AR can free gamers from their couches and usher them into the real world to play.

For example in the game Human Pac-Man, users chase after each other in real life while wearing goggles that make them look like characters in Pac-Man. Digital Trends provides a list of the top 10 best AR apps for mobile entertainment (Jansen, 2018).

Some of the more notable AR games are:

Just A Line is a fun doodling app that allows you to decorate wherever you are

Ingress is an intergalactic fighting game you can play with others

Zombies Go takes the zombie apocalypse the action to the streets, anywhere and anytime, for runners and walkers alike

Quiver takes kids coloring books from 2-D to 3-D with animated images

These video games are just the beginning. Probably the most popular AR game ever we've seen is Pokémon Go. Released in 2016, the mobile AR game instantly became a sensation. All across the globe, people took to the streets to find and capture various Pokémons. Consider it a scavenger-hunt game that uses virtual objects. You could use your phone to "locate” Pokémons around town, and gamers would use their phones to find these invisible objects.

Other uses of AR

There are many other augmented reality apps out there -- and many more in development. According to Tom’s Guide, some of the most popular AR apps currently are:

Google Lens helps to identify objects in your photos

BBC Civilizations AR to take a history lesson

Mondly for learning a new language

You Cam Makeup for fashion assistance

Questions:

1. Discuss your findings on augmented and virtual reality

2. What changes do you think need to be made to training programs so they produce more ROI for employers and better transfer of learning to employees?

3. Which new training methods do you think will be best for HR to use for the Millennial and Gen Z- dominated workforce?

4. What did you find interesting about the method you researched? What ways can you see it being implemented in corporate training and development?

5. What was your learning style? How could the new training methods enhance learning for you?

6. Training employees is an expensive investment for companies. How can/should employers measure ROI for training initiatives?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Augmented reality AR and virtual reality VR are technologies that allow users to interact with virtual environments in different ways AR involves supe... View the full answer