by Sam Bilbow
In the ever-evolving landscape of augmented reality (AR), the paradigm is shifting from mere visual overlays to immersive, multisensory experiences that redefine human perception. A prime example of this evolution is polaris~, an innovative AR experience crafted by Sam Bilbow. Drawing upon open-source hardware and software components, polaris~ offers a privacy-respecting and cost-effective avenue for audiovisual expression within AR environments.
Embracing Multisensory Integration:
Polaris~ transcends the traditional boundaries of AR by emphasizing the integration of virtual processes with real-world sensations. Through a blend of audiovisual composition and gestural performance, participants find themselves immersed in a dynamic landscape of iridescent orbs and spatialized sounds. This reconceptualization of AR as „Mediated Reality“ aligns with a broader movement within computational art, emphasizing immersive experiences that engage multiple senses.
DIY Approach to AR Design:
As a digital musician, Bilbow’s journey into AR experience design is rooted in a human-centered and do-it-yourself ethos. Liberating AR from the constraints of consumer technologies, polaris~ leverages open-source solutions like the Project North Star AR headset and bone conduction headphones. These components, while less polished than commercial counterparts, offer affordability and privacy-respecting alternatives, empowering artists and developers to explore new frontiers in AR.
Framework for Creation:
Central to polaris~ is its framework, meticulously documented to ensure reproducibility and foster creativity. Leveraging Unity for spatial alignment and audio spatialization, along with PureData for real-time audio synthesis, polaris~ enables the creation of dynamic objects within the AR scene. These objects, governed by PureData patches, respond to gestures and movements, offering participants a tangible means of shaping their audiovisual environment.
User Study and Evaluation:
A pivotal aspect of polaris~’s development is its rigorous evaluation through user studies and grounded theory analysis. Ten participants were recruited, each spending approximately 30 minutes within the AR scene before being interviewed about their experience. Using grounded theory, coded remarks from these interviews were categorized into sentiment, learning, adoption, expression, and immersion. The study revealed that polaris~ engaged participants fruitfully, allowing them to express themselves audiovisually in creative ways.
Looking Ahead:
As polaris~ blurs the boundaries between the virtual and the real, it serves as both a testament to innovation and a call to action for the AR community. Its open-ended framework and emphasis on multisensory integration offer a glimpse into the future of AR experiences. Moving forward, the insights gleaned from polaris~’s development and user study pave the way for the creation of immersive, user-centric AR environments that augment reality in meaningful ways.
Conclusion:
Polaris~ represents a bold step forward in the evolution of augmented reality, pushing beyond visual overlays to embrace the full spectrum of human perception. Through a blend of open-source technology, artistic experimentation, and user-centered design, polaris~ invites participants on a journey of audiovisual exploration like never before. As the AR landscape continues to evolve, polaris~ stands as a beacon of innovation, inspiring creators to redefine the boundaries of reality itself.
