Using AR to help build a complex brick wall(archdaily.com) |
Using AR to help build a complex brick wall(archdaily.com) |
Ikea tries hard to avoid using text in its instructions, because the products are sold in so many countries. So its assembly instructions tend to be very constrained 2D illustrations with simple pictograms.
But it would be so much easier if you could just slap on some AR glasses and visualize in 3D what your next step should be!
Consider how you would deal with written instructions that appear to contradict the picture instructions and you'll see why.
This discussion leads to him mentioning a favorite excerpt from some instructions he came across: "assembly of a Japanese bicycle requires great peace of mind."
In an AR headset the final desired design is overlayed within the hedge, and you trim the parts outside. Now try to imagine how you might accomplish something similar without an AR headset. It would be very difficult.
That said I'm sure there are experts at those methods who would leap at the chance to model their work in more forgiving methods, digital or physical, and use that kind of technology to guide them as they carve!
AR could still help - if an app could visually inspect the surface of your material, or the branches of a hedge, it might be able to flag warning signs.
The method I described with an AR headset makes it something that anyone could do with extremely minimal training.
But for any other material it would be helpful.
That is to say, whenever there is a discussion of the skilled trades on Hacker News it is mentioned that they often take as much thinking and creativity as white collar jobs. It seems like this sort of technology could change that in at least some situations.
(Pre edit sorry a pass is a restaurant kitchen serving line).
Pre edit 2: okay that was a bit snarky, but my point is, ar doesn't give you the skills and training, it just helps
Part of the craft is being able to execute well, and like the article says if this tool helps people do harder stuff more easily, we can end up going towards even more complex designs to compensate.