Title:
viewAR
Members:
Just me :)
Project Summary:
For this project, I will continue to develop a product that I created in one of my branding classes called viewAR. ViewAR was created for those who feel awkward and disconnected when they fly. The goal of the product is to enhance the users in-flight experience through an unprecedented means of engagement with the world below. This would all be accomplished through the development of a smart glass window with cutting edge AR technology embedded into the inner layer. The AR technology would have to be directly connected to a camera attached to the underbelly of the plane that constantly scans the landscape below and then runs that visual data through an advance system to help identify and label certain terrains, landmarks, and architectural builds. On a more simplistic note. The window will also possess the ability to dim and black itself out, eliminating the need for window covers entirely.
Obviously creating a smart glass airplane window with an advanced AR component is an extremely difficult task to accomplish in the time we have to finalize our deliverables, and in general, so I have decided to imitate the experience in a virtual reality setting with real cities that you can interact with from a birds eye view with simple gaming controls.
Key Components:
In order to create this experience I will primarily be using Unity, Blender, and Photoshop. Unity will be used for the VR portion of the project to implement the game controls and interactions. It will also be used to create the lighting and overall feel of the atmosphere, as well as the game view. Blender will be used to create the landscape. I will use the blender open street map and terrain to create 3D models of real cities that the user can interact with. Photoshop will be used to advance the game control designs and display educational information.
Milestones:
There are a few questions I have about creating this experience. The first is how do I create an environment where the user can interact with the terrain from an elevated viewport? The second is how can I customize the game controls in Unity to allow the user to interact with the landscape in an educational sense, and can I import the UX design elements I create in Photoshop into Unity? Before I can tackle these challenges, I first have to meet with my professor in class on Monday and run through how to get a Unity project up and running in VR. Once this has been accomplished, I can focus more of my efforts on sharpening my skills in Unity and creating a high fidelity interactive experience that will truly change the way people see the world.
So far, I have been able to model the city of Kyoto Japan in Blender using the open street map add on. I may try working with different cities and smaller spaces so I can really nail every element of the area I choose to map out, but so far the terrain is looking amazing and extremely life like, and I cant wait to see the final product!
