IKEA AR
Conceptualised an augmented reality shopping experience for IKEA
Tools used
Project Brief:
Choose a location and create a mixed reality experience whilst enhancing the core experience.
Project Type:
Individual Project programmed in UNITY 3D completed at University of Nottingham as a part of the Mixed Reality module during the MSc HCI programme.
Duration:
6 weeks
Case study.
The IKEA experience.
How do you make an already successful shopping experience more immersive using Augmented Reality?
The significance of showcasing products in a home-like setting lies in customers' enhanced connection to the displayed items.
However, this approach has its limitations, as the layouts represented in stores may not accurately mirror the diverse and unique layouts of customers' homes, posing a challenge in envisioning product integration.
Initial problem discovery.
Lack of Variety in Ikea Display Rooms.
IKEA's display rooms feature only one furniture set, compelling customers to individually explore options or browse catalogues of furnitures that are stored in warehouses.
This compel customers to make purchases with the assumption that the chosen piece will seamlessly integrate with existing home furnishings, posing a challenge in ensuring cohesive color coordination and design harmony.
Brainstorming.
Exploring the possibilities of AR.
Using AR to provide variety in furniture.
After placing placeholder props, customers can seamlessly browse through diverse furniture models using AR headsets. They will have the flexibility to add items to their cart, experiment with multiple layouts and color palettes, and conveniently make purchases at the counter or later from the comfort of their homes via the mobile or web app.
Creating a virtual set in Unity 3D to emulate AR
With only the Quest pro offering AR development and the Apple Vision Pro set to release in a few months, I had to make the most of what I had, the Meta Quest 2. All though the headset offered a plethora of options for VR development, I created a virtual home set in sketchup and then imported the design to Unity to created an augmented reality experience above it.
Hierarchy of user needs.
Envisioning an Augmented Reality e-commerce platform.
Functional, Reliable UX.
Developed a custom set enabling users to effortlessly design their furniture layout using lightweight walls and furniture props.
Delight and Pleasure.
Achieved a delightful user experience through immersive AR interactions. Leveraged cutting-edge headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Oculus for a comfortable and engaging AR interface.
Usable Parts for Customers.
Crafted a user-friendly interface with a focus on usability. Implemented features such as color palette, options, style filters and design suggestion to boost marketability of accessories.
Information architecture.
Building the prototype.
The prototype was built using UNITY 3D for the Oculus Quest 2. Although the design focused on multiple windows in worldspace, a traditional information architecture was formulated to understand the flow within each window.
The number of windows available to the user is restricted to allow for a truly augmented reality experience by focusing on the use of real life props to communicate with the design.
Learn more
Final design.
Introducing your Augmented Reality Workspace.
Workspace.
The home of the IKEA AR workspace consists two important sections. The left section consists of a tool bar that allow users to build, change the style of the layout and adjust settings.
The bottom section allows the user to switch between layouts. The furniture information and cart icons are worldspace elements that can ba placed anywhere in the room.
Build.
Filter by choosing the desired type, style, model, material, and colour of the furniture based on the colour palettes that was chosen. Once selected, a furniture information card appears upon selection.
Information.
A furniture information card appears to the right when placing or selecting furniture, facilitating quick modifications. The information card is a worldspace element that can placed anywhere in the room. The cart option accompanies the information window. When no furniture is selected, the cart window displays the current cart contents.
Options.
In the create section of the workspace users can position multiple pieces of furniture in a single location within the AR environment and easily swipe through them to determine the best fit for their room.
Sesh
Copyright 2024, Seshanth Sharav
All works displayed are my original creations and are protected by copyright law.