Mixed Reality & Spatial Computing Evolution
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technological advancement, the fusion of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) is giving rise to a groundbreaking realm known as spatial computing. At the forefront of this transformative shift lies VisionOS, Apple's pioneering operating system poised to revolutionize how we engage with digital content and our environment.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technological advancement, the fusion of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) is giving rise to a groundbreaking realm known as spatial computing. At the forefront of this transformative shift lies VisionOS, Apple's pioneering operating system poised to revolutionize how we engage with digital content and our environment.
VisionOS transcends mere technological progress; it embodies a profound reconsideration of the user experience (UX) design paradigm. Gone are the days of static interfaces confined to screens; VisionOS seamlessly integrates digital elements into the physical world, blurring the lines between the virtual and the tangible.
As we venture further into this immersive domain, understanding the implications of spatial computing for UX design becomes increasingly imperative. Concepts of user-centered design take on new dimensions in this immersive landscape, from immersive storytelling to instinctive gesture-based interactions. In this discourse, we delve into VisionOS' transformative potential and its profound impact on the evolution of UX design. But before delving deeper, let's elucidate the essence of VisionOS and spatial computing.
To facilitate comprehension, let's elucidate key terms pertinent to our discussion:
• Space: Apple Vision Pro provides an expansive canvas wherein users can interact with virtual content such as windows, volumes, and 3D objects. These elements can be freely moved and manipulated within both shared and full spaces.
• Window: Familiar to users as they resemble conventional windows found in other platforms, allowing for movement, resizing, and closure.
• Volume: Featuring a horizontal base, volumes enable the display of 3D content viewable from various angles, akin to a globe.
• VisionOS Window: Exhibiting an unmodifiable background material akin to glass, VisionOS windows facilitate the display of both physical and virtual objects, with dimensions typically set at 1280x720px. Positioned approximately two meters in front of the user, they create an illusion of width extending to about three meters. Additionally, the system applies highlights and shades to enhance depth perception.
• Volumes and Windows: While sharing similarities such as initial positioning and management controls, they differ in scaling mechanisms – windows employ dynamic scaling, whereas volumes utilize fixed scaling. In shared space, only one window is active at a time, with the system adjusting transparency and depth perception accordingly upon switching focus.
• Immersive Experiences: Through Apple Vision Pro's passthrough feature, users can seamlessly perceive their physical surroundings via real-time video from external cameras.
Essential Techniques to Consider when designing for Apple’s VisionOS:
• Dim Passthrough: Reduce passthrough visibility when in shared space to prioritize digital content.
• Full-Space 3D Display: Optimize the display of 3D content in full space to maximize immersion.
• Integration with Surroundings: Seamlessly integrate digital elements with the user's physical environment.
• Portal Creation: Employ techniques to create immersive portals facilitating seamless transitions between digital and physical spaces.
• Fully Immersive Experiences: Enable apps to request passthrough concealment in full-space mode, transporting users to entirely virtual environments for unparalleled immersion.
In summary, VisionOS represents a groundbreaking leap in UX design, offering boundless opportunities for innovation and redefining the boundaries between the digital and physical realms. As we navigate this new frontier of spatial computing, embracing these principles and techniques is essential for crafting compelling and immersive user experiences.