Description: Guided augmented reality experiences are interactive applications that combine digital elements with the user’s physical environment, providing real-time guidance and assistance. These experiences use devices such as smartphones, tablets, or augmented reality glasses to overlay digital information onto the real world, facilitating understanding and interaction with the environment. Through these experiences, users can receive instructions, contextual information, and visualizations that enrich their perception of the surrounding space. Key features include the ability to recognize objects and places, real-time interaction, and the customization of presented information. The relevance of these experiences lies in their potential to transform how people learn, work, and entertain themselves, making information more accessible and understandable. In a world where information is abundant, guided augmented reality experiences emerge as a valuable tool for enhancing education, professional training, and tourism, among other fields.
History: Augmented reality (AR) has its roots in the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland developed the first AR system known as ‘The Sword of Damocles.’ However, the term ‘augmented reality’ was coined by Tom Caudell in 1990 while working at Boeing. Over the years, the technology has evolved significantly, especially with the advancement of mobile devices and software applications. In the 2000s, AR began to gain popularity in entertainment and education, with applications bringing AR to a mass audience across various platforms.
Uses: Guided augmented reality experiences are used in various fields, including education, where they allow students to interact with digital content in a physical context. In tourism, they offer interactive tours that enrich the visitor’s experience by providing historical and cultural information in real-time. They are also applied in professional training, where workers can receive visual instructions while performing complex tasks, improving efficiency and safety.
Examples: An example of a guided augmented reality experience is the ‘Google Lens’ application, which allows users to obtain information about objects and places simply by pointing their camera. In tourism, applications use AR to guide users through cities, overlaying directions and routes onto the real-time view. In education, applications enable students to explore scientific concepts through interactive 3D models that can be manipulated in physical space.
