Level 1

Static Overlay

"Static Overlay" layers a non-moving image or design over reality. Here, you can see a 1940s sailor appears back in a real ship's mess hall. This type of AR could also step up in complexity with a 3D object. Visitors can enter the frame and take a picture with the projected object or image as well.

Level 2

Animated Overlay

Animated Overlays layer on top of paintings, image triggers, or objects and include movement and sound. They vary in complexity from AI generated to 3D effects.

Level 3

Spacial Overlay - "Border Busters"

Spacial Overlays add another dimension to animated overlays. The AR layer expands past the borders of the trigger or anchor image or can gives the effect of being able to step inside. Some "Border Busters" can function as a portal for visitors to peek inside another world.

Level 4

Interactive Overlay

Interactive Overlays combine animation with visitor participation. Similar to the previous overlays, visitors trigger an animation off an anchor object but can then tap "content hotspots" on their screens to learn more via audio, text, or even trigger another area-specific animation.

In an example below, you'll see a video of how visitors can tap to see an Interactive 3D model of a Ming Dynasty courtyard home appear. They can then walk 360 degrees around the model as they explore. Inside the courtyards, people enjoy tea, fly kites, chase dogs and play games. You can even tap more hotspots near people or the home to learn about each scene.

Trisca

Laghari

Create with Intention

The most important step in creating AR experiences is asking yourself what impact you want the experience to have on your visitors.

Should they feel a more visceral connection to an artifact? Should they gain a deeper understanding on something visually complex? Or perhaps your aim is to inspire appreciation for something long-past, such as in this example.

Here, visitors see an abandoned main street transform into its glory days before returning to its current state.

How AR Impacts App Performance

App Data over 8-years

National Average of App capture

rates in Museums

Guru Average of AR App

capture rates in Museums

• Out of 1.06 million unique users total, Guru apps in total have had 2.5 million AR views.
  

• Out of all Guru apps, the top 4 download rates are all in apps that are AR-focused.
  

• The second highest used App type are those with highly linear and integral storytelling experiences.
  

Try Augmented Reality!

Download the apps above, open, and select "Augmented Reality" to trigger experiences below. Once you have accessed AR in the apps, point your device at the trigger images below.

Or

Follow the link below then point at the trigger image below to see it come to life in augmented reality.

Trigger Images