Demystifying Mixed Reality UX: Designing For The Next Level Of Interaction

Augmented reality (AR) has long been touted as the technology of the future, promising to revolutionise how we interact with the digital world. From Pokémon GO capturing the world’s attention to Snapchat’s playful AR filters, glimpses of AR’s potential have tantalised us for years. Yet, despite the hype, AR has yet to fully deliver on its promises.

Enter Apple’s Vision Pro, the latest entrant in the AR arena, poised to reignite excitement and speculation about the future of augmented reality. With its sleek design, powerful capabilities, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, Vision Pro has captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. 

Demos of Vision Pro showcase breath-taking AR experiences that blur the lines between the real and the virtual, leaving many in awe of the possibilities that lie ahead.

However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, a lingering question remains: has AR truly arrived? While the early adopters and tech aficionados may be quick to sing its praises, the average user remains tentative, hesitant to fully embrace AR as a transformative force in their lives. 

Despite the impressive demos and enthusiastic endorsements, there are still numerous unanswered questions and challenges that must be addressed before AR can truly fulfil its potential.

As someone deeply immersed in the world of user experience (UX) design, I am acutely aware of the complexities and nuances involved in creating meaningful and impactful AR experiences. 

While the promise of merging our surroundings with digital information to create a new dimension of existence is undeniably alluring, it also raises profound questions about the nature of reality, the implications for our mental health, and the ethical considerations that must guide our interactions with this emerging technology.

In this article, we will embark on a journey to demystify mixed reality UX, exploring the three promises of mixed reality and the challenges it presents. We will examine the potential of AR to alleviate VR sickness, provide an infinite canvas for creative expression, and integrate seamlessly into our daily lives. 

Yet, we will also confront the realities of screen dependency, social isolation, and the profound psychological impact of altering our perception of reality. 

Three Promises

Ubiquitous, Calmer Technology

As technology becomes more ingrained in our daily lives, there’s a growing need for solutions that integrate seamlessly into our surroundings. Mixed reality has the potential to fulfil this need by creating technology that merges harmoniously with the fabric of the real world. 

By overlaying digital content onto our physical environment, mixed reality devices offer a more subtle and unobtrusive form of interaction, encouraging users to engage with technology without completely disconnecting from the world around them.

Infinite Canvas

One of the most compelling aspects of mixed reality is its ability to transcend traditional screen limitations. In a mixed reality environment, information can be placed anywhere in the user’s real-world environment, freeing designers from the constraints of screen dimensions and viewport sizes. 

This “infinite canvas” opens up new possibilities for creative expression and user interaction, enabling immersive experiences that seamlessly blend digital and physical elements.

No VR Sickness & Headaches

Unlike virtual reality (VR), which can leave users feeling disoriented and nauseous, augmented reality (AR) offers a more comfortable and seamless experience. 

With AR, digital elements are overlaid onto the real world, allowing users to interact with virtual content without completely disconnecting from their surroundings. 

This absence of VR sickness makes AR an attractive option for prolonged use, as users don’t require extensive recovery time after engaging with the technology.

Three Pitfalls

Dependency On Screens or Headsets

Despite its promise, mixed reality technology is still largely tethered to screens or bulky headsets. While AR experiences can be accessed through smartphone cameras, truly immersive experiences often require dedicated hardware such as augmented reality glasses or headsets.

The development of AR contact lenses, which offer a more seamless and lightweight form factor, remains a distant goal, limiting the accessibility of mixed reality technology.

Social Isolation

As mixed reality technology becomes more immersive, there’s a risk of exacerbating social isolation. Devices like Apple’s Vision Pro could potentially isolate users from their surroundings, leading to a decline in organic interactions and shared experiences. 

Finding the right balance between individual immersion and social engagement will be crucial for ensuring that mixed reality enhances, rather than detracts from, our social connections.

Reality Distortion

While mixed reality offers exciting possibilities, it also raises important questions about the psychological impact of altering our perception of reality. As digital information permeates our physical environment, there’s a risk of reality distortion and a blurring of boundaries between the virtual and the real. 

This could have profound implications for mental health, as individuals may struggle to distinguish between digital and physical experiences, leading to heightened anxiety and disconnection from reality.

Three Keys To Navigating The Future 

As designers and technologists, it’s our responsibility to navigate the complex terrain of mixed reality with sensitivity and foresight. By embracing the promises of mixed reality while addressing its challenges head-on, we can create immersive experiences that enhance our lives without compromising our well-being.

Emphasise User-Centred Design

User-centred design principles are more important than ever in the context of mixed reality. Designers must prioritise user comfort, safety, and accessibility when creating mixed reality experiences, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than detracts from, the user’s overall well-being.

Foster Social Connection

While mixed reality has the potential to isolate users, it also offers opportunities for fostering social connection and collaboration. Designers should explore ways to incorporate social features into mixed reality experiences, encouraging users to interact with one another and share meaningful moments in both the virtual and physical worlds.

Prioritise Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations should be at the forefront of mixed reality design and development. Designers must consider the broader societal implications of their creations, addressing issues such as privacy, consent, and digital well-being to ensure that mixed reality technology serves the greater good.

In Conclusion 

As we navigate the uncertain terrain of mixed reality, it is essential to approach the subject with both optimism and scepticism, embracing the possibilities while acknowledging the risks. By understanding the promises and pitfalls of mixed reality UX, we can chart a course toward a future where technology enhances, rather than detracts us from our humanity. 

Note: We at Inc42 take our ethics very seriously. More information about it can be found here.