Augmented Reality | Studio Art Teaching Resources

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of pattern and color and its relationship to space and form.
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of process; going from brainstorming ideas, to sketchbook, to playing with and learning about various software applications, to building their object in a virtual environment.
Students will be able to assess their final project through written descriptions using the elements and principles of design.
Students will be able to express the value of creative practices in uncertain times through written or oral expression.

Materials

Any three dimensional building software that can export .glTF, usdz, or .stl. While you may use any of the software listed below, Tinkercad is the one I will be able to help you with the most.
- Tinkercad (free and easy to use, browser based – make sure to use class signup link sent in Groupme and email)
- Blender (free but has a learning curver)
- Minecraft for Windows and .obj exporter (not free and requires separate exporter)
  - Jmc2Obj
  - 3D Editors / Exporters (Minecraft Gamepedia Link)
- iPad apps such as Shapr3D, uMake (not free, some require monthly subscription)
- Adobe also has a new app called Aero (iOS only) that can use Photoshop layers to build AR experiences. Video tutorial.

I will take care of getting your three dimensional file into an augmented reality experience. If you would like to play around with AR these are two of the software applications I will be using.

Spark AR (Ran through Facebook and Instagram)
Vectary

Sketchbook

Watch the videos linked below and take notes in your sketchbook. Consider the following questions –
- How can pattern be used to challenge our understanding of depth and space?
- Historically, how has pattern been used to draw attention to objects, places or events?
- Considering the events that are taking place now, what are the roles of art, artists and designers? How do we adapt and find our niche in an environment that demands social distancing?

Project

Using the software linked above in the “Materials” section, create an object that challenges our understanding of space through the use of pattern. Keep in mind that a pattern is the repetition of any of the elements of design (line, shape, form, value, texture, space or color).

You final submission should consider how the object will interact in an augmented reality environment. If placed outside on grass will the object work better or worse? Should you try to control where the viewer places your object in their environment? Your final submission should be your own work – premade basic shapes are allowed but using someone else’s work to create your own is not.

A couple of notes –

Excessive textures such as those found in Minecraft may not load at all or be extremely slow when converted to AR.
Reduce your polygons and simplify your shapes to avoid excessive load times.

Research