Technical Opportunities and Challenges in Mobile Augmented Reality Prototyping : CASE: Haaga-Helia UAS Freshman application

Abstract

The purpose of the thesis is to analyse the opportunities and challenges in MAR prototyping, through the case project HH Freshman. Although technological advances have made it easier to develop Augmented Reality applications, AR application design, development, and usage is associated with some challenges, which can be broadly categorized into, technological and environmental constraints and user understanding. This thesis presents the development phases of an AR-prototype application HH Freshman and the challenges in it related to the aforementioned categories. In addition, the thesis will give some insight into how AR can be built rapidly on mobile phones. For the purpose of thesis, the author focuses on smartphones and tablets as MAR devices. The thesis follows the Design Science Guidelines for Information System Research method. The outcome of this research method is artifacts that are produced by developers during the process of solving a contextual problem. The thesis provides results and conclusions about the research topic in the case project HH Freshman. The data which is collected from unit tests and technical observations from usability tests provide valuable information for MAR prototype application development. Further research should be focused into interaction possibilities in MAR applications and new emerging tools and technologies. In conclusion, the thesis author contributes the findings about technical challenges and opportunities for HH Freshman app to develop and improve the application further.