Guide to custom UI for Augmented Reality

The race for Augmented Reality (AR) glasses is heating up, with companies like Meta, Apple, and Google working on their own products. Despite the excitement, many AR interfaces are still flat and 2D, which feels like a waste of the technology. To explore the potential of custom interfaces, the author developed an outdoor activity tracker in Unity for Meta Quest and conducted a moderated usability study. The study revealed that 3D interfaces can be designed to fit AR, feeling familiar and immersive. To get the most out of 3D displays, apps should focus on 3D content, support multitasking, and allow for long and short range interactions. The author learned that 3D interfaces should be designed with the whole room as a screen, allowing users to approach the app from any angle. Additionally, supporting both direct manipulation and ray-casting is crucial for a natural 3D experience. Following AR platform standards is also key to ensure consistency and familiarity. By designing 3D interfaces that take advantage of AR technology, we can create more immersive and productive experiences. The author's experiment demonstrates the potential of AR glasses to revolutionize personal computing.