Working at the bleeding-edge of AR technology
About the client
Magic Leap designed and built an augmented reality (AR) headset. We had a long engagement with them in 2019, when they were still trying to hone in on a position in the market. We helped them explore ideas for gaming, enterprise, social media, and MMORPG strategies, as well as crafting their operating system paradigms and interactions.
Reinventing File Management in Augmented Reality
Magic Leap made it so fun to work on the bleeding edge of technology. I was able to work on many different parts of their business, and I learned an incredible amount in the XR space.
I owned the design for the file management tool built into the operating system. Taking something that’s been well-standardized and reinventing the interaction model into 3D space could be overwhelming with possibility. We found ourselves balancing user expectations with unlimited innovation. We explored many different ways to build an interaction model using 3 dimensions instead of two, but at the end of the day, we ultimately decided that for such a fundamental utility, thinking out of the box would work against us. In augmented reality environment, where everything is new and unknown, people want to lean into the foundations of what they do know, and a file browser falls in that category. I’m really proud of the work done on that app.
I was also able to work on multiple developer and administrator experiences; a website that developers use to create apps in tandem with Unity and Unreal, as well as an interface for administrators managing multiple devices.
And – as always – I was instrumental in creating a design language system for much of the work we did to foster world-class visual design and empower the team to work smarter and not harder.
How would AI write this case study…
as an adventure of Katniss Everdeen?
In the bustling district of Panem, where darkness and oppression loomed, a young heroine named Katniss Everdeen found herself embarking on a most unexpected journey. Amidst the turmoil of her world, a company called Magic Leap unveiled a revolutionary augmented reality (AR) headset, captivating Katniss with its promises of escape and adventure.
Drawn to the possibilities that lay beyond her reality, Katniss dove headfirst into the realm of Magic Leap. With the AR headset adorning her eyes, she found herself transported to a world far removed from the oppressive regime of Panem. In this new dimension, she could explore distant lands, interact with mythical creatures, and uncover hidden treasures.
As Katniss delved deeper into Magic Leap’s virtual realm, she discovered that the device held a power she had never imagined. Not only could she engage in epic battles and master the art of archery, but the AR headset also provided her with a powerful file management tool built into the operating system. Guided by her adventurous spirit, she utilized the file manager to organize her virtual assets, keeping track of her arsenal, maps, and crucial information.
With each quest and encounter, the file manager became her trusted companion, enabling her to access essential resources and strategize her next moves. Katniss marveled at the seamless integration of this tool into the immersive experience, allowing her to navigate the virtual world with ease. Whether it was retrieving vital documents or analyzing enemy weaknesses, the file manager became an indispensable tool in her fight for justice.
In the end, Katniss Everdeen’s mastery of the AR headset’s file manager not only facilitated her own adventures but also served as a tool for uncovering truth and rallying others to her cause. Through the convergence of technology and courage, she inspired a rebellion that would forever alter the destiny of Panem and pave the way for a future where freedom and justice prevailed.
Research
System Design
Design Language
Information Architecture
Interaction Design
High-Fidelity Visual Design
File Manager
File Manager menu
Place file in space
Developer Console Dashboard
Developer Console Landing
Developer Console
