Media Project 1 Level 3

As this part of the project is where I am least familiar with I decided to try and tackle it by first doing a test run with the online program Vuforia, which is integrated with Unity. The website provides you with a bare-bones way of getting starting with Augmented Reality in Unity. I simply had to follow the step by step process to then hopefully have a finished augmented piece.

https://library.vuforia.com/articles/Training/getting-started-with-vuforia-in-unity-2017-2-beta.html#betas

https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/en/#!/content/30659

The Process

The first step was to install Unity 3D and allow it to support Vuforia Augmented Reality.

After creating a new project I then needed to activate Vuforia in the project, this would then allow me to use the play mode option or even use Vuforia to build and app.

 

I would also need to print the target images for me to work with, these are the images that the target image will search for in order to project the augmented 3D model.

1. The first step to creating the augmented piece is to delete the main default camera and add an ARCamera. This is a special camera type that supports augmented reality app for both handheld devices and digital eye wear.
2. Next will be to add a target image to the scene, these can also be configuration in the inspector.
3. I will then add a digital asset to augment the target, in this case it is a 3D model of a skeleton. All I then need to do is parent this asset with the target in the scene hierarchy, this automatically sets up the necessary rendering and physics behavior.
4. Vuforia then provides a simulator in the Game view, this allows me to quickly evaluate the scene without having to deploy to a device. (Below I have attached a video which captures this process).

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Conclusion

Following this process took me around 2-3 hours, this was to make sure that I had set everything up in the correct way, which included organising assets and workflow. I did not think it would take this long to produce a short piece of evidence of me using motion graphics, however taking into consideration that it was my first time with using both unity and Vuforia, I think this is great progress. The overall platform of Unity is not too hard to use, following a step by step process did make it easier to use, however this is all great practice and I will be able to familiarise myself with the software the more I use it. As this software is also free to use I will not need to worry about any subscription fees, or it even being unusable after 30 days.

It also shows that this may be the best platform for me to create the augmented reality side of my project, as it also supports 2D motion graphics. One feature that I did not quite accomplish was to implement movement data to make the skeleton model animate when augmented, this is something that I will need to develop and work on with future experiments.

Following this short test I believe the next step will be for me to further understand how to use and operate Unity and Vuforia, hopefully with some 2D motion graphics. In order for me to do this I will need to create and test my skills with using motion graphics. I also want to try and move the augmented platform to a mobile device, but this can be tested later in the production process.

My first initial idea for what the animations might be are to direct ironic humor to the use of social media. It is being proven that social media platforms such as Facebook are continually stealing content from creators, resulting in more revenue for them and less publicity for the artists. This being said I thought it would be a fun idea to create short animations that show how social media platforms may not always be a good thing to use.

Storyboards

This week was about pitching my refined idea on a project proposal form, meeting all the requirements given it would then be reviewed and discussed with my tutors. Following the discussion with my tutor they believed this project is doable within the time frame given for this semester, I will need to integrate my still image design based work into a motion graphic form.

I was also encouraged to decide to have an overall theme or purpose for my motion graphic videos, whether it be for educational or entertainment purposes. It could also be a platform for me to advertise myself as an artist; for example, instead of just having the still images printed into a digital art book for my own personal use, they could be printed as business cards, flyers or even stickers. They could then be scattered around to the public for them to use and view the animations for themselves. This however may be a longer and more difficult process, one that may not fit in one semester, as I would have to make the augmented side of the artifact public for people to download so they could then view the animations.

Proposal

Project Outline and Aims

Working Title – Augmented Motion Aim of the project – The intended aim of this project is to push my own creative ability and understanding of two subject fields that I am not too familiar with. Summary of idea – For this semester I would like to create a series of short animations that show my progress with using motion graphics. I will then take still images of these to be printed into a booklet. From these images I would like to use augmented reality (AR) to bring the printed animations to life on a phone, this will show my development and understanding of AR. The final output of the project will be a physical booklet, when combined with augmented reality the images will animate through the phone. Strand Chosen – I have chosen to do the development strand for this project as I believe the research and development process for this project is just as important as the final artefact. As this project will mainly focus on my development and understanding of how to use motion graphics and augmented reality, it would be wise to choose this strand. Individual Objectives – Throughout this process I would show my research and development via a blog, where I will make weekly updates on the process of motion graphics and augmented reality. As well as research into current projects that are relevant and successful. From this I will then be able to create a Research and Development file to be submitted alongside. In this project I will have to come up with animations that are going to be fun and impressive to watch, both visually and technically. I will do this by looking for inspiration of projects that currently exist, as well as follow tutorials on how to use the software at a professional level. Intended Audience – The concept is mainly targeting my own personal development in my understanding of the two software’s, if completed correctly it will be a great piece to add to my portfolio and to show to employers. If I was to apply to a business that is experimenting with motion graphics, augmented reality, and design, then this project would be a great way for me to receive positive feedback from them. Extending creative and technical skills – This project will push my creativity and ability as I will be using software’s that I have only used in short spans. It will allow me to explore them in greater detail, and with enough patience and time I will be able to improve my skills and abilities with them.

Research Agenda

Work by others – Eyejack are an independent company that specialise in using augmented reality alongside artists work, this was the main inspiration for my project idea. With their own app they upload digital art that can then be shown through augmented reality at exhibitions or through their own art-book. https://eyejackapp.com/ To help in finding more inspiration I will be following artists on Behance and checking for posts that are relative and like my idea, in terms of style and functionality. Critical texts – I will consider articles that help in the discussion of the potential augmented reality has for artists to establish themselves. https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-this-augmented-reality-app-reveals-art-in-public-spaces http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41590323 https://qz.com/1072528/the-next-trend-in-street-art-will-be-graffiti-in-augmented-reality/ https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/08/jeff-koons-augmented-reality-snapchat-artwork-gets-vandalized/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7tA3NNKF0Q Primary research – I will post my ideas and work onto forums that specialise in my subject field, where I will then hopefully receive feedback on how to improve my project. E.g. animations/AR. I will also consider what types of short animations are most successful, this will help to give me a better understanding of the types of things to include. Secondary research – I will conduct analogous reviews of content that already exists, this will help in inspiring me of what I may want to create, as well as further understand the development process. Illustrating research and development – To help in show my development process I will produce weekly blogs. These will include updates of my research into the project, as well as the production process of my final artifact, such as test animations and progress with creating the AR side of the product.

After receiving my feedback I then decided to look into how I may create the augmented reality piece as a platform for my animations.

Firstly I looked at the product that inspired me to create this project…

EyeJack – https://eyejackapp.com/

EyeJack is an augmented reality app and platform that specialises in the curation and distribution of augmented art. This platform allows artists to submit their work, where it can then be printed and shown in their art-book and exhibitions, and when combined with their app it will allow their art to come to life. They are currently working towards opening up their platform for anyone to use, allowing people to create and share their augmented art with ease. This would have been an ideal platform for me to place my motion graphic pieces on, however it is still not available to the public and it may not be for some time. Also, if I were to use this platform it would take away the experience and understanding of me creating and using an augmented reality platform for myself.

 

ZapWorks – https://zap.works/about/

ZapWorks allows you to create almost any kind of augmented reality experience, whether its to bring a poster to life with AR powered video, or a fully interactive 3D scene. The user will just have to simply add a zapcode to the things they want to add AR content too, from this the user can use the Zappar app to unlock the content. This method would be great to use as it is a simple and quick process, with the 30 day free trial my project idea may be able to be achieved through this.

Vuforia – https://library.vuforia.com/articles/Training/User-Defined-Targets-Guide

Vuforia is the worlds most widely used platform for AR development, with support for leading phones, tablets and eyewear. The Vuforia app development platform enables the user to create AR experiences for a range of objects and environments. Image Targets for experiences that use flat images, such as print media and magazines. The Vuforia Engine is now natively integrated with Unity 2017.2, and delivered with the Unity Editor. If I were to use this program to create my AR platform it would also allow me to understand and develop my skill with Unity, it would also allow for a more professional and polished product.

Augment – http://www.augment.com/help/

This app allows users to create their own account, where they can then upload their own material to be augmented. This can then be shared for other people to view and comment on. The only issue with this product however is that although it does support 2D and 3D models, it does not allow motion graphic pieces to be uploaded. I did try to upload my motion graphic piece from a previous module, however the file format was not allowed. Using this product would be an issue for me as the primary focus for this project is to upload a motion graphic piece.

 

ARLoopa – http://arloopa.com/

ARLOOPA uses augmented reality, image-recognition and computer vision technology to convert the real world into a content-rich, interactive experiences. They work with individuals, brands, creative and advertising industries to make new content and visual experiences within education and entertainment. One interesting project that was familiar to me was their involvement with the European Youth Awards. They created a booklet which could be integrated with their app to make their images animate and give more information on the awards.

After an initial discussion in the previous week on what we may want our project to be for this semester, we were asked to then pinpoint and define what we would be creating for this semester and the process we would take to achieve this. To help present this in week two we were asked to follow a set of questions that would help us to define the project, of which we would then present in small groups as “campfire pitches”. My project idea is as follows:

Summary

For this semester I would like to create a series of short animations that show my progress in motion graphics. I will then take still images of these to be printed into a booklet.

From these images I would like to use augmented reality (AR) to bring the printed animations to life on a phone, this will show my development and understanding of AR.

Throughout this process I would show my research and development via a blog, where I will make weekly updates on the process of motion graphics and augmented reality. As well as research into current projects that are relevant and successful. From this I will then be able to create a Research and Development file to be submitted alongside.

Who the concept is targeting and how will it meet their needs and expectations

The concept is mainly targeting my own personal development in my understanding of the two softwares, if completed correctly it will be a great piece to add to my portfolio and to show to employers.

If I was to apply to a business that is experimenting with motion graphics, augmented reality, and design then this project would be a great way for me to receive positive feedback from them.

Pushing My Creativity and Ability

This project will push my creativity and ability as I will be using softwares that I have only used in short spans. It will allow me to explore them in greater detail, and with enough patience and time I will be able to improve my skills and abilities with them.

In this project I will have to come up with animations that are going to be fun and impressive to watch, both visually and technically. I will do this by looking for inspiration of projects that currently exist, as well as follow tutorials on how to use the software at a professional level.

Pushing The Subject Area

I believe this project will push my subject area as it is taking two individual programs and placing them together.

Collaboration

I do intend to make this project by myself as it will push my abilities in the subject field. However I may ask for guidance on certain steps of the production process from people who are more advanced with the software’s, such as tutors or fellow students.

Conclusion

Overall, the feedback that I got from this project idea was positive and supportive, I was encouraged to put a lot of focus into how will I create the augmented reality piece that will allow me to platform my animations. It was also suggested that this project may only need one semester to complete, if I were to span this over both semesters there may not have been enough work for me to do. I took this as a positive idea as it would allow me to focus on and create something completely different for semester B.