No Code, No Problem: 5 Prototyping Tools for Spatial Computing Projects
With the release of Apple Vision Pro, the AR/VR industry has finally opened a new era. As spatial computing takes center stage as the next big thing, as a UX designer, I begin to wonder: Do I need to improve my coding skills to bring my spatial computing project ideas to life? (Spoiler alert, I don’t!)
What is spatial computing?
Spatial computing is a transformative technology that seamlessly merges our physical world with the virtual world. It visualizes interactions among machines, humans, objects, and their surrounding environments, optimizing and enabling these interactions.
Tool Recommendations
Building your first spatial computing project can be an exciting journey that opens up a world of possibilities. As a UX designer, I would approach this by considering user experience and practicality while incorporating cutting-edge tools and technologies.
Here are my top 5 tools to use when creating my spatial computing project:
- Bezel (Web based, Free for Individual Use)
Bezel is a web-based 3D tool with real-time collaboration capabilities. It empowers you to design and prototype in 3D without writing a single line of code. Collaboration with your team easily, and you can effortlessly hand off your prototype to developers with just a link. I would recommend you to join their supportive Bezel Discord community for project assistance.
2. Adobe Aero (Available on PC/iOS and mobile)
Adobe Aero is an all-in-one augmented reality (AR) authoring and viewing platform that makes it easier for designers and developers to design, collaborate, and publish interactive, immersive experiences in the real world. Adobe officially also provides a series of tutorials to assist in its use.
3. Minsar Studio (VR-Only, Requires Oculus)
Minsar Studio is design for prototyping, designing and sharing AR apps and experience designs. Not only can you operate the design on a computer, but you can also use it in virtual reality (operated through Oculus), without any code base, to fully immerse yourself in your creation.
However, this is only available on the following VR and AR immersive devices: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, and Microsoft HoloLens 2.
4. ShapesXR (Requires Oculus to set up your Space)
ShapesXR is a design and collaboration platform for remote teams. It empowers users and teams to create 3D storyboards, user flow diagrams, and prototype immersive application displays in VR environments.
Leverage its robust mixed reality (MR) creation capabilities to design AR and VR applications and interactive games. (Using Meta Quest Pro to have a more intuitive effect.)
5. Reality Composer (iOS only)
Reality Composer is an AR and 3D content creation tool launched by Apple. This user-friendly tool simplifies the process of building, testing, fine-tuning, and simulating augmented reality experiences for iPhone or iPad, even for those with no prior 3D experience.
Creating a basic AR application involves just four straightforward steps: building a scene, adding actions, incorporating physical effects, and building the application.
Users can intuitively place and rotate virtual objects directly in AR or on the canvas. Import your own .usdz files or use virtual objects from Reality Composer’s built-in AR content library. Customize the size and style of virtual objects to your liking.
That wraps up my list of recommendations. I hope you find this list useful and happy building!
— Bonus Content
6. Spline
Spline is the easiest 3D tool I have ever encountered. It combines the advantages of 3D and interactive animation, addressing the common challenge of designers spending excessive time learning 3D. It significantly reduces learning curve and allows for the straightforward creation of interactive animations. It also integrates some of the most popular AI functions available at the moment with their paid plan.
While Spline is an outstanding 3D tool that simplifies interactive animation and integrates popular AI functions, it doesn’t primarily focus on AR/VR prototyping and thus didn’t make it into my top 5 list.
