IBM Holobot

Augment Reality

This sales initiative delivered iPad Pros in handmade boxes to specific targets. Removing the device from the box launches an augmented reality experience. I worked with stakeholders and developers to create a rousing experience that served business goals.

Initial interviews led to an outline of objectives, which were translated into potential experiences. I sketched out scenes with a copywriter during a working session with the client. Cardboard prototypes were used for story boarding the future 3D models.

The final product was a highlight of the IBM Think Conference.

The Challenge

Early prototypes exposed two related issues. The first issue was a combination of the limitations of the augmented reality environment and our target audience's expectations. While our viewer did not seek out or invest in this experience, the AR environment asks the user to be an active participant.

The second issue was the inability to iterate on prototypes quickly within the 3D pipeline. This limited our ability to create a compelling experience.

Solutions

The first issue was minimized in two ways. First, by creating an experience that took the passive user into account. Second, by creating a presentation that entices the user's interaction.

The second issue required a fundamental shift in the design process. I built the experience in cardboard. With cardboard, masking tape and, markers we were able to prototype and effect changes in real time, quickly getting to an evocative experience.