This week marked the start of our augmented reality project, led by Jamie. We were introduced to the different types of AR tracking methods, and I was particularly drawn to marker-based tracking. The idea of designing a physical marker and having digital content respond to it felt both creatively engaging and technically interesting, as it combines visual design with interactive development.
Learning about marker design principles was especially insightful, as it challenged some of my initial assumptions. For example, I initially believed that repetitive patterns would be effective for marker-based tracking. However, through Jamie’s explanations and demonstrations, I learned that repetition can actually reduce tracking reliability, as the system struggles to distinguish unique features. Instead, effective markers require strong contrast, distinctive visual details, and non-reflective (matte) surfaces in order to be detected accurately and consistently.
Being guided step by step through how marker tracking works in Unity was also extremely valuable. Seeing the process broken down clearly made AR development feel far less intimidating than I had expected. This session significantly increased my confidence and helped me better understand the technical constraints behind AR design decisions. As a result, I feel motivated and prepared to begin experimenting with creating my own marker and developing an engaging AR experience in the coming weeks.