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Foundations of AR

In this course, you will learn the basics of augmented reality (AR). You will focus on where AR fits in the XR spectrum, how AR is used, what AR can do today—and in the future—and the various technologies used for building such experiences. You will also learn about computer vision in AR, the software development lifecycle, and careers in AR development.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

- Explain how AR fits into the XR spectrum.

- Distinguish between AR in social media (Meta Spark), AR on a browser (web AR), and AR in a mobile app (Unity AR).

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

- Explain how AR fits into the XR spectrum.

- Distinguish between AR in social media (Meta Spark), AR on a browser (web AR), and AR in a mobile app (Unity AR).

- Describe AR’s defining characteristics, affordances, and capabilities.

- Explain how computer vision relates to AR development.

- Give an overview of the AR software development lifecycle and production.

- Describe how AR is used in the marketing, education, gaming and entertainment industries.

To be successful in this course, experience with object oriented programming and basic web development is needed. JavaScript is a plus but not required.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to AR

What is AR? What value does it bring to people? Why are developers drawn to it? In this module, you'll answer these questions, as well as learn about the XR spectrum, tools used to develop AR, computer vision, and hear about career paths for AR developers.

AR technologies and capabilities

In this module, you will learn about the different types of AR and how businesses and developers choose the right one. You'll also learn about different pieces of hardware and their capabilities. In addition, you'll learn about the devices and development technologies that AR developers use.

Computer vision

Learn what computer vision is and how it applies to AR development, as well as ways to use in a project.

AR software development lifecycle

Learn how the software development cycle factors into how AR developers do their work. You'll also hear about careers in AR development, whether alone or as part of a team. You'll end this course with an exploration of design and accessibility considerations.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by instructors from Meta, a key player in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), this course provides insights into industry practices

Covers augmented reality's history, tools, software development lifecycle, hardware, and use cases across industries, providing a comprehensive overview of the field

Helps learners understand how augmented reality fits into the XR spectrum and its potential as a creative tool for personal growth and development

Suitable for individuals interested in exploring the technical aspects of augmented reality, such as computer vision and software development

Requires basic programming and web development knowledge, making it accessible to those with some technical background

Assumes minimal knowledge of hardware devices and development technologies, which may be a caveat for complete beginners

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations of AR with these activities:

Compile a Collection of AR Resources

Show steps

Build a valuable resource for yourself and others by gathering and organizing relevant materials on AR.

Browse courses on Augmented Reality

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Create a dedicated folder or website.
Search for and gather relevant resources.
Organize the resources into categories.

Join a Study Group for AR Development

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Connect with fellow learners to discuss course material, share ideas, and support each other.

Browse courses on AR Development

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Find or create a study group.
Set regular meeting times.
Discuss course topics, work on projects, and share resources.

Build an AR App with Unity

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Develop practical skills in AR app development using Unity, a popular game engine.

Browse courses on Unity

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Choose a simple AR app idea.
Set up Unity and import AR Foundation.
Create a basic AR scene and add virtual objects.
Test and iterate on the app.

Two other activities

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Find a Mentor in AR Development

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Gain valuable guidance and insights from experienced professionals in the field.

Browse courses on AR Development

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Attend industry events and meetups.
Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss progress and seek advice.

Design an AR Experience for a Real-World Location

Show steps

Develop your creativity and problem-solving skills by designing an AR experience tailored to a specific location.

Show steps

Select a real-world location.
Sketch out ideas for the AR experience.
Use AR design tools to create a prototype.
Test the prototype and gather feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of AR will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Vision Engineer

Develop and build computer vision AR applications that leverage real-time image processing and understanding. Design, implement, and evaluate computer vision algorithms for AR experiences that enhance user interaction and perception. This course provides a solid foundation in computer vision and its applications in AR development, making it an excellent starting point for a career as a Computer Vision Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Vision Engineer

AR Software Developer

Design and implement AR software applications using a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Work on the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design to implementation, testing, and deployment. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the AR software development lifecycle and the technologies used in AR development, making it an essential resource for aspiring AR Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR Software Developer

AR Designer

Create and design AR experiences that are user-friendly, engaging, and visually appealing. Work with engineers and developers to bring AR concepts to life, ensuring that the user experience is seamless and intuitive. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of AR design, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of AR Design.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR Designer

AR Product Manager

Manage the development and launch of AR products, working closely with engineers, designers, and marketing teams. Define product requirements, prioritize features, and track progress throughout the development process. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the AR industry, its applications, and the product development lifecycle, making it an excellent resource for aspiring AR Product Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR Product Manager

AR Marketing Specialist

Develop and execute AR marketing campaigns that engage target audiences and drive brand awareness. Create AR experiences that showcase products or services in a unique and interactive way. This course provides a solid foundation in AR technology and its applications in marketing, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of AR Marketing.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR Marketing Specialist

AR Content Creator

Develop and create AR content, including 3D models, animations, and interactive experiences. Work with designers and engineers to bring AR concepts to life, ensuring that the content is engaging and visually appealing. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of AR content creation, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of AR Content Creation.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR Content Creator

AR Education Specialist

Develop and deliver AR educational experiences that enhance student learning and engagement. Work with teachers and curriculum designers to create AR content that aligns with educational standards and objectives. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of AR and its applications in education, making it an excellent resource for aspiring AR Education Specialists.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR Education Specialist

AR Game Developer

Design and develop AR games that are engaging, immersive, and visually appealing. Work with engineers and designers to bring AR concepts to life, ensuring that the gameplay is seamless and enjoyable. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of AR game development, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of AR Game Development.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR Game Developer

AR User Experience (UX) Designer

Design and evaluate AR experiences to ensure that they are user-friendly, efficient, and enjoyable. Conduct user research, create prototypes, and provide feedback to engineers and designers throughout the development process. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of AR UX design, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of AR UX Design.

See salaries and explore the career path for AR User Experience (UX) Designer

Front-End Developer

Develop the user interfaces for AR applications, ensuring that they are visually appealing, responsive, and accessible across a variety of devices. Work closely with designers and engineers to bring AR concepts to life, ensuring that the user experience is seamless and intuitive. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of front-end design and development, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of front-end development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Design and develop full-stack AR applications, working on both the front-end and back-end of the system. Work closely with designers and engineers to bring AR concepts to life, ensuring that the user experience is seamless and intuitive. This course provides a broad overview of the principles of software development, including front-end development, back-end development, and database management, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of full-stack development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Data Scientist

Analyze data from AR applications to identify trends, patterns, and insights. Work with engineers and product managers to develop data-driven solutions that improve the user experience and drive business outcomes. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of data science, including data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Project Manager

Plan, execute, and track AR projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Work closely with stakeholders, including engineers, designers, and product managers, to ensure that the project meets the needs of the business. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of project management, including project planning, risk management, and stakeholder management, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

Document and explain the technical aspects of AR applications, ensuring that they are easy to understand and use. Work closely with engineers and product managers to create user manuals, tutorials, and other documentation. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of technical writing, including documentation design, user experience, and content strategy, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of technical writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Marketing Manager

Develop and execute marketing campaigns for AR products and services, driving awareness, engagement, and sales. Work closely with product managers, sales teams, and creative agencies to develop and implement marketing strategies. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of marketing, including market research, campaign planning, and customer relationship management, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enter the field of marketing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundations of AR.

Augmented Reality

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of augmented reality. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of AR, the different types of AR systems, the hardware and software used to develop AR applications, and the applications of AR in various fields.

Augmented Reality: Principles and Practice...

Paperback

$$$

Augmented Reality: Principles and Practice...

Kindle Edition

Practical Augmented Reality

Save

Provides a practical guide to developing augmented reality applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different types of AR systems, the hardware and software used to develop AR applications, and the applications of AR in various fields.

Practical Augmented Reality: A Guide to the...

Paperback

Practical Augmented Reality: A Guide to the...

Kindle Edition

Computer Vision

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Provides a comprehensive overview of computer vision algorithms and applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including image formation, feature detection, object recognition, and image segmentation.

AI for Games, Third Edition

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Provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence for games. It covers a wide range of topics, including pathfinding, decision making, and natural language processing.

AI for Games, Third Edition

Paperback

$$$

(中文) Artificial Intelligence in Games (3rd...

Paperback

$$$

AI for Games, Third Edition

Kindle Edition

The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)

Save

Provides a framework for understanding why large companies often fail to innovate. It argues that large companies are often too focused on their current customers and too slow to adopt new technologies.

The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)

Paperback

The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)

Kindle Edition

Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...

Save

Provides a framework for building successful startups. It argues that startups should focus on building a minimum viable product and then iterating based on customer feedback.

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...

Hardcover

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...

Kindle Edition

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, Or How to Build the...

Save

Provides a framework for building successful businesses. It argues that businesses should focus on creating new markets rather than competing in existing ones.

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...

Hardcover

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...

Kindle Edition

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