Augmented reality, a computer trick to place the virtual within the real world, has barely cracked its way into most of our lives, but it’s easy to see how such a tool could get out of hand. At some point, we’re going to have to raise our hands and say, “Okay, stop that’s enough information. My head hurts.” Or will we? Recent architecture grad Keiichi Matsuda explores the possibility of an augmented (hyper)reality where information is everywhere you go (video below).
The latter half of the 20th century saw the built environment merged with media space, and architecture taking on new roles related to branding, image and consumerism. Augmented reality may recontextualise the functions of consumerism and architecture, and change in the way in which we operate within it.
There’s so much augmentation in fact that it becomes hard to tell where virtual end and reality begins.
[via Data Driven]
I think designers of visual displays – heads-up displays, in-camera displays – must just laugh with derision every time they see this stuff. The principle there seems to be: “as much as you need and no more.”
Otherwise it just distracts and irritates. I think the Hollywood, Minority Report type displays are going to look laughably quaint in 2025.
I’m looking forward to the other side of augmented reality. An in-eye adblocker.
I think if people were getting paid to run advertisements in their kitchen like that, say.. 1000 ads becomes $200 USD/month towards rent, then it’s possible we would do this to ourselves. Scary thought.
Running your in-house advertising for today:
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