AR application example

Virtual prototypes with augmented reality

Company

With AR visualizations, BUSSE now also offers the possibility of using virtual 3D prototypes in the development process and in series production as a marketing tool to support sales and decision-making. Augmented reality brings products almost within reach even before conventional model making - different colors and features can also be displayed and projected directly into the later environment.

On the way to a successful product, physical prototypes are an important intermediate step in order to evaluate and test function and design in reality. This is the only way to record operation and ergonomics and define improvements for the series product. However, model construction naturally requires a lead time and a corresponding budget, and not all possible product configurations can be represented, only exemplary variants.

In this case, the technical possibilities of augmented reality can be put to very good use: It offers an efficient way to supplement or, in some situations, even replace conventional prototyping.

At BUSSE Design+Engineering, digital AR prototypes are already integrated into the product development process, which leads to efficient added value in product development.

What exactly is augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) stands for the expansion of reality with digital information. State-of-the-art devices such as smartphones, tablets and smart glasses combine the real world with digital content. This is made possible by advanced camera technologies and artificial intelligence, which is used to measure the environment. Following this analysis, virtual objects can be inserted into the viewer's digital environment in their original size.

AR became really well known thanks to the Pokémon GO game app, in which small fantasy creatures can be caught in reality. Another example is the IKEA Place app, which allows furniture to be placed virtually at home before purchase.

Augmented reality is now increasingly finding its way onto our smartphones and offers a variety of different and impressive functions. There are also other exciting use cases in the industrial environment. In addition to smart devices, smart glasses, i.e. glasses with display technology, are increasingly being used here. This leaves hands free and allows specialist personnel to continue working as usual. For example, AR provides helpful information during assembly and maintenance work or when navigating through a warehouse.

**Added value for product development
**⁠The special thing about digital prototypes: AR displays the products in their original size and in the respective usage environment. Colors and material appearance as well as light and shadow effects tailored to the environment ensure that the virtual design models can be integrated as if they were close enough to touch.

Companies can use virtual prototypes during the entire product development process to obtain a fast and realistic representation.

To evaluate the design, they can compare virtual models with existing series products or products from competitors to check whether or how much they differ from each other. AR prototypes are also very helpful in the development of packaging designs, as designs can be assessed quickly and faithfully.

With virtual models, coordination and decisions can sometimes be made much faster than with a physical prototype, as less effort is required to create them.

BUSSE Design+Engineering also uses augmented reality prototypes in the area of UI/UX development. Visual design drafts are projected onto the display of a still virtual product in order to demonstrate to customers during product development how their interface will later look during operation.

Augmented reality renderings of products can also be useful for BUSSE Design+Engineering customers after the series launch. For example, products can be presented to potential customers in their original size during sales. The one-to-one representation can also be used to precisely determine the subsequent location - without the need for time-consuming surveying of the surroundings.

Other possible applications include AR representations for virtual trade fair models, design models for marketing documents or as visual support in assembly instructions.

Of course, a virtual prototype does not completely replace the physical prototype. Although the design and size can be assessed very well with the virtual representation, AR cannot yet keep up with real prototypes in terms of haptics or ergonomics. The conventional prototype is still indispensable for bringing a mature product onto the market. However, digital visualization in an environmental context is an efficient and valuable addition to product development.

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Your contact person
Evamaria Plehn, Head of UI/UX Design
Evamaria Plehn
AR application example
Graphic Augmented Reality in product development

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Calistair

"We were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and technical creativity of the Busse employees. The atmosphere in the project was characterized by professional looseness and great agility. We turned an idea into a finished product in 4 months!"

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Thyssenkrupp

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Sigel

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Prinoth

„BUSSE is our design game-changer for snow groomers! Their UI/UX team elevates not only icons and layout but the entire user experience to a new level. Clear operation turns every ride into a pleasure. Reliable from development to series production, BUSSE is by our side. Their interface, based on precise product research, simplifies operation. Flexible, forward-thinking, and reliable – BUSSE is our satisfaction guarantee!"

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Mikron

"With BUSSE as a sparring partner, we were able to successfully work out a brand-defining design for our latest products that was appropriate for the target group. BUSSE understood our internal company processes very well and was therefore able to deliver optimal results. Deadlines were always met, you can rely on BUSSE. Anytime again!"

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Keller

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Britax Römer

„Child seats are not only visually complex but also technically demanding. Our longstanding partnership with BUSSE turns development into a creative experience. Design sprints and a versatile selection matrix relieve engineers, minimize time-consuming iterations. We appreciate BUSSE for their timely implementations despite limited resources. The collaboration is not only effective but also truly enjoyable!"

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Infinite Running

„What impressed me right from the start was the incorporation of many innovative ideas that led to a result that is now ready for the market. Despite patented hurdles, design concepts were fine-tuned and refined until a turnkey concept for prototypes and a near-series maturity was achieved."

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Hammer

"BUSSE has been the perfect partner for us to develop new and innovative ideas for over fifteen years. BUSSE offers a very high level of professionalism and a first-class understanding of the brand. The team has completely internalized the high standards of our projects and with exceptional creativity, as well as full dedication, has helped us to set new trends. Many of our bestsellers bear BUSSE hallmarks."

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Darda

„From the outset, BUSSE embraced our technical wishes and constraints, weaving them into a cohesive product. Their craftsmanship is impressive, making the collaboration not only enjoyable but also an inspiring process due to their expertise. It's a partnership that seamlessly blends creativity with professionalism."

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