Computing technology has rapidly become a key assistive tool in many contexts. From rapidly providing information that we need, or to visualise data. It is most common for the value of digital systems to be attained through using fairly static devices such as desktops and laptops, which are not particularly well suited to the environment in which we are situated. This section will introduce us to a group of technologies which have aimed to break down some of the barriers presented by devices to the data and information that we need.

This first video introduces us to Augmented reality which adds digital elements to our environment, while still enabling us to interact with the environment in which we are in directly.

The above video introduced Augmented Reality, where we are bringing digital elements into our environment. The next video will discuss Virtual Reality where we are aiming for a more immersive experience, where the environment we are in is changed more dramatically, to the point of replacing it completely, or possibly even transporting us to another environment.

In addition to AR and VR which have been outlined in the videos above, there are other examples of merging digital and real environments. Mixed Reality (MR) aims to combines elements of both AR and VR, real-world and digital objects interact. Mixed reality technology is just now starting to take off with Microsoft’s HoloLens one of the most notable early mixed reality apparatuses.

Another term we may hear from time to time is Extended Reality (XR). This is an umbrella term that covers all of the various technologies that enhance our senses, whether they’re providing additional information about the actual world or creating totally unreal, simulated worlds for us to experience. It includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies.