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A Comparative Study of AR Authoring Tools for Prototyping AR Experiences

Nugaela, Vanessa LU (2026) MAMM20 20261
Department of Design Sciences
Abstract
Augmented Reality (AR) combines digital content with the physical environment, but creating AR prototypes often requires programming skills, 3D knowledge and interaction design experience. AR authoring tools can lower these barriers through visual interfaces and low-code workflows. This thesis compares how Unity and Snap Lens Studio support rapid prototyping of a reminiscence-based AR experience in a palliative care design context. The same AR concept was implemented in both tools through authoring workflows. In Unity and Snap Lens Studio, a virtual room was created and customised using imported memory images, interactive memory frames and slideshow-based interaction logic. The development process was documented and complemented by a... (More)
Augmented Reality (AR) combines digital content with the physical environment, but creating AR prototypes often requires programming skills, 3D knowledge and interaction design experience. AR authoring tools can lower these barriers through visual interfaces and low-code workflows. This thesis compares how Unity and Snap Lens Studio support rapid prototyping of a reminiscence-based AR experience in a palliative care design context. The same AR concept was implemented in both tools through authoring workflows. In Unity and Snap Lens Studio, a virtual room was created and customised using imported memory images, interactive memory frames and slideshow-based interaction logic. The development process was documented and complemented by a qualitative evaluation with six participants, who followed a guided test procedure in both tools and reflected on the authoring process. The results show that Unity offers greater flexibility and technical control, but requires more setup and coding. Snap Lens Studio enables a faster and more visual workflow, making it suitable for early-stage prototyping, but becomes more limited when customised interaction is needed. (Less)
Abstract (Swedish)
Augmented Reality (AR), eller förstärkt verklighet, används för att kombinera digitalt innehåll med den fysiska omgivningen, men utveckling av AR-prototyper kräver ofta teknisk kunskap. Detta examensarbete jämför hur Unity och Snap Lens Studio stödjer snabb prototypframtagning av en reminiscensbaserad AR-upplevelse i en palliativ vårdkontext. Samma AR-koncept implementerades i båda verktygen och jämfördes utifrån utvecklingstid, arbetsflöde, teknisk komplexitet, kodningskrav, interaktionsdesign och begränsningar. Studien kompletterades även med en kvalitativ utvärdering där deltagarna fick bygga och reflektera över processen. Resultaten visar att Unity erbjuder större flexibilitet och teknisk kontroll, men kräver mer tid. Snap Lens Studio... (More)
Augmented Reality (AR), eller förstärkt verklighet, används för att kombinera digitalt innehåll med den fysiska omgivningen, men utveckling av AR-prototyper kräver ofta teknisk kunskap. Detta examensarbete jämför hur Unity och Snap Lens Studio stödjer snabb prototypframtagning av en reminiscensbaserad AR-upplevelse i en palliativ vårdkontext. Samma AR-koncept implementerades i båda verktygen och jämfördes utifrån utvecklingstid, arbetsflöde, teknisk komplexitet, kodningskrav, interaktionsdesign och begränsningar. Studien kompletterades även med en kvalitativ utvärdering där deltagarna fick bygga och reflektera över processen. Resultaten visar att Unity erbjuder större flexibilitet och teknisk kontroll, men kräver mer tid. Snap Lens Studio har ett snabbare och mer visuellt arbetsflöde, men har fler begränsningar vid avancerade interaktioner. Studien visar därmed att Unity är mer lämpligt när kontroll och flexibilitet prioriteras, medan Snap Lens Studio passar bättre för snabb och visuell AR-prototypframtagning. (Less)
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author
Nugaela, Vanessa LU
supervisor
organization
course
MAMM20 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Augmented Reality (AR), AR authoring tools, Rapid Prototyping, Reminiscence
language
English
id
9236093
date added to LUP
2026-06-12 13:32:17
date last changed
2026-06-12 13:32:17
@misc{9236093,
  abstract     = {{Augmented Reality (AR) combines digital content with the physical environment, but creating AR prototypes often requires programming skills, 3D knowledge and interaction design experience. AR authoring tools can lower these barriers through visual interfaces and low-code workflows. This thesis compares how Unity and Snap Lens Studio support rapid prototyping of a reminiscence-based AR experience in a palliative care design context. The same AR concept was implemented in both tools through authoring workflows. In Unity and Snap Lens Studio, a virtual room was created and customised using imported memory images, interactive memory frames and slideshow-based interaction logic. The development process was documented and complemented by a qualitative evaluation with six participants, who followed a guided test procedure in both tools and reflected on the authoring process. The results show that Unity offers greater flexibility and technical control, but requires more setup and coding. Snap Lens Studio enables a faster and more visual workflow, making it suitable for early-stage prototyping, but becomes more limited when customised interaction is needed.}},
  author       = {{Nugaela, Vanessa}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{A Comparative Study of AR Authoring Tools for Prototyping AR Experiences}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}