Our journey with Augmented Reality (AR) started in 2021. We realised the huge potential benefits it could bring for our clients and the potential it has for changing the whole interior design/cabinet making industry.
AR bridges the gap between imagination and reality, but what actually is it? How does it work and how will it change the way we work?
What is it?
AR is a technology that overlays digital elements, such as images, sounds, 3d models or other data, onto the physical environment. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which creates an entirely separate digital world, AR blends the digital and physical worlds seamlessly. AR works through devices such as smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses equipped with cameras and sensors. These devices capture the real-world environment and use software to superimpose digital content onto it, aligning it with the physical space in real-time.
Its like a cross between your devices camera and a virtual reality screen.
For example, when using an AR app to visualise cabinets in a kitchen, the device's camera scans the room, and the software generates the digital model of the cabinets so that they appear as though they are physically present in the space. This interaction allows users to walk around and explore the virtual additions as if they were part of the real environment.
What we like about it?
When we work for you our sole aim is to do an outstanding job! One of the most significant challenges in cabinet making is helping clients envision how a finished product will look in their home. Traditionally, designers have relied on sketches, technical drawings, or even physical prototypes to communicate ideas. These methods, while effective and definitely not defunct, they can leave room for misunderstandings.
AR changes the game by allowing clients to see life-sized full scale virtual cabinets placed directly into their kitchen, bathroom, or living space. Using AR applications on smartphones, tablets, or specialized glasses, clients can walk around and inspect these digital renderings from every angle. This provides a whole new way to visualise the true scale of a project.
Is the kitchen island too big? Is that shelf you wanted going to be too high? How would your room look in a different colour? With AR you can walk around your new kitchen before anything is even close to being produced. It provides a clear understanding of dimensions, materials, and layouts, helping to ensure that the final product is exactly what you hoped for.
In addition once a design is finalised, AR can be used to help all the involved parties collaborate. Most building construction plans don’t tend to cover final details. Positions of electrical fixtures, fittings, appliance requirements etc often end up being left to individual contractors.
On the majority of kitchen installations we carry out we usually end up having to collate all this information and pass it on between contractors. Now we can create a definitive model of the project and add the relevant information to it. Contractors can view this using AR. When doing this we have found that more often than not it highlights issues that have been missed or require further attention before they pose a costly problem.
Where does it stop?
While AR offers numerous benefits, it is not without its limitations. One of the primary challenges is the reliance on technology. High-quality AR experiences require advanced devices, which may not be affordable or accessible to everyone. Additionally, the accuracy of AR models can sometimes be compromised by factors like poor lighting or insufficient calibration of the device’s sensors.
In our real world experience the technology can struggle in some scenarios. Rooms with lots of existing furniture or cabinets can cause the software to have difficulties recognising the space and thus it can struggle to accurately place the model. We have found it works the best with an empty room, such as you might find on a new build project. The tech is evolving all the time though and we expect this to be less of an issue fairly soon.
Furthermore, AR visualisations, whilst still realistic, will never perfectly replicate the tactile feel and real-world look of actual materials. Physical samples are still just as important as ever before finalising any material choices and we can’t see that changing any time soon.
The Future of Cabinet Making with AR
As AR technology continues to evolve and overcome its current limitations where could it go? Its applications in our industry of cabinet making are expected to expand. Clients could use AR to visualise their cabinets while shopping for appliances, ensuring a cohesive look. Or where designers use AR-powered gloves to "sculpt" virtual cabinets, which are then perfectly sized via a 3d scan of your room.
By integrating AR with laser measuring devices, designers can create exact 3D models of a space, including irregularities or unique architectural features. These models can then serve as the foundation for perfectly fitting cabinets, reducing the likelihood of errors during installation. One of our business partners is already offering this service and we have used it for quite a unique project (more on that another time!).
The integration of AR with artificial intelligence (AI) is already taking off. Design suggestions produced based on a client’s preferences and lifestyle. Combined with advancements in virtual reality (VR), AR could offer even more immersive experiences, enabling clients to "live" in their newly designed space before a single nail is hammered. Touching on VR here but imagine being able to invite your friends and family round to view you new kitchen or house… before its built.
We expect to see AR used not solely for designing your home but also for day to day tasks. AR used in conjunction with other building digital advancements such as Digital twinning (an accurate working model of your home/building) would mean that as you walk through your home various information could be displayed. This could be things like maintenance schedules, faults, smart suggestions, updates, improvements or perhaps even just simple tips and recipes to help in the kitchen.
Our take..
Augmented reality still has some way to go before all the kinks are ironed out but it is clear it is not just a trend but a transformative force in our industry. By enhancing visualisation, improving precision, and fostering collaboration, AR empowers professionals to deliver exceptional results consistently whilst at the same time offering clients a seamless and engaging experience. Would you like to try it out on your next project?
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