A career in a creative and tech-filled field like augmented reality requires a combination of programming and development skills, as well as UX design.
The term Augmented Reality sounds like a very fancy term, but it is actually a combination of technologies and technologies to cover different concepts such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It’s just an expression used by the entertainment industry.
For those of you who need a refresher on what AR, VR, and MR are, here’s a quick overview of each.
AR uses real-world settings combined with technology, giving users control over the extent of technology used. It’s about using technology to enhance real-world settings. Commonly used in tourism apps, it offers a technical twist on popular tourist destinations.
VR is completely virtual. It’s all about interacting in virtual worlds such as the Metaverse. VR is often used for gaming.
MR is kind of halfway between VR and AR. It’s interactive, but it also allows a view of the real world.
Augmented Reality (often abbreviated as XR) can be thought of as an umbrella term for all these simulations.
If you want to work in XR, VR, MR, or AR, you’re working at the intersection of technology and entertainment. It’s an exciting technology with lots of room for innovation due to its applications in the entertainment sector.
Not only are people using XR technology to enhance everything from Hollywood productions to museum visits, but they are also being used in the education sector to increase engagement.
Dublin-based VR company VRAI is an example of a company realizing the potential of XR to train learners in areas ranging from offshore wind farms to military.
Therefore, we found that the potential for XR to be applied to the industry is very large. This means that there are a variety of jobs for those who want to work in the area.
From very tech-focused developer jobs to more creative and design-focused roles, there are many opportunities in this ever-evolving and fast-growing industry.
Let’s take a look at some of the skills you need if you want a job at XR.
programming
AR and VR developers use C#, Swift, Python, and Java on a daily basis and should learn at least one of them. You don’t need a degree to learn programming. There are many free or relatively inexpensive resources for learning technical skills. Keep an eye out for courses on platforms like Udemy and PluralSight.
development
Having some development experience is of value to you, especially as it helps you put your programming skills into practice. Try working on a project or two before you start applying for a position. It’s also worth pointing out that much of the XR work is done collaboratively. So there’s always a bonus on your resume if you can prove you’ve worked well in a development team.
UX design
UX design skills are something every technologist should have, but they are especially important for those working in XR. A lot of the work you do becomes a finished product or piece of art, so you need to resonate with people.
animation
In addition to development skills, you should be proficient with 3D animation technology tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
Creativity
XR often blurs the lines between technology and art. If you are creative by nature, interested in things like design, and interested in how technology can make art and culture richer and more interactive, this is the perfect field to enter. It means that
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