AugmaLesson 04 · Choosing a format
Start from the goal, and the format usually chooses itself.
A link anyone can open, an app your customers keep, a headset you hand to someone, or a thing standing in a real place. Each trades reach against depth. Pick your goal below and see which fits, then read what drives the cost and the pitfalls to plan for. We don't quote prices: they depend too much on the details to be honest in a table.
Format chooser
What do you most need it to do?
- Best fitWebAR from a link or QR codeOpens in the phone's browser. Nothing to install, so most people who scan actually try it.
- Your existing customersAR in a phone appBetter tracking and features, and it lives next to your shop or service. Asks people to install, so best for customers who return.
- Few people, deeplyHeadset VR or MRFull immersion and hands-on practice. You supply the devices, so the audience is the people you can put them on.
- Everyone who walks byPhysical installation or kioskA screen, camera or game in a real place. No device in anyone's hand, nothing to strap on, and it draws a crowd that watches.
Why
A link or QR code works on almost any phone with no install. Every extra step, an app store, an account, loses people, so keep it to one tap.
Side by side
Reach, cost drivers, build time and hardware.
WebARApp ARHeadsetInstallation
ReachAnyone with a phonePeople who installPeople you hand a headset toPeople in that place
What drives cost3D assets, tracking type, hostingTwo platforms, store review, updatesDevices, content depth, staff on siteHardware, fabrication, set-up and staffing
Build time driversNumber of 3D objectsFeatures and review cyclesScenarios and testing on peoplePhysical build and on-site testing
HardwareThe visitor's phoneThe customer's phoneYours: charge, clean, carryYours, fixed in place
Fits whenCampaigns, packaging, try-onA product people use weeklyTraining, rehearsal, design reviewEvents, retail floors, museums
Pitfalls and reminders
Seven things that decide whether people enjoy it.
- Motion comfortKeep the horizon steady, never move the camera for the user, keep first sessions short and offer a seat. Advances in Simulation, 2025 ↗
- OnboardingMost people have never worn a headset. Plan the first thirty seconds: a host, one gesture to learn, a clear way out.
- Hardware at eventsBatteries, hygiene covers, Wi-Fi, glare, spare units and a queue plan. Test in the real venue, not the office.
- Measuring resultsDecide the number before you build: test scores, time per task, conversion, returns, dwell time. Then compare against a group without XR.
- AccessibilityOffer a seated mode, captions, and ways to interact that don't depend on one body movement. The W3C publishes XR accessibility requirements. W3C XAUR ↗
- Privacy and camerasAR uses cameras that see bystanders too. In one study, bystanders wanted to be asked before being recorded. Process on the device where you can, store nothing you don't need, and say so. University of Washington, CHI 2014 ↗
- Content upkeepPhones, browsers and platforms change every year, and hosted platforms can close. Own your 3D assets and source, and budget for updates. Road to VR, Mar 2026 ↗
You know the formats. Now, where do you start?
The last lesson: a starting line for an SME, a startup and a corporate.