A Comparative Study of AR Authoring Tools for Prototyping AR Experiences

Sammanfattning

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.