The difference between ar, vr, and xr

Most people confuse AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) when describing the technology. However, when you look closely, these two terms are only the beginning of describing the technology. Now, what are the other kinds of terms we need to understand? There is MR (mixed reality) and XR (extended reality). To be honest, there is a fair amount of confusion about these terms and their differences. Based on research conducted by MarketsandMarkets, the market size of these extended reality technologies has a combined compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6% between 2021 and 2026. The very step you can take to define each technology clearly is to understand the possibilities each one offers. Let us understand the concept of these technologies in this article.

What Is Reality?

The concept of using certain information and constructing reality is unique to each one of us. Our past experiences, struggles, etc., provide a contributing factor to the way we shape our world and how we perceive them. The basic tendency of any human being is to confuse reality with the physical world and try to understand why virtual reality feels so real even when it is not. Reality is nothing but a construct each one of us makes based on what we calculate from our senses. To understand these technologies, everyone needs to make sure they know how to analyse what they perceive comes from the digital or physical world. Reality technologies that are extended add another layer which makes the experiences feel even more intense. For example, when we watch any sad movie, are we aware that what we are watching is making us cry? Yes, we are aware of that. But the actual question is, were you aware that it was just a movie and nothing more? Yes again. Even though we know that movies are not real and that they are just fiction, they feel real at the time. We need to understand that we are not seeing reality but a story that is made for us. Isn't it fascinating?

Augmented Reality(AR)

The technology that allows the positioning of elements that are digital into the real-world environment is called augmented reality, or AR. With AR, you can see a synthesised view of the real world with physical elements or digital elements. There is no interaction between the digital and physical elements. The potential to laminate digital objects onto the physical world is said to be transformative for many industries, such as gaming, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. AR experiences are much closer to the physical world than those of the virtuality continuum. When visiting a doctor for a blood test, the nurse finds it really difficult to find the veins. isn't it? But with AR technology, it can be made easy. This is just one out of a million examples in which AR can be used. With AR applications, you can go beyond the screen and contribute to a revolution that will change the way we interact with digital products.

Virtual Reality(VR)

With the physical or real world entirely blocked out, this technology allows us to see the creation of a fully-submerged digital world. It is said to be located at the virtual extreme of the virtuality continuum. The VR experience can bring out true emotional responses, even if we know it is not real. In general, humans construct reality from the things they receive from their senses. This is why our bodies react a certain way even if we are aware that we are having a fully digital experience. VR initially takes advantage of the visual and auditory systems. There is an even greater sense of presence and immersion if you add other senses. The experience can be more immersive if we get more logical information through our senses. Try to consider the different dimensions of the experience and the particularities of VR technology to create the best possible experience for your users.

Extended Reality(XR)

Any sort of technology that changes reality by creating digital elements in the physical or real-world environment to any extent, softens the line between the physical and the digital. This world is called "extended reality" (XR). All technologies, including AR, MR, and VR, are included in XR solutions. Even those that have yet to be developed. XR technologies keep evolving, so their full potential remains to be seen. So many things have to be discovered about how users can interact with them and achieve the best results. There are many difficulties that lie in the lack of defined standards. The best place to start is to keep experiencing the simple things and pushing the envelope a little bit at a time. Usability testing will be good and helpful in the case of new technologies.

Many technologies alter our perception of reality by including elements that are digital in the physical world to a greater or lesser extent. These technologies can be located at some point of the virtuality continuum based to some extent where the digital elements block the real-world environment and their associated capabilities. The image of the virtuality continuum in your head will make you clearly see the difference between each type of technology. The important terms that you have to learn to develop or learn the potential of these new technologies are:

Augmented reality (AR): An overlay of elements that are digital with an outlook of the real world, also known as the physical world.

Mixed reality (MR): A cover of elements that are digital where the physical and digital elements can communicate with a view of the real physical world.

Virtual reality (VR): A submerged digital environment.

All these technologies evolve and new ones emerge all the time. Designers have to keep learning and understanding the characteristics of each one to deliver the best user experience. When you can clearly distinguish between AR, MR, VR, and any other XR technology, then you’ll be able to create experiences that take advantage of each technology and provide an amazing boost to your career as a UX designer.