Design an Interactive & ANIMATED Augmented Reality Scene for ADOBE AERO

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create an interactive and animated augmented reality (AR) scene using Adobe Aero, along with other Adobe tools like Photoshop, Adobe XD, and After Effects. This step-by-step guide will help you turn a 2D design into an engaging AR experience, ideal for those looking to explore the creative possibilities of augmented reality.

Step 1: Designing in Photoshop

1. Create Your 2D Artwork

   • Open Adobe Photoshop and design your 2D element. This could be anything from simple shapes to intricate graphics.
   • Ensure your artwork is in a transparent PNG format for better quality when importing into Adobe Aero.

2. Export Your Design

   • Go to File > Export > Export As.
   • Choose PNG format and select the transparent background option. Save your file in a designated folder for easy access.

Step 2: Prototyping in Adobe XD

1. Set Up the Project

   • Open Adobe XD and start a new project.
   • Import your PNG file by dragging it into the workspace.

2. Create Interactions

   • Use the Prototype tab to add interactive elements.
   • Set up triggers for your design, such as tap or swipe actions, to enhance user engagement.

3. Preview Your Design

   • Click on the Desktop Preview to test the interactions you created. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure a smooth user experience.

Step 3: Animating in After Effects

1. Import Your Design

   • Open After Effects and create a new project.
   • Import your Photoshop file by selecting File > Import > File.

2. Animate Your Design

   • Use keyframes to animate properties such as position, scale, and rotation.
   • Create a seamless loop if your animation requires continuous movement.

3. Export as PNG Sequence

   • To export, go to Composition > Add to Render Queue.
   • In the Output Module, select PNG Sequence and set your desired output location.

Step 4: Building the AR Experience in Adobe Aero

1. Import Your Assets

   • Open Adobe Aero and create a new project.
   • Import the PNG sequence you exported from After Effects.

2. Arrange the Scene

   • Position your assets in the 3D space within Aero.
   • Adjust the scale and rotation to fit the environment you want to create.

3. Add Interactivity

   • Select your assets and add interactions, such as tap actions or hover effects.
   • Test the interactions to ensure they work as intended.

Step 5: Testing on iPad

1. Access Adobe Aero on iPad

   • Download and open Adobe Aero on your iPad.
   • Sign in with your Adobe account to access your project.

2. Import Your Project

   • Sync your project and import the files created on your desktop.

3. Preview and Adjust

   • Use your iPad to walk around the AR scene and check for any adjustments needed in positioning or interactivity.
   • Make any final tweaks to enhance the user experience.

Conclusion

You have now created an interactive and animated AR scene using Adobe Aero and other Adobe Creative tools. By following these steps, you can transform your 2D designs into engaging augmented reality experiences. Experiment with different designs and animations to further enhance your skills. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and ask for feedback as you continue your journey in AR design!