AR/VR – A complete career overview of the virtual world
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are the two most talked-about emerging technologies that are changing the way we interact with the world. AR is an interactive experience that enhances real-world objects with digital information, while VR is a fully immersive experience that transports you to a virtual world. These technologies are transforming the way we learn, work, and get entertained.
Here are 5 reasons to immerse into AR/VR industry
- High demand in the job market: AR/VR technologies are being adopted across various industries such as gaming, healthcare, education, and retail. This has created a huge demand for professionals with skills in AR/VR development, programming, and design.
- Enhances learning experiences: AR/VR can make learning more engaging and interactive by allowing students to visualize complex concepts in a more immersive way. For example, medical students can use AR/VR to simulate surgeries, and engineering students can use it to visualize designs in a 3D space.
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills: AR/VR requires students to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. By working on AR/VR projects, students can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are important in any field.
- Fosters creativity: AR/VR can be used to create interactive and immersive experiences that can stimulate creativity and imagination in children. By learning how to create AR/VR applications, children can develop their creativity and imagination.
Global Landscape:
With affluence and the demand for personalized experience, the AR/VR industry is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. Some of the major players in the industry include Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple.
Indian Landscape:
India is also making strides in the AR/VR industry, with several startups emerging in this space. Some of the major players in the Indian market include Tesseract, Absentia VR, and Meraki VR.
Career Avenues:
Some of the career opportunities in the AR/VR industry include:
- AR/VR Developer
- AR/VR Designer
- 3D Artist
- Game Developer
- UX Designer
- Game Designer
- Simulation Engineer
Educational Institutes
Several educational institutes in India are now offering courses in AR/VR development and design. Some of the top institutes include:
- IIT
- Indian School of Design and Innovation, Mumbai
- MIT Institute of Design, Pune
- National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
- Srishti School of Art Design and Technology, Bengaluru
- International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad
Steps to immerse in the world of AR/VR
The world of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is nothing short of magical. As a school student, you can begin your journey toward a thrilling career in AR/VR, where technology meets imagination. Here’s how you can take your first steps:
1. Dive into the world of AR/VR:
Begin by understanding what AR and VR are. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, while VR immerses you in a completely digital environment. Explore articles, videos, and tutorials online to grasp the fundamentals.
2. Master STEM Subjects:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are the building blocks of AR/VR. Focus on these subjects in school to lay a solid foundation for your future career. Join STEM clubs or take part in science fairs to enhance your skills.
3. Experiment and create:
Start experimenting with simple AR/VR projects. There are beginner-friendly tools and software available that allow you to create basic experiences. Experimentation is the best way to learn and unleash your creativity.
4. Stay updated:
AR/VR is a rapidly evolving field. Stay updated with the latest trends, devices, and applications by following AR/VR news websites, blogs, and social media channels. This knowledge will give you a competitive edge.
5. Participate in Hackathons:
Join AR/VR hackathons or game development competitions. These events challenge you to solve real-world problems using AR/VR technology and can boost your skills and confidence.
6. Internships and Online Courses:
Seek internships or enroll in online courses related to AR/VR development and design. These experiences can provide hands-on learning and improve your knowledge.
7. Consider Further Education:
Think about pursuing degrees in computer science, game design, or interactive media. These fields offer specialized education in AR/VR technology.
8. Foster Your Creativity:
AR/VR is not just about technology; it’s about storytelling and creating immersive experiences. Develop your creative skills, whether in design, writing, or storytelling.
Remember that success in AR/VR often requires perseverance and a willingness to learn from failures. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
Resources to play with
Here are some resources that you can use to start learning about AR/VR:
Unity Learn: Unity Learn is a free platform that offers tutorials on AR/VR development using the Unity game engine. Unity is one of the most popular game engines used for developing AR/VR applications. Unity Learn offers free tutorials and courses on AR/VR development using the engine.
Google ARCore: Google ARCore is a software development kit (SDK) that allows developers to build AR applications for Android devices.
A-Frame: A-Frame is a web-based framework for building VR experiences using HTML and JavaScript.
CoSpaces Edu: CoSpaces Edu is a platform that allows students to create and share their own AR/VR experiences without the need for coding knowledge.
Unreal Engine: Similar to Unity, Unreal Engine is another popular game engine used for AR/VR development. The Unreal Engine website offers free tutorials and courses on AR/VR development.
Oculus Developer Center: Oculus is one of the leading companies in the VR industry. Their developer center offers resources and tutorials on developing for the Oculus platform.
ARToolkit: ARToolkit is an open-source toolkit for AR development. Their website offers documentation, tutorials, and code samples to help beginners get started with AR development.
Vuforia: Vuforia is a popular AR platform used by developers. Their website offers resources and tutorials on developing AR applications using Vuforia.
ARKit: ARKit is a platform for building AR experiences on iOS devices. Apple’s ARKit website offers resources and tutorials on ARKit development.
Other E-learning platforms that you can explore – Coursera, Udemy, YouTube
Conclusion
Technology is opening up new avenues of exploration. The world is witnessing fascinating research and breakthrough discoveries. From virtual meetings to safeguarding hazardous sites, technology is making incredible strides in advancing our lives. Its a good time to educate yourself and drive your curiosity and innovativeness to new heights. Educate yourself with these trends and build a foundation for your future.
In case you are interested in AR/VR, but need some mentoring and direction or you also want to explore other exciting technologies like robotics, 3D Printing, Drones, and SpaceTech, then visit us!
About 10xTechClub
10xTechClub is an emerging tech learning centre for school students. Our after-school Premier Accelerator Program teaches 10+ emerging technologies and future skills through hands-on project-based learning for real-world success.
At our offline centre, we integrate emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, growth mindset, and design thinking. We also help discover career interest, thus preparing for a high-paying career of your choice. Think innovation. Think 10xTechClub.
