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Augmented Reality for Interior Design: Architecture, Features, Challenges, and Costs

Augmented Reality (AR) for Interior Design - ScienceSoft

With 27 years in 3D modeling and 17 years in implementing mobile AR experiences, ScienceSoft provides augmented reality app development and consulting services.

AR for Interior Design: The Essence

AR software for interior design is aimed at simplifying customer communication, accelerating plan approval and deal closing, as well as reducing purchase return rates by 50-70%.

The Market of AR for Interior Design

Augmented reality (AR) market reached the $10.7 billion mark in 2019 and is expected to grow up to $72.7 billion by 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 46.6%. Interior design is one of the most popular applications of the AR technology due to providing cost savings and reducing time in interior design creation.

AR Interior Design Solution Architecture

The key elements are the client app and the back end. While all the key processes (represented by modules in the architecture) of an AR app perform on the client side, the algorithms that power these processes run on the back end. Thus, the client AR app always remains lightweight and fast-functioning.

AR Interior Design Solution Architecture - ScienceSoft

The key modules of the AR app are responsible for:

Input data processing

Analysis of data received via camera, GPS, gyroscope, and accelerometer.

3D model load process

Loading 3D models from the back end into the app.

XYZ plane detection

Automatic scan of the surroundings, captured by a device’s camera lens, and their interpretation as an image on a XYZ coordinate plane.

Image and object recognition

Recognition of certain objects for more correct augmentation (for instance augmenting an object recognized as ‘table’ with a table cloth).

Motion tracking

Automatic adjustment of 3D models (zoom-in, zoom-out, angle view, etc.) depending on the device movement.

Light estimation

Automatic adjustment of the virtual 3D models on the screen to match the lighting conditions of the real surroundings.

Features of AR for Design Interior Solutions

AR ruler

A virtual measuring tool that augments the reality view, captured by the camera, and helps precisely measure room or furniture dimensions.

3D model modification

Possibility to adjust the color, material, size or other attributes (specifically set up for user modification) of different 3D models.

Virtual lighting

Possibility to test out the way different types of virtually positioned lamps would work in different real locations.

Augmented design templates

A library of ready-made plans and designs that can be applied to any room.

In-app snapshots and social sharing

Possibility to take pictures of the augmented views and share them with friends or family to get their opinions.

Use Cases of Augmented Reality for Interior Design

AR stores

AR apps that offer 3D models of furniture, appliances, and home décor products, which a user can virtually place in their home environment. Makes for more confident purchases and reduces a product return rate.

Interior architecture planning

AR software to help architects plan the inside layout (position of walls, doors, stairs, etc.) of any structure. Simplifies communication with customers and accelerates plan approval.

Interior design visualization

AR apps to assist interior designers in creating personalized home or office design using third-party or custom-designed 3D models of furniture, appliances, and other items. Speeds up deal closing and increases customer satisfaction.

Education

AR software to back up the learning and training processes of interior architects and designers. Facilitates hands-on practice and makes for faster skill acquisition.

Technology Stack

A Success Story of AR for Interior Design

ScienceSoft participated in continuous development of an AR interior solution that is very similar to IKEA Place. Over 1.5 years of cooperation, our designers developed over 1,000 high-quality 3D models of different types of home décor elements. Thanks to an AR catalog with extremely detailed and realistic product models, the customer’s conversion rate of online sales surged in the very first couple of months after the app launch.

Want to Achieve Your Own Success with an AR Interior Design App?

Whether you have a high-level idea or a detailed concept of an interior design AR app, ScienceSoft is ready to assist you in bringing your idea to fruition.

Challenges of Augmented Reality for Interior Design

Challenge #1

3D models can end up hanging in mid-air.

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Solution:

Today’s AR software contains trained algorithms that rely on a mobile device camera to detect object points and recognize vertical and horizontal surfaces as planes. What’s more, the algorithms can analyze the angles of surfaces. Powered by these algorithms, AR apps will automatically enable positioning of any 3D model in strict accordance with a virtual coordinate system.

Problems with recognition and positioning may only arise in case of viewing, for instance, a blank white wall, yet seamless work will be resumed as soon as the floor or ceiling (that help create a coordinate system) are in the camera lens.

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Challenge #2

Real objects or people can unrealistically occlude with virtual objects.

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Solution:

To prevent occlusion, the AR app should be capable of creating precise depth maps. This is possible on devices with depth sensors or via depth algorithms, which automatically calculate the distance between every real object and a device. With a depth map, it’s possible to easily modify placement of virtual models, putting them in front or behind real objects or people.

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Implementation Costs

The cost of AR interior design app development ranges between $200,000 and $400,000 and depends on the following cost factors.

General cost factors

  • Number and complexity of features.
  • Number and types of targeted devices.

Additional costs

  • 3D model development (costs depend on the amount of details such as patterns, realistic look of the material, haptics settings etc.).
  • Integrations (costs depend on complexity and number of integrations) with:
    • Content Management System (CMS).
    • 3D design tools.

Operational costs

  • Cloud services (price depends on the provider’s plan and pricing policy).

AR for Interior Design: Consulting and Development by ScienceSoft

With its 27 years of experience in 3D modeling and over 16 years in augmented reality development, ScienceSoft is ready to provide both consulting and development services for your AR interior design project.

AR for interior design consulting

  • AR app concept finalization.
  • AR app architecture design.
  • Long-term release planning.
  • Planning of integration with a wide range of 3D design software.
  • Technology stack definition.
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Development of AR for interior design

  • UX and UI design.
  • AR app development and QA.
  • 3D model design.
  • Integration with various types of 3D design software.
  • Continuous support and evolution.
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About ScienceSoft

ScienceSoft is an IT consulting and software development company established 1989 and headquartered in McKinney, TX. We develop AR software for interior design that powers retailers, designers, and architects. Our ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certificates prove our comprehensive approach to quality and data security management.