This thesis explores how augmented reality and near field communication can be used as means of interaction in mobile gaming. In specific three prototype games have been developed and are analysed to find new design patterns which are supported by augmented reality and near field communication. The methods and the process of the development are described and analysed. Four interaction design patterns were discovered during the course of the project which helped to show that augmented reality and near field communication can be used for new forms of interaction in mobile games.

Flesh vs Augmented

During the past days we have been performing user tests on the game prototypes and user interaction. Testers were introduced briefly to the technology and given a series of tasks to perform throughout the three prototypes. Afterwards they answered a questionnaire, collecting data about them as users and their impression of the technology.

AR Markers

Having tested the technology with some typical markers we have found online and bundled with AR toolkit, we have finally create a set of custom markers for the project. A selection of them can be viewed in the post. These will make it easier to refer to symbols for ourselves as well as with external users.

Augmented reality, and the masters of science!

Today is my and my thesis partner’s official, planned first day of the project that will eventually grant us an accepted master of science thesis. We have decided to do a project for the independent research institute, The Interactive Institute (II). The con is that we will probably not get paid and are not guaranteed a future job… the pro is that we get to decide much regarding what kind of thesis we are writing.

The reason we picked II is that we got a project employment with them for TA2 after they had been recruiting during a lecture in an interaction design course we were taking. We got to know the studio here in Gothenburg, and they are a really fun bunch, playful but also knowledgeable.

Our plan is to try and do something with augmented reality, near field communication and interaction in games. I have wanted to do something in alternate realities for a while, and this seems like a perfect opportunity. We have already been working with NFC in TA2, but this time we will get to explore it with smart phones rather than equipment we had to make ourselves. :P