What is the Play(AR) Zone?

This year the HOMEMAKERS team collaborated with the TMG Makerspace for the highly anticipated Play(AR) Zone. The Tshimologong Makerspace (TMG)  Makerspace seeks to promote and enable access to innovation through collaborative making, training, upskilling and experimentation. 

Augmented Reality will have you immersed in the world of interactive technology when entering the main show arena. In The Play(AR) Zone, you will be able to decorate and bring your own interactive AR animal to life in real-time and then take them through a fun virtual gaming course or watch as they run, jump and play around the expo.

We decided to have a chat to designer-maker and fabrications manager at TMG Makerspace, Alex Ernst, to get a better understanding of what Augmented Reality (AR) is and how visitors can enjoy it at the Expo. Alex specialises in digital design and fabrication mediums such as 3D Printing, CNC and Laser Cutting. With many years of experience in the film industry and making props, he enjoys challenging designs that are aesthetically pleasing and transforming.

What is Augmented Reality and how is it different from Virtual Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital elements to a live view often by using a smartphone.  Virtual Reality (VR) implies a complete immersion experience that shuts out the physical world.

What can visitors expect from the Play(AR) Zone at the HOMEMAKERS Expo?

There will be a special AR activation for the kids where they get the opportunity to experience creativity in a new way. Colouring-in materials will be supplied and they will witness their very own artwork come to life through the magic of AR!

Visitors can also expect to see a giant electron kaleidoscope that will stretch the imagination of young and old by transporting them to the galactic seas of patterns and colours. 

What other great real-world applications of AR are there that we may know?

If you visit www.sisanda.com you may observe the great educational function of AR. Sisanda uses AR to bring science and biology to the masses who don’t have access to laboratories.

Where do you find your design inspiration?

Mostly from nature and from movies and of course on the internet.

Don’t miss the hi-tech Play(AR) Zone at the Expo later this week. Get your tickets now!