Become anAugmented Reality Journey Builder

Becoming an Augmented Reality Journey Builder is an amazing opportunity to merge creativity with technology. You’ll be at the forefront of an exciting field, creating immersive experiences that captivate and engage users. It’s a career that’s not only fun and fulfilling but also in high demand as AR technology continues to grow. If you love storytelling, technology, and innovation, this is the perfect path for you!

• Blend creativity with mind blowing technology.
• Shape immersive experiences for diverse industries.
• Innovate how people interact with digital worlds.
• Create engaging, interactive storytelling environments.

You’ll start by brainstorming creative ideas for AR experiences, then move on to designing and coding these experiences using various software and AR platforms. Your work involves a mix of creativity and technical skills, as you’ll need to create visually appealing graphics and ensure that they function seamlessly in the real world. Testing and refining your creations is a big part of the job to make sure they provide an enjoyable and immersive experience for users.

An Augmented Reality Journey Builder designs and develops AR experiences that overlay digital content onto the real world. Your tasks will include brainstorming creative concepts, designing 3D models and animations, coding AR applications, and testing your creations to ensure they work smoothly. You’ll collaborate with a team to bring these experiences to life and constantly explore new ways to make them more interactive and engaging.

AR technology is revolutionising many industries, and as an Augmented Reality Journey Builder, you can work in numerous companies and sectors. Augmented Reality Journey Builders are needed in a variety of industries. Here’s a look at some fields where your skills can shine:

Gaming

Create immersive gaming experiences that blend the virtual and real worlds.

Education

Develop interactive educational tools that make learning fun and engaging.

Tourism

Design AR guides and experiences that enhance travel and exploration.

Retail

Build virtual try-ons and interactive displays that transform shopping.

Healthcare

Develop training simulations and tools that aid medical professionals.

Entertainment

Create unique AR experiences for movies, concerts, and events.

To excel as an Augmented Reality Journey Builder, you’ll need a mix of creative and technical skills. Here are some key skills that will help you succeed:

Creativity

Generate imaginative and innovative ideas for AR experiences.

3D Modelling

Design and create 3D models and animations.

Programming

Write code to develop AR applications and ensure they run smoothly.

User Experience (UX) Design

Make sure the AR experiences are user-friendly and engaging.

Problem-Solving

Tackle technical challenges and refine your creations.

Your STEAM subjects can lay a strong foundation for becoming an Augmented Reality Journey Builder. Here are some important subjects to focus on:

Computer Science

Learn about programming, software development, and algorithms.

Art and Design

Develop your creativity and skills in drawing, design, and 3D modelling.

Mathematics

Enhance your problem-solving abilities and understanding of geometric concepts.

Physics

Understand the principles of motion and space, which are useful in AR development.

English

Improve your storytelling and communication skills, essential for creating engaging experiences.

Design interactive experiences for museums or galleries
Create augmented reality tours that bring historical artefacts or art exhibits to life, offering visitors a more immersive experience.

Develop AR apps for mobile gaming
Collaborate with game developers to build interactive games that use augmented reality, blending digital elements with the real world.

Work with fashion brands to create virtual try-ons
Design AR experiences that allow customers to see how clothes, accessories, or makeup would look on them before making a purchase.

Enhance travel experiences with AR guides
Create augmented reality travel apps that overlay historical information or fun facts on global locations, making sightseeing more engaging.

Bring books and stories to life with AR
Develop AR applications that transform traditional books into interactive stories where readers can see characters or objects come alive through their devices.

Collaborate with architects to visualise new buildings
Help architects and city planners use augmented reality to show their clients how buildings will look in real space, allowing them to explore future constructions.

Dr. Marigo Raftopoulos
A leader in immersive media and digital transformation, Dr. Raftopoulos has pioneered augmented reality experiences for educational and cultural projects. Her work blends technology with creativity, offering unique interactive journeys.

Eva Rizzin
As a creative technologist, Eva specialises in creating augmented reality experiences for brands and events. Her expertise in merging physical and digital environments has made her a prominent figure in the AR industry.

Meena Tharmarajah
Meena is a game designer and AR journey builder known for her interactive storytelling skills. She has worked on numerous projects that combine augmented reality with engaging narratives, bringing stories to life in new, immersive ways.

Lauren Fagan
Lauren has contributed to some of Australia’s most innovative augmented reality experiences, working with companies to create virtual and augmented tours for museums, galleries, and public spaces.

Emilie Baltz

A creative technologist and designer known for her interactive installations that merge digital and physical experiences. Although not solely focused on AR, her work often incorporates augmented reality elements, showcasing the potential of immersive storytelling.

Succeeding as an AR Journey Builder goes beyond technical skills; it also requires specific personality traits that enable individuals to innovate and collaborate effectively. These traits help AR professionals navigate challenges, stay inspired, and work well with diverse teams. Here are some key personality traits important for this role:

• Creative
• Open-minded
• Collaborative
• Detail-oriented
• Resilient

For students seeking an academic foundation, degrees that combine digital media, design, and computer science offer a strong starting point. Here are some relevant programs:

Bachelor of Creative Media (Digital Technologies)
This degree focuses on interactive media, digital storytelling, and the technical skills needed to create augmented reality experiences. Curtin University offers a program that blends creative arts with digital innovation, preparing students to design immersive journeys using AR technology.

Bachelor of Computer Science (Virtual and Augmented Reality Focus)
This program teaches the technical aspects of building AR applications, including coding, software development, and 3D modelling. Edith Cowan University (ECU) offers a detailed course on virtual and augmented reality, giving students the skills to design and implement AR experiences.

Bachelor of Arts (Interactive Media)
This degree focuses on creating interactive media experiences across different platforms, from games to mobile apps. Murdoch University offers an interactive media program that helps students develop the storytelling and technical skills necessary for AR journey building.

• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Graphic Design
• Bachelor of Interactive Media
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (3D Animation)

When you pursue a career as an AR Journey Builder, you’re not limited to just one field of study. Interdisciplinary studies allow you to combine different subjects and create a unique skill set tailored to your interests. For example, you might combine computer science with graphic design to become a master at creating visually stunning AR experiences.

Combining degrees can also open doors to new ways of thinking and problem solving. Imagine studying human-computer interaction alongside digital storytelling – you’d be able to design AR experiences that are not only technically brilliant but also emotionally engaging and user-friendly. This approach can make you a versatile professional who can tackle any challenge.

Another aspect of interdisciplinary studies is the opportunity for hands-on learning and collaboration. Many universities offer project-based courses where you can work with students from other disciplines. This kind of teamwork is fantastic for learning how to bring diverse ideas together and create something truly unique and innovative.

During your studies to become an AR Journey Builder, you’ll embrace a mix of technical and creative subjects. You’ll learn how to code and develop software, which is crucial for building AR applications. You’ll also explore graphic design and 3D modelling, which will help you create the stunning visuals that make AR experiences so captivating. On top of that, you’ll study user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, so you can ensure your creations are easy and fun to use. And don’t forget about digital storytelling – you’ll learn how to craft engaging stories that make your AR experiences unforgettable!

Getting experience in the actual job itself or industry is a key part of becoming an AR Journey Builder. You might start with internships at tech companies or design studios, where you’ll get to work on actual AR projects and see how the pros do it. You can also look for opportunities to collaborate on AR projects at school or in your community. This hands-on experience will help you build a portfolio of work that you can show to future employers. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people in the industry and learn from their experiences.

Not everyone takes the university route, and that’s perfectly okay! You can always start with something a little smaller to test your appetite for it, or you could look at going straight into the workforce to get experience in the industry and then come back to Uni when you are ready. The goal is to find what feels right for you, and keep moving forward with your STEM education while you decide.

So here are other engaging ways to become an AR Journey Builder.

Vocational Training and Certifications

For those seeking practical, hands-on experience, vocational courses offer training in augmented reality tools and technologies.

• Diploma of Digital Media Technologies
  This diploma provides an introduction to digital design and AR development, teaching students to create immersive content for various industries, including games, marketing, and education.
• Certificate IV in Digital and Interactive Games
  Focused on game design, this certificate includes modules on using AR technology to enhance gameplay and create engaging, interactive experiences.

Micro-Learning and Online Courses

Micro learning involves taking short, focused courses that teach you specific skills. These courses can be found online and often cover topics like AR development, 3D modelling, and UX design. This approach allows you to learn at your own pace and focus on the areas that interest you the most. Online platforms offer flexible, targeted courses that allow students to build specific skills in augmented reality.

• Augmented Reality Design for Mobile
  This course teaches the basics of building AR experiences for mobile devices, focusing on interaction design and storytelling.
• 3D Modelling and Animation for AR
  Learn how to create 3D assets for augmented reality experiences, from character models to interactive environments.

On the Job Experience

Another fantastic pathway is workplace training. You might start in a junior position at a tech company or design studio and learn from experienced professionals. This hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes be more beneficial than classroom learning. You’ll get to work on real projects and see how the industry operates from the inside.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, there’s a growing tech scene with opportunities in cities like Perth. Companies are looking for talented AR professionals to work on everything from educational tools to mining simulations. The state’s focus on innovation means there are plenty of chances to get involved in epic projects.

Australia

Australia is home to a growing augmented reality sector, with industries like tourism, education, and retail increasingly incorporating AR into their strategies. From Sydney’s vibrant tech hubs to Melbourne’s creative industries, there are countless opportunities to work on exciting AR projects. Companies like Auggd specialise in creating AR solutions for commercial, cultural, and educational purposes, offering opportunities for AR journey builders to design immersive experiences.

National Growth in Digital Experiences
Across Australia, businesses are seeking ways to enhance customer engagement through AR technology. Companies such as Zappar are creating augmented reality marketing campaigns, providing opportunities for designers to work on interactive brand experiences that captivate audiences.

Global Demand for Augmented Reality Talent
Internationally, the demand for AR specialists is growing, with opportunities in gaming, entertainment, retail, and tourism. Global tech companies like Niantic, known for games like Pokémon GO, are constantly seeking AR journey builders to push the boundaries of immersive experiences and design engaging, interactive environments.