Previous posts discussed examples of the impact of a lack of understanding of variation. It showed how Interactive 3D Augmented Reality (AR) can vastly improve Deming's Funnel Experiment, to make it of far greater utility. There is a huge need for education in the fundamentals of Quality. Our aim is to help educate people about variation and the importance of differentiating between assignable and common causes ... and to have fun while learning!
AR vs VR
Augmented Reality (AR) is quite different to Virtual Reality (VR). VR requires special headsets and devices. AR does not. AR can run on your unmodified mobile phone.
You can experience AR for FREE on your phone. Search "Deming Funnel" in the app stores.
AR OPERATIONAR uses your phone's camera to view the world. It then adds 3D virtual objects to what you see through your phone. These objects are located in 3D in real world space. You can walk around them and view them from all sides. The objects can be anything from a Funnel, to a Process Behavior Chart, hanging in the air above a machine in a factory.
DEPTH
There have been many recent advances in technology in bringing augmented reality to mobile devices. Much publicity surrounded Apple's announcement of Lidar on their phones. Many people are unaware that most modern smart phones support AR. In fact almost 1000 different Android and Apple device models will be able to run our new Deming Funnel app.
While all phones supporting AR have a "depth camera", about half of these phones also support occlusion. This means that virtual objects can not only appear in 3D in the real world scene, but they can be occluded by real world objects in front of them. Google's list of supported devices lists these as having "Depth API". We design to allow either type of AR phone.
LIGHTING
Modern AR aims for the ultimate in realism. It can detect the major light source and have virtual objects cast shadows from the real world light source. The brightness of the object changes to match surroundings.
APPLICATION to LEARNING
The trick in using AR in learning is to firstly find an application where it is warranted. Looking at a scene with virtual information may be helpful but it doesn't provide any more learning than might a photo. Most importantly, the key part of learning is interactivity. If the learner is "doing", they will learn far more than sitting passively. However, interacting with virtual objects has needed some design creativity.
DEMING FUNNEL
The Deming Funnel is a classic application for training using AR. In this instance, AR is far more powerful and more practical than any other form of learning. If Mr Bill Smith had had the benefit of learning the impact of tampering from our application, the Six Sigma Scam might never have been born.
by Dr Tony Burns BE (Hon 1) PhD (Chem Eng)