While I was at work this week, my colleague burst into my office, immediately insisting that I check out this new iPad app he had download called colAR Mix. The user first prints off a special coloring book page from the app website, colors it, and then uses the app to view the image in 3D!
It’s one of the coolest applications I’ve ever seen!
(screenshot taken from the app page in iTunes preview.)
Currently, the application only has a select offering of coloring pages that it accepts. The implications for this tool are exciting! Obviously, this particular application is geared toward children or K-6 students. It could be useful in the maker community from a design and problem solving standpoint, especially if similar apps arise that will make a 3D model of anything that can be sketched with paper and pencil, not just from specific pre-designed pages. It would be interesting to use it from a collaboration standpoint – if you can show your friends a 3D visualization of what you’re thinking, it will be easier for them to understand you, and vice versa.
I’d like to see this kind of technology used in how-to tutorials. I haven’t worked with electronics and circuits very much, but from what I know of ikea assembly manuals, I imagine that these kinds of apps could be extremely helpful with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or robotics projects!
From an academic librarian standpoint, it’s easy to see where augmented reality and 3D visualization apps like this one would be useful for architecture, fashion design, art, or even chemistry and biology students. Students could use it to see 3D visualizations of quick design sketches or while studying for exams.
How do you think these kinds of apps or technology could be used? Let us know in the comments or the forums!
Image Credit: colAR Mix on the App Store
