Bringing best practices to spatial computing
Empowering app developers for the next stage of computing
A major pioneer in mixed-reality, Magic Leap created a headset-mounted device and operating system for spatial computing. But one of the most important factors for adoption and use of this new technology is software, and wooing the developer community is no easy feat. The company partnered with argodesign to improve their dev toolkit in order to attract new engineers and quickly grow its application catalog.
Launching experiences in the real world
One of the bigger challenges developing for a headset-mounted device is the context-switching and level of abstraction necessary to develop and test in wildly different visual environments. Additionally, unlike desktop and mobile apps, spatial software must adapt to a nearly-infinite variety of environments.
Continuous development and testing made easy
Magic Leap addresses these challenges with Zero Iteration — a utility for coding and observing updates in real-time while connected to the device, and a scene editor for simulating various environments during runtime. But the suite of tools available lacked consistency and integration, contributing to limited community use. By redesigning piecemeal dev tools into a cohesive platform toolchain, the company could equip 3rd-party developers with a more robust kit for quicker, more successful development.
A platform to grow with the community
We designed this platform, dubbed The Lab, using a common core foundation, universal front door, and modular component framework that allowed the application to grow with new utilities, and enabled users to customize the kit to fit their individual needs. It also gave Magic Leap an important new forum to connect with dev teams and promote additional news & resources.
Celebrated tools for cutting edge developers
The Lab was applauded by developers, and continues to be a crucial tool for building on the device. And in 2020 it was recognized with a DEVIES award by Developer Week for best innovation in VR/AR/MR 3D.