This week in the AR/VR module, we were asked to perform a UI/UX review of an AR or VR app. I chose the app SketchAR, which I downloaded from the Apple App Store to complete this review. SketchAR aims to make learning how to draw easier with the help of AR and AI technologies. It projects an image onto a piece of paper, which is tracked by AR, which you can then use to follow along. It also provides timelapse options and guided drawing.
I found this app to be pretty good, besides a few problems. One of my main problems was trying to hold my phone at the correct position while trying to trace along. My hand is pretty shaky, and this is problematic because the camera needs to be able to detect your piece of paper. Holding a phone in one hand, while using the other hand to trace was a pain. This could be addressed by the user, who can buy a stand that can prop your phone up in a static position.
I believe this software would be great for children to use to learn how to draw. I think as a beginner that copying is the best way to learn. With this software, kids can begin drawing their favorite characters quickly, and learn how forms and shapes work. Also, kids are not expected to produce 100% original artwork, so it is more ethical. I do have concerns about people using this to trace artwork and try to pass it off as their own, but I guess this can be done without an app regardless.
I also saw that they were promoting a gimmicky NFT marketplace. I don’t understand why people would want to trace artwork and try to sell it as their own. I think companies trying to add Web3 technology to everything has left a bad taste in my mouth.
Overall, I think that SketchAR is a wonderful, easy to use tool for beginning artists to practice how to draw. I think the user should be mindful of how they share the work they produce with this app, especially if it is not an original work.