For my A.R. app review, I decided to review the app ‘INKHUNTER Try Tattoo Designs.’ I chose this app because I myself want to get tattoos eventually and I thought this app was an intriguing way for an individual to preview how a certain tattoo might look in their desired location.
When I opened the app, I was greeted with a screen detailing that the user has to first physically draw on their skin for the A.R. function to work which I wasn’t enthused about but complied nonetheless. Then, I was presented with a screen full of different tattoo designs that were pre-made which the user could choose from to preview on their skin. I selected one of these designs, and drew the marking necessary for the A.R. function on my arm. Doing this, I learned that the app does not work if you use any color besides blue or black.
I traced over my purple drawing with blue and the app recognized the shape. The tattoo was overlaid in A.R. onto my skin! As cool as this was, I could not help but immediately notice the clipping of blue pen underneath the tattoo. This irritated me greatly.
I then tried to move the design around, which I was flat out unable to do. This means the user has to draw the design exactly where they want it on their skin, or redraw it on every part of their body they want to preview it on.
Next, I went to the tab to the left which allowed users to upload their own photos or input their own text to preview on their skin. It was through doing the text function which I discovered that upon turning the part of the body the tattoo was overlaid caused it to seemingly “float” off of the user’s skin.
The upload photo function was very intuitive, after selecting the photo of choice the app allows you to crop the image to your liking. Additionally, it has a slider bar at the bottom to remove the background of the image to a desired threshold so it can appear on the skin the way the user intends.
Overall, the layout of the app itself is good and easy to navigate. The only improvements needed are surrounding the A.R. function. Users should be allowed to freely move the tattoo regardless of the template on their skin, the A.R. shouldn’t “float,” and the template drawing shouldn’t peak through the A.R. tattoo.
