As augmented reality becomes more ubiquitous, more and more AR applications for children are being produced. These applications are entertaining for children but they also get children into augmented reality younger. Just as computers and computer games for children were once a new thing, youth AR applications spur adoption and promote a richer future for AR technology.
Unfortunately, because young children are not currently a target market for AR technology, these applications often have difficulty finding funding.
Keith Carlson and Lost Works Studio
The AR Coloring Box is an augmented reality experience for children currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. Created by Keith Carlson of Lost Works Studio, the AR coloring box promises “interactive education for kids”.
Carlson founded Lost Works Studio after careers in computing and architecture. The AR Coloring box combines these experiences and passions.
The AR Coloring Box
The coloring box consists of flat wooden components, which children can color and then assemble into a three-dimensional scene. An accompanying app then uses AR technology to bring the scene to life.
“These augmented reality coloring boxes engage a child’s imagination as they color and assemble the kit,” explained Carlson. “When the app is launched, an added layer of storytelling is incorporated into the experience.”
Potential users can preview the app on Apple and Android devices, though the full product will only launch pending funding.
“Moving forward, the designer is very interested in developing the storytelling aspect of the augmented reality feature,” the studio shared with ARPost. “These will become short, 3 to 5-minute vignettes which display within the box, merging augmented and physical realities – a new type of storytelling.”
Early funders will receive the coloring box which, even without AR technology, is “un-augmented” artwork in their own right. The boxes are recommended for children 7 and up, but there’s no reason that artistic adults can’t enjoy them too.
The Kickstarter Campaign
As of this writing, the project has reached $135 of its $1000 funding goal. The campaign is registered as “all or nothing” – only to launch it reaches its funding goal – in the next 26 hours.
Funders pledging $15 or more will receive a coloring flat and colored pencils. The flat works with the AR app but is not as impressive as the complete box.
The complete box will be sent to funders pledging $30 or more. Two boxes will be sent to funders pledging $60 or more.
Donations of under $15 are also accepted.
The AR Coloring Box promises both education and entertainment. It’s also a good early case study of an effort to bring AR technology to children.
