Apple’s Vision Pro and the rise of AR applications have opened up a whole new world of interaction. But while the Human Interface Guidelines for VisionOS are a solid starting point, they don’t cover everything. Real-world AR design comes with hidden challenges—and unexpected insights.
Spatial Design Is Not Just 3D
Sure, we’re moving from 2D to 3D, but it’s not just about adding depth. It’s about designing for user movement, environmental variability, and natural perception.
What Apple doesn’t teach you:
Users move unpredictably – interfaces must adapt dynamically
Real-world lighting affects visibility – contrast and brightness need testing
Depth is relative – poor placement can cause discomfort or confusion
Forget About Fixed Layouts
In traditional UI, everything has its place. In AR, context is everything. Your UI might be floating in a living room, pinned to a wall, or hovering mid-air. Rigid grids don’t work anymore.
Best practice:
Design with flexible anchors and environmental responsiveness
Use proximity to the user to guide information hierarchy
Keep core actions within a comfortable interaction zone
Gestures Can Be Awkward
Vision Pro promotes gesture-based controls, but they’re not always intuitive—or comfortable. Overusing gestures leads to user fatigue, confusion, and slow interactions.
What works instead:
Prioritize eye tracking + simple taps over complex hand motions
Make gestures optional—support gaze or voice where possible
Give immediate visual feedback for every interaction
User Onboarding is Crucial
AR apps are still new. Users don’t know what to expect, and guessing how to interact is not a good UX strategy.
Tips for better onboarding:
Use contextual hints, not tutorials
Introduce one new interaction at a time
Reward exploration with subtle animations or microinteractions
Avoid Visual Overload
In immersive spaces, more isn’t better. Too many floating elements or flashy effects can disorient and overwhelm the user.
What to focus on instead:
Embrace minimalism
Use space intentionally – let the environment breathe
Make sure all UI elements serve a clear purpose
Conclusion
Designing great AR experiences means going beyond the rulebook. The best spatial UIs don’t just follow Apple’s guidelines—they anticipate real human behavior, environmental challenges, and cognitive limitations. If you want to stand out in the AR space, focus on clarity, comfort, and adaptability.
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