Designing HARATIO: a novice AR authoring tool

Handheld devices make ideal mobile Augmented Reality (AR) platforms due to their self-contained form factor and inclusion of requisite hardware. While end user AR has continued to evolve through advancements in hardware and tracking technology, the means by which AR content can be easily created remains underdeveloped. Dedicated frameworks facilitate AR development, but they usually require domain expertise and programming skills to successfully implement. What is required are authoring tools that are suitable for novice users without these skills. We present discussion on the design of HARATIO, our novice-focussed AR authoring tool for handheld devices. Key features include a dynamic radial menu, visual drag-and-drop scripting editor, and usability concessions appropriate for touch interaction and handheld AR.