What are the best methods for creating user scenarios in AR and VR?

In the VR/AR context, as with any other software product, it is important to understand who the users are and in what context the product is being used. The following also applies: The problem must first be understood before the scope and purpose can be defined. Since the environment is an important interaction element for VR and especially AR applications, it helps to use comics/storyboards. It makes the situation clearer and helps stakeholders to better understand what the challenges are in the context of use. Such artifacts can also be used later to develop target scenarios.

Best Methods? Here are the best ones: I create user scenarios in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) by following practical methods. I start by figuring out what users want to do in the AR or VR world. Then, I make detailed profiles of different types of users, considering their traits and preferences. To make the scenarios feel real, I also think about the surroundings and any challenges users might face. Throughout this process, I work closely with different experts to get diverse insights. The goal is to make scenarios that feel like real-life experiences, ensuring a user-friendly design for AR and VR. Hope that helps ;)

Develop user personas specific to AR and VR interactions. Consider factors such as the user's technical proficiency, familiarity with immersive technologies, and specific goals related to the AR/VR experience.

Personas and Emapthy maps are now standard tools that have proven their worth. They are certainly also useful for the implementation of VR/AR applications. However, user scenarios for AR/VR must also make it clear to the development team and other stakeholders which steps are implemented in which area of a physical space. A pure description at text level often cannot depict the physical space in sufficient detail; storyboards or other comic approaches help to visualize this and thus also create a very good basis for discussing the scenarios created.

The STAR approach is very suitable for this. However, it is often worth considering the 5 phases of a classic drama and using them in addition. They align well with the STAR approach, but allow for even more detailed representations, as the user’s situation and problem serve as the opening, leading to a better understanding of the actions taken towards the solution.

Create scenario maps that visually represent the user's path through the AR or VR space. Include different stages, actions, and potential decision points. Scenario maps provide a comprehensive view of the user's journey.

Storyboards are an effective tool, but it’s important to keep them up to date. This is sometimes very time-consuming but essential to keep track of changes. It is also important for the team to have a common and up to date understanding of the goal to be achieved, which can be provided through updating those storyboards.

Use iterative prototyping to refine and validate your user scenarios. Create low-fidelity prototypes to test the feasibility of interactions and user flows before investing in high-fidelity designs.