FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARID: Award-Winning Augmented Reality Application for Immersive Interior Design and Remodeling

Yu-Chun Huang's ARID application has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design category for 2025, celebrating its inventive use of augmented and virtual reality to revolutionize the home remodeling experience. Developed in Hanover, NH, between June and September 2024, ARID addresses the limitations of traditional 2D CAD and 3D simulations by allowing users to overlay virtual materials, adjust colors, and arrange furniture directly within their physical spaces. This immersive approach empowers homeowners to make more informed design decisions and reduces reliance on physical samples.

ARID stands out for its seamless integration of AR/VR technology, utilizing the Unity platform and Meta's Quest 3 headset. The system enables users to scan rooms, create spatial anchors, and interact with virtual walls, ceilings, and floors through intuitive hand gestures. Its hand-based interface allows for real-time customization of materials-such as tiles, paint, or transparency-while a furniture interface lets users add and manipulate virtual furnishings. By leveraging passthrough camera technology, ARID ensures that virtual elements blend naturally with the existing environment, even accounting for natural lighting conditions.

The project was inspired by the need for a more realistic and interactive way to visualize remodeling ideas beyond the constraints of small screens and static models. ARID's advanced spatial measurement and material fitting capabilities ensure that design interventions are both precise and visually accurate. The application's ability to simulate the full effect of materials and lighting in a real-world context marks a significant advancement over conventional design tools, offering users a highly engaging and practical solution for home renovation planning.

ARID's recognition by the A' Design Award jury highlights its contribution to improving quality of life through the thoughtful integration of art, science, and technology. The application not only enhances the user experience but also sets a new standard for digital tools in architecture and interior design, making the remodeling process more accessible, interactive, and satisfying.

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