Background

To maintain its technological leadership in the mobile industry, the organization recognized the potential of eye-based information delivery as the next frontier. An initiative was undertaken to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses, thereby enhancing the company’s AR strategy by leveraging its technical capabilities. The objective was to address technical and design complexities and deliver a user-centric product.

Problems

Developing the AR glasses posed unique challenges:

• Optical Mechanics: Limited flexibility in optics required us to innovate within constrained design parameters.

• SLAM Limitations: Restricted SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) functionality on Android required alternative solutions for spatial mapping.

• Lack of UX Framework: As AR wearables were new, we developed an intuitive user experience model from scratch.

• Rigid Waveguide Design: The waveguide module limited design flexibility, requiring careful hardware planning.

• Insufficient User Data: Lack of user data for AR glasses made targeted research essential.

My role and achievement

As Project Manager, I shaped the strategy and design of an experimental product, researched user needs, created the interface prototype, and coordinated team communication.

• 5-Year Roadmap: Developed a long-term product roadmap that aligned all teams on shared goals.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Led the industrial design and UX teams across hardware, and software for cohesive progress.

• Prototype and CEO Report: Built a prototype and presented a long-term AR/VR vision to the CEO.

• MVP and Use Cases: Defined MVP requirements and use cases to focus on critical functionalities.

• Market Strategy: Defined product features and go-to-market strategy based on research insights.

• User Research and Interviews: Conducted interviews to clarify user needs, refining design.

Impact

This project positioned the company as a pioneer in AR, laying the foundation for future wearable innovations. Key outcomes included a strategic roadmap, consolidation of fragmented research across AR technology labs, a clear vision of value chains and markets, competitor insights, enhanced user experiences, and a framework for continuous innovation. However, the company shifted focus to short-term projects, influenced by competitors’ limited success with AR.

Personally, this project provided me with a comprehensive understanding of augmented reality (AR) component technologies and their respective roadmaps. It also presented an opportunity for me to actively participate in the production of novel information glasses, incorporating innovative AI-driven technologies that are targeting the 2026 market.