With over fifteen years of design, engineering, and research expertise, we understand the challenges in making high-quality AR (augmented reality) prototypes and reference designs across a variety of form factors.
One of our biggest differentiators is how our teams work as one, turning insights into fast, informed decisions at every stage of the development cycle.
Overcoming Constraints Through Collaboration
While most prototyping processes lead with technology, we begin with the human experience. We shape AR glasses for comfort, fit, and everyday use while finding innovative ways to integrate technological advancements.
Starting with a CAD (computer aided design) model of a single eyeball, we optimize waveguide placement for fit, visual accuracy, and alignment. We then layer on the complex facial components such as ears, nose, and eyes, that inherently vary widely across demographics. Our Human Factors team uses our private data libraries on human head variation and ergonomics to identify constants and constraints within a target demographic. These variables ultimately affect the placement and proportions of the frame, bridge, and temples, along with the intricate AR systems they contain.
The variables uncovered in this process bring together teams that might have otherwise been siloed, like design and engineering. Each discipline works together to solve challenges in real time. When building AR glasses prototypes, the weight, size and surrounding airspace of internal components is a core constraint that must be engineered with precision. Our Industrial Design team has developed many solutions to these constraints through advanced molding and sculpting methods that maintain the sleek and compact profile of AR glasses. Traditional engineering or design challenges become a shared opportunity at Magic Leap, turning constraints into innovation that drive advanced breakthroughs.
Accelerated Component Optimization
Once we’ve defined a prototype’s design thresholds, our focus shifts to the internal systems that power the AR glasses experience. Complex subsystems interact in close proximity, and small changes in placement, shape, size, or material can cascade across the entire design. Shifting the mass of battery placement, or reducing a plastic thickness by a millimeter require careful recalibration to counterweights, heat dissipation, and optical alignment. By optimizing every element in the system, we meet strict technical requirements while preserving the familiar comfort and style of traditional eyeglasses.
This speed and precision also transform the workflow. Historically, teams worked in a sequential workflow, with proposed changes passing from one group to the next as the project progressed over weeks or months. This inefficient workflow is now eliminated as updates are shared among teams concurrently for review and alignment. Collaborative ideation and continuous optimization let us continuously test new solutions, unlocking new possibilities for AR glasses with speed and precision.
Rapid, In-House Prototyping
Our suite of in-house tools like 3D printers, CNC (computer numerical control) machines, and injection molds, eliminate the need to send early designs out to be manufactured into a physical prototype. With these tools readily available, we can rapidly produce components and materials faster and with increased efficiency. Creating prototypes on-site allows us to test designs on humans, driving fast adjustments for comfort, fit, and performance.
By combining human-centered design and deep cross-disciplinary collaboration, our team can deliver early-stage concepts to fully functional prototypes and reference designs.
Explore how our teams guide partners through every phase of AR glasses development, ensuring they are ready for production.