Layar is a system that allows you to turn flat 2 dimensional images into augmented reality versions in a really simple way. If you have existing displays you can simply add in video, audio or social media links to it. Follow the link to their site for more info on their system. Once the digital copy is created you simply view it through their app and the image comes to life.

Once logged in to the site you can go to Creator and start making your own digital prints. First go to New Campaign. Give your campaign a title and then import the work you want to digitise.

Once your image is in the creator the tools will appear on the right. You can add lots of layars to the image depending on what you are trying to achieve. Don't overload the image as it can look quite messy when viewed. To start with there are some basic things to add. Websites or a button to click to email. These are easy to set up and just require you knowing the target you want the reader to be directed to.

This is possibly the most impressive thing you can add as it really does bring the flat image to life. There are a few options here depending on what you want to achieve. You can simply add in video from youtube and when viewed it will start a full screen video on the viewing device. An alternative is to have the video play in augmented reality so that it plays whilst hovering over the initial image. For this to work the video needs to be hosted. The easiest way I found to do this was to use Vimeo to host the video. Once the video is uploaded ensure the settings are set so that people can download the video. Settings-privacy-allow download. Then on the download screen right click on the sd or hd version and copy the link. This is then added to the Layar creator

The below example is all set up with various links. Simply load the image on your computer and then use the Layar app on your mobile device to view it.

Plan everything in advance, create a file with all of your video, images, text etc that you need. This is good practice as if anything goes missing you have it all in one location to reinstall. You really need to know what the purpose is of the work. The above example is a departmental prospectus for students and parents to see what is available at my school. It could simply be an image of student work with a voice over explaining what it is or an advert for a lunchtime club with a video showing what they do at the club.

If you require any more help or some more ideas of use in or out of the classroom please get in touch

Email: mat6453ade@gmail.com
Website: www.matpullen.com
Location: Chepstow, United Kingdom
Twitter: @mat6453