Adobe Aero

Adobe Aero is a visual, fairly intuitive way of creating AR experiences that can be experienced on iOS and developed using macOS or Windows (both in beta).  It allows creators to place, scale, and rotate existing or stock 2D or 3D objects directly into virtual space as well as programming basic action sets for user interactivity.  

While it is an easy way to create interactive AR experiences, users have to have an iPhone or iPad to experience them and the desktop creation apps are still fairly buggy.

COST:

  • Free (no Creative Cloud subscription required)


Isadora

Isadora is a node-based visual programming language available on Windows and MacOS. It is similar to other node-based programs such as Touchdesigner but is primarily geared towards live performance playback and has a built-in scene functionality.

Isadora is able to take in a variety of data and input types that can be used to drive live generative visuals. Visuals are created using networks of nodes which Isadora refers to as “actors”.

Has a few more limitations (such as the number of camera inputs and projector outputs) than Touchdesigner but is still extremely powerful.

COST:

  • $732 perpetua license

  • $13 / week rental

  • Monthly & yearly subscriptions also available


TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming language available for Windows and macOS.  It creates real-time interactive content and can be used in performance, installations and to create other pieces of media.  TouchDesigner really shines when paired with some form of real-time data that can be used to drive visuals and it is capable of rendering in both 2D and 3D.  As a creative coding tool, TouchDesigner has almost infinite possibilities and the cap of what can be programmed is usually based on what hardware is running it and the skill of the programmer.  

TouchDesigner is able to take input from almost any digital source and can output to pretty much anything that can be controlled digitally.  This makes it an excellent choice when working with any form of sensor.  

TouchDesigner can stream to any RTMP destination which allows to it connect to services such as Vimeo, Twitch, or Youtube Live

Using nodes, which in TouchDesigner are referred to as ‘operators’, users are able to create complex networks which generate or manipulate content.  What makes it so flexible and open however is also what can make it difficult for new users.  Without some instruction or the time to explore users can get lost in the myriad of possible nodes and unlike Isadora, TouchDesigner has no built-in cueing system. 

There are several nodes that come with specific hardware recommendations, if you run into trouble it’s always worth checking the wiki

COST:

  • Free for Non-Commercial license

  • Educational license: $300USD

  • Commercial license: $600USD

  • Pro license: $2200 USD

Projects that used TouchDesigner:

 


Twine

Twine is an open-source visual coding platform for creating interactive stories online. At its most basic it serves as a way to craft a story that requires user interactivity to experience. You don’t need to have coding experience to create stories in Twine but the possibilities open up with some knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Twine is a great option for prototyping branching narrative and nonlinear storytelling as well as experimenting with interactive user experiences. The level of interactivity ranges from simply clicking to trigger the next portion of the story – similar to flipping the page of a book, to something more akin to “choose your own adventure” novels or text-based video games.

COST: Free


Unity

Unity is a game design engine developed by Unity technologies. Originally only for MacOS it is available for Windows as well and can create games for the most modern game and VR consoles as well as for most mobile and desktop platforms.

Similar to Unreal, Unity is capable of creating real-time visuals for games (both 2D and 3D) as well as interactive simulations, film layouts, and other experiences.

Unity has less of a learning curve to get started than Unreal and it is easier to create web-based experiences with it. The backbone of Unity is C#, though users can get started without any coding experience. It is harder though to create photorealistic graphics with Unity than Unreal.

There is a robust asset store with 3D and 2D assets.

COST:

  • Free for students or until a company generates $100 000 annually or if released on closed console systems (PlayStation, Switch, etc.)

  • After this, $1800/yr/seat or higher depending on the tier


Wonder

Wonder is a long-distance collaboration tool that allows for intuitive huddles and breakout groups which are represented visually. Users, which are shown as small circular avatars, are able to move between the various huddle bubbles shown on the screen. All the users in a huddle bubble have their voice and video chat activated for each other. Users can place sticky notes around the space for brainstorming sessions

COST:

  • $2 / user / month for up to 5hrs a week, or

  • $9 / user / month with unlimited time


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