Methodology for the Development of Augmented Reality Applications: MeDARA. Drone Flight Case Study

Area of Science:

• Engineering Education
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mechatronics

Background:

• Industry 4.0 drives smart factory development through advanced robotics, IoT, simulation, and augmented reality.
• Educational mechatronics requires innovative pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning.
• Existing methodologies may not adequately integrate practical and theoretical aspects of AR application development for mechatronics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and apply a methodology for developing augmented reality applications (MeDARA) in educational mechatronics.
• To promote student knowledge, skills, and attitudes within the educational mechatronics conceptual framework.
• To provide a structured approach for creating AR applications using concrete, pictorial, and abstract levels.

Main Methods:

• The MeDARA methodology employs a three-level approach: concrete (simulation), pictorial (storyboard), and abstract (design, coding, testing).
• A drone flight simulation served as a case study to illustrate the MeDARA methodology.
• Development involved user stories, computer design, mock-ups, coding in Unity and Android Studio, and integration testing.

Main Results:

• The study successfully designed and applied the MeDARA methodology.
• Evidence of unit and acceptance tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed AR application.
• The methodology facilitated the integration of simulation, design, and coding for AR application development.

Conclusions:

• The MeDARA methodology provides a structured framework for developing AR applications in educational mechatronics.
• The concrete-pictorial-abstract approach effectively supports the learning process for students.
• The drone flight case study validates the practical application and effectiveness of the MeDARA methodology.