Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) motion tracking specialist Leap Motion has announced today the launch of a new design research studio in London, UK.
Leading the new office will be immersive filmmaker Keiichi Matsuda who will assume the role of VP of Design and Global Creative Director. Matsuda uses a mixture of video, motion graphics, interaction design, and architecture to create vibrant environments with award-winning work such as HYPER-REALITY and Augmented (Hyper) Reality: Domestic Robocop.
“We can’t predict what everyday life will look like in the future. What we do know is that technology will completely transform the world,” said Matsuda in a statement. “Exploring our potential futures has led me down some dark and exciting paths, from my AR concept work in 2010 to last year’s short film HYPER-REALITY, and my upcoming short, Merger. It is our responsibility to find a path through the dangers and challenges ahead, and construct a positive and inclusive vision of a world that we want to live in. I want to bring my experience in design and world-building to bring about this change.”
From its new London office, Leap Motion plans to further its mission to design robust technology that has human input at the center. The company will not aim to define the core user experience for the next generation of mobile and all-in-one headsets through effefts such as the new design studio but also via partnerships, like its recent collaboration with Qualcomm earlier this year. This saw Leap Motion to bring its interface to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 mobile platform, and Qualcomm’s new VR development kit (VRDK).
“Virtual and augmented reality are at a critical point in their evolution,” said Michael Buckwald, Leap Motion CEO. “With the rapid adoption of VR/AR over the next few years within industries, and integration into how we live, work, and play — it is essential that we lay the groundwork for a magical user experience through a unified design philosophy.”
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Leap Motion, reporting back with the latest announcements.
via Mint VR