RepAiR

WHY WE
INVENTED REPAIR...

THE PROBLEM

The access to technological devices is easier than ever in today's consumer society, yet many of these products end up as e-waste even though they could still be repaired.

THE STATUS QUO

Accessing a new product often seems easier than repairing it oneself: people have too little experience, the effort seems too great, and the necessary tools are also unavailable.

THE SOLOUTION

With RepAiR, we have developed an AR-based repair assistance system that aims to enable every citizen to repair damaged devices independently and as quickly as possible.

THE PROBLEM

The access to technological devices is easier than ever in today's consumer society, yet many of these products end up as e-waste even though they could still be repaired.

THE STATUS QOU

Accessing a new product often seems easier than repairing it oneself: people have too little experience, the effort seems too great, and the necessary tools are also unavailable.

THE SOLOUTION

With RepAiR, we have developed an AR-based repair assistance system that aims to enable every citizen to repair damaged devices independently and as quickly as possible.

Why Augmented Reality?

We recognized the advantage of using AR glasses, especially in the fact that repair instructions can be projected directly into the user's field of vision. This allows users to follow the repair process step-by-step without needing to pause, stop, or rewind as in a YouTube tutorial, for example. The AR glasses also automatically detect when a step has been completed through the integrated camera, adapting seamlessly to the user's pace

User Testing - We proved it

However, since these were just predictions, we wanted to directly determine the advantages through user testing. We divided our test subjects into two equal-sized groups and assigned them the same motoric task. Group A had to perform the task while watching a YouTube video, while group B received instructions projected directly into their field of view with perfectly timed instructions. As expected, our results showed that group B was able to complete the task slightly faster. We based our concept on this finding.

Concept - the source of error

According to our concept, the AR glasses should be connected to the internet and therefore to an AI that can access an extensive dataset where all electronic devices and their components are stored.

With object recognition, the integrated camera of the AR glasses can determine the model by analyzing the shape and color of an object and highlight possible sources of error. Subsequently, the corresponding source of error can be selected, and the AI-based repair process begins.

If difficulties arise during the process, there is still an option to call a live expert, who can explain the steps in greater detail with the help of a 3D model.

Onboarding - your initial situation?

Since the user should not simply be thrown into the repair assistance and we wanted to build a community-based system, we designed the RepAiR Application with integrated onboarding.

There, the user should indicate whether he or she is familiar with the repair of certain devices in order to be able to help out later as an expert in a certain field.

As well as estimate their own motoric skill level, and possible visual difficulties, so that the repair assistance can be adapted to their own conditions.

Finally, the user is informed about the repair assistance procedure and the community system.

Prototyping - What is possible?

We programmed the initial model recognition process in a low-fidelity version. This helped us gain a better understanding of the technical feasibility of our concept. Not everything that you conceive of is feasible, even with regards to future technologies.

code demonstration in webbrowser

Result - give and take

In the end, we developed a concept that guides the user smoothly through the repair process without requiring a lot of prior knowledge. The concept is community-based, meaning that individuals who have previously completed a repair can act as live experts in case of difficulties during the repair process and receive a small compensation from the repairer. This creates motivation on both sides to use RepAiR. As an expert and as a person in need.

RepAiR- Final concept video

WHAT I HAVE
LEARNED...

PROOF YOUR CONCEPT

It is always beneficial to prove your idea through user testings before you put too much effort into it.

CONSIDER THE TECHNICAL HURDLES

Innovative projects should be realistic, it was crucial that we have tested what is possible.

VISUALISE THE CONCEPT