Diminished reality to control your perception of the world

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 24, 2022

Insight summary

Diminished reality (DR), a technology that digitally removes objects from our visual field, offers a unique twist on our interaction with the world around us. It's already being used in fields like photography and film, and has potential applications in interior design, landscaping, and urban planning. However, while DR holds promise for enhancing various sectors, it also poses potential risks, such as the spread of misinformation and environmental concerns related to hardware use.

Diminished reality context

Diminished reality (DR) alters our perception of reality by digitally erasing objects from our visual field. This feat is achieved through a blend of hardware devices, such as glasses designed for augmented reality, and specific software applications that work in tandem to modify our visual experience.

The concept of DR is distinct from its counterparts, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). AR aims to enrich our real-world experience by overlaying virtual objects onto our physical surroundings. In contrast, DR works to digitally erase real-world objects from our view. Meanwhile, VR is a different concept altogether. It requires the use of a headset, immersing the user in a completely computer-generated environment. Unlike VR, both AR and DR alter the user's existing reality rather than replacing it with a fabricated one. 

The applications of diminished reality are already evident in certain fields. For instance, professionals in photography, film, and video editing have been utilizing DR in their post-production processes. This technology allows them to remove any unwanted objects that could potentially mar an image or a piece of film footage.

Disruptive impact 

One area where DR could significantly streamline processes is in interior design and furniture shopping. Imagine being able to digitally erase your existing furniture from a room to visualize how a new piece would fit in. AR could then be used to superimpose a virtual image of the new furniture into the space. This feature would allow consumers to make more informed decisions about their purchases, reducing the likelihood of returns and increasing overall customer satisfaction.

Gardeners and landscape artists could use DR to digitally remove elements that they wish to replace. Following this, AR could allow for a complete redesign without any physical effort or financial investment. The same principle can be applied to architecture, engineering, and urban planning.

However, like any technology, DR also has potential drawbacks. One concern is the potential for misuse in the manipulation of images, videos, and sounds to distort people's perceptions of reality. This could be particularly problematic in digital media, where DR could be used to create misleading or false narratives. 

Implications of diminished reality

Wider implications of DR may include:

• More efficient and sustainable city designs, contributing to improved quality of life for residents.
• Enhanced learning experiences, leading to improved comprehension and retention of complex concepts.
• Surgical planning and patient education, leading to better health outcomes and patient understanding.
• Potential homebuyers being able to visualize changes to properties, leading to more informed purchasing decisions and increased customer satisfaction.
• The spread of misinformation influencing public opinion and political outcomes.
• The energy consumption and electronic waste associated with the hardware devices used for DR leading to environmental concerns.

Questions to consider

• Which use case for DR are you most excited about?
• Can you think of other use cases for DR?