Remember when design collaboration meant huddling around a whiteboard with sticky notes? Those days aren’t gone, but they’re evolving—thanks to augmented reality (AR). Now, teams can sketch ideas in virtual space, manipulate 3D models in real time, and bridge the gap between physical and digital workspaces without missing a beat.

AR design collaboration is transforming the way UX teams, architects, product designers, and engineers work together. Whether your team is fully remote, hybrid, or on-site, AR tools can bring a new level of spatial awareness, interactivity, and efficiency to the creative process.

But how do you integrate AR collaboration into your workflow? And what are the best tools for the job? Let’s dive into how augmented reality is reshaping design collaboration, the tools leading the way, and how to implement AR into your creative process.

What is AR Design Collaboration?

At its core, AR design collaboration allows teams to work together in shared, interactive, three-dimensional spaces, blending physical and digital elements. Instead of staring at static 2D screens, teams can manipulate virtual objects in real-time, see product designs at scale, and iterate more intuitively.

Where AR collaboration shines:

• Product Design & Prototyping: Engineers and designers can review prototypes at scale, making real-time adjustments before physical production.
• UX & UI Design: Teams can map out interface flows in 3D, experimenting with immersive interactions.
• Architecture & Interior Design: AR allows clients to walk through virtual buildings, preview materials, and make design decisions on the spot.
• Industrial & Manufacturing: AR overlays schematics onto real-world objects, assisting in collaborative troubleshooting and assembly.

Why AR Collaboration is the Future of Design Workflows

Traditional design collaboration tools like Figma, Miro, and Zoom whiteboards are effective but limited to 2D space. AR takes collaboration into the third dimension, creating new possibilities for remote and hybrid teams. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

Enhances Spatial Understanding

• AR lets teams interact with models at full scale, making it easier to spot flaws and improve ergonomics before production.
• Example: An automotive team reviewing a life-sized car model in AR can fine-tune details that might be overlooked on a screen.

Breaks Down Remote Work Barriers

• Remote teams often struggle with the lack of hands-on collaboration. AR provides a shared space where designers can work together as if they were in the same room.
• Example: An international UX team can review an interactive wireframe together in AR, walking through flows in real-time.

Reduces Iteration Time & Costs

• Design iteration is faster when teams can manipulate models directly, without needing to constantly update static blueprints or renderings.
• Example: A furniture company prototypes AR layouts before manufacturing, reducing costly physical mockups.

Best AR Design Collaboration Tools

So, which AR collaboration tools should you consider for your design workflow? Here are some top picks:

Microsoft Mesh

• A mixed-reality platform that enables teams to meet in virtual environments and collaborate in 3D.
• Best for: Remote design teams, architecture firms, and enterprise collaboration.

Spatial

• Allows users to turn any space into a virtual meeting room, where teams can interact with 3D models in real time.
• Best for: Product designers and UX teams working in mixed reality.

Gravity Sketch

• A 3D design and collaboration platform used by automotive and industrial designers to build and iterate on virtual models.
• Best for: Sketching concepts directly in AR.

Arkio

• An AR and VR collaboration tool designed for architects and urban planners, enabling real-time design reviews.
• Best for: Building design, real estate, and interior planning.

How to Implement AR Collaboration into Your Workflow

Are you thinking of bringing AR into your design workflow? Here’s how to get started:

Identify Your Collaboration Pain Points

• Are remote teams struggling with spatial concepts?
• Do physical prototypes take too long to iterate?
• Would 3D interaction speed up approvals?

Choose the Right AR Tools for Your Team

• Start with low-investment options like Spatial for brainstorming before committing to enterprise solutions like Microsoft Mesh.

Train Your Team for AR Workflows

• Not everyone is familiar with AR interfaces—offer training and tutorials to ensure seamless adoption.
• Encourage hands-on exploration—AR feels intuitive once users start engaging with it.

 Test & Iterate AR Collaboration Methods

• Pilot a small project in AR before rolling it out across your organization.
• Gather feedback on usability, workflow efficiency, and collaboration experience.

The Future of AR in Design Collaboration

As AR technology evolves, expect to see even more immersive and AI-driven collaboration tools. What’s next?

• AI-Powered AR Workspaces: AI will analyze design decisions in real time, offering recommendations and adjustments directly in AR.
• AR + VR Hybrid Workflows: Teams will seamlessly switch between AR and VR environments, allowing for more flexible collaboration models.
• Web-Based AR Collaboration: WebAR will remove hardware barriers, enabling teams to collaborate in AR directly from their browsers.

Conclusion: Designing in the Third Dimension

AR design collaboration is no longer futuristic—it’s here, and it’s changing how teams work together. By bridging physical and digital workspaces, AR tools enable faster iterations, more immersive collaboration, and better design decisions.

Whether you’re a UX designer, architect, or product team, now is the time to start exploring AR-enhanced workflows. The future of design isn’t just on a screen—it’s all around us.