Future Design Presentation.

Reality in the mix

The time to make the presentations for the Design Futures Project is fast approaching, and I've been trying to whittle down my idea into a more focused idea, but i think that the nature of what I'm researching (augmented reality) has such wide reaching potential, that to pin it down to 1 or 2 simple themes will loose what in some ways is the main point of this product/platform. I see the potential of A.R will touch many areas of life, from training and educational use, through to web surfing, teleconferencing and virtual work environments, to gaming and immersive panoramic cinema experiences.
In one sense the glasses can be seen as the latest in portable ultra slim monitors, and when used in conjunction with a PDA device or computer, can run complex applications, which can be highly specialized for training purposes, or popular mainstream web apps, like Google Maps and MMORPGS and social networking virtual environments. I was trying to come up with a simple interface that can present information to the user in a way that's simple to use and doesn't overload the user will to much information, but the interface will vary for each application used, as on a regular computer.
The glasses will be 'transparent monitors' that can overlay graphics over the users field of vision, or can 'blackout' to run total Virtual Reality applications. They also work on the assumption that developments in fuel cells and power issues will be at the stage where they can be produced small and lightweight enough to fit into the arms of the glasses. Currently developments in power cells , data storage and processor chips are producing smaller and more efficient products, so it's feasible that within 10 years the technology will be small enough to fit inside something as small as a pair of glasses, without being as clumsy and cumbersome as current VR goggles.