Quiver Education - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

Yes. Quiver (or colAR Mix as it was originally called) was the outcome of research at HIT Lab NZ, a research center at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Our team came up with the idea of augmented reality coloring pages while also working on many other projects involving augmented and virtual reality, and human-computer interaction. Our developers had already completed PhDs in computer science before creating Quiver.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

We wanted to keep the experience very simple, summed up as “Print, Color, Play”. Therefore, we aimed to make using the app straightforward, enjoyable, and as foolproof as possible. The nature of augmented reality adds some unpredictability since kids can point the app at any page, at any time, for any length of time. The app needed to be able to handle that.

_QuiverVision

The 3D Augmented Reality coloring book technology, originally called colAR, was developed at the HIT Lab NZ, and after receiving overwhelming positive feedback and awards at conferences around the world, QuiverVision (originally called Puteko Limited) was founded to commercialize the technology.
The company is driving innovation in the practical application of AR by the world’s leading brands! They specialize in leading-edge coloring technology – their premier App is called “Quiver” and is available on both iOS and Android.

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

One of our favorite apps is Endless Alphabet. It has engaging content and the kids can see
letters and hear sounds and also learn to spell the words. We find it’s format kids-friendly.

How long have you been working on this app?

Quiver (colAR Mix) first launched in May 2013, so it’s just turned six years old. We continue to enhance and develop the app, as well as create new AR coloring pages to work with the app.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

Our goal was to provide an experience that combined the physical activity of coloring in with the interactive digital excitement of 3D games. This type of experience, that requires both a real and virtual component, is a perfect fit for augmented reality.

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

When we launched colAR Mix it was the first app of its type on the market. Unlike other augmented reality apps that were available, colAR Mix brought the user’s own creations to life, so every user got their own customized experience. Although initially, we created an entertainment product, colAR Mix was quickly picked up by teachers. Subsequently, we’ve released more educational content, and are proud that our apps are having such a positive impact in the classroom.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

We continuously add new pages to Quiver, so a lot of our future plans involve new content creation. We also like to experiment with new features. For example, we have previously added a Jack-o-Lantern page where instead of coloring, the user can draw thick black outlines to virtually carve up a pumpkin. We recently added a feature that uses AI to transform the user’s coloring into the styles of famous artists.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

We would encourage them to download Quiver and try it for themselves. If they enjoy it, please share some photos on social media (tag us at @quivervision or use #quivervision). We love seeing what our community comes up with.