How long does it take to create an AR or VR experience?
the timescale depends above all on the content available, the complexity of the interaction and the speed of approvals. A simple WebAR experience with models already ready can be launched much sooner than a VR simulation with its own environments and logic. What delays projects most is usually not the technology, but the content and the validation processes.
The phases and their weight
| Phase | What happens | What usually determines its duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brief and strategy | Objectives, audience, scope | Internal clarity, availability of decision-makers |
| 2. Concept and script | Mechanic, journey, sketch | Number of creative iterations |
| 3. Content preparation | 3D models, texts, sounds, brand | Material available; it is the most variable phase |
| 4. Design | Interface, aesthetics, animations | Visual complexity |
| 5. Development | Programming, integrations | Interactivity, platform, external systems |
| 6. Testing | Devices, users, corrections | Variety of devices, number of faults |
| 7. Approvals and legal | Internal review, privacy, terms | The company's internal process |
| 8. Launch | Publishing, training, promotion | Logistics (at events, installations) |
Factors that lengthen or shorten the project
Content
- 3D models ready and optimised: they speed things up a lot.
- Models to be created from scratch: they add weeks depending on number and complexity.
- Incomplete brand material: it causes waiting.
Complexity
- An experience with a single action versus multiple scenes and logic.
- Number of devices and platforms to support.
- Integration with external systems.
Internal management
- Available decision-makers and a short approval process.
- A single point of contact on the client's side.
- Unified feedback (not each department separately).
External factors
- Hardware delivery dates.
- Permission to access installations in order to film or scan.
- Legal and security procedures.
Deadlines
If the launch is tied to a fixed date (trade fair, seasonal campaign), plan backwards from it and leave slack.
How to plan the schedule
- Set the launch date and the last day to approve content.
- Subtract testing (never shorten it).
- Subtract development, design and content preparation.
- Reserve time for approvals and legal.
- Add a safety margin (many projects need one).
- Define milestones with dates and people responsible.
How to speed up without losing quality
- Gather the content before you start (what content you need).
- Reduce the initial scope (minimum viable version).
- Use templates and components already tested.
- Reuse models and environments.
- Appoint a person responsible with the power to decide.
- Group the feedback into defined rounds.
- Prioritise WebAR if the timescale is short.
Warning signs in the schedule
- Approvals that arrive late.
- Continual scope changes.
- Product material not yet defined.
- Testing cut back "for lack of time".
- Hardware that does not arrive.
Key ideas
- The timescale depends on the content, the complexity and the approvals.
- Content preparation is the most variable phase.
- Plan backwards from the launch date and do not cut testing.
- A person responsible with the power to decide speeds up the project.
- A minimum viable version lets you launch sooner and improve afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Can an experience be made in a few weeks?
Yes, if the scope is limited and the content is available. Ask your agency about options for tight timescales.
Which phase is usually underestimated?
Content preparation and internal approvals.
Why do urgent timescales cost more?
Because they require more resources in parallel and less margin for the unexpected.
When should I start for a trade fair?
With enough margin for testing at the venue; the sooner, the better.
More guides on this topic
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