Introducing Libardo Martinez Durango, a dynamic force in the realm of augmented reality (AR) development and in the 8th Wall Community. With a rich background spanning various AR platforms, Libardo embarked on his AR journey with a clear vision to elevate the immersive experience landscape. He was interested in building on 8th Wall because the platform suited his ambitious technical needs and had an exciting community of developers and creatives to collaborate with.

From his early days, Libardo has been distinguished by his ability to blend technical prowess with artistic vision, creating AR projects that are not just technologically advanced but also deeply engaging and meaningful. His work is a testament to his dedication to innovation, representing his homeland of Colombia and the Latino community at large in the global tech arena.

We sat down with Libardo for a Q&A to delve deeper into his AR journey and explore how he's using 8th Wall to craft captivating experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.

How were you introduced to 8th Wall?
I was introduced to 8th Wall about a year ago when I was in search of the leading platform for web-based development. The field of Augmented Reality (AR) appealed to me as a dynamic and accessible means to create immersive experiences, facilitating both ease of access for users and straightforward development processes. Upon discovering 8th Wall, I found it to be an invaluable tool that significantly enhanced my ability to develop sophisticated projects with ease. Its commitment to constant updates and the provision of comprehensive foundational project templates have made it an unparalleled option in the market for my future endeavors. 8th Wall’s blend of accessibility, innovation, and support for developers has been instrumental in shaping my journey into AR development, positioning it as the ideal platform for my creative and technical aspirations.

What would you say is your area of expertise?
My area of expertise is in the ideation process, focusing on being able to develop narrative proposals. Using AR as a method for storytelling is a passion that I continue to work on in collaboration with other developers. Additionally, I enjoy creating 3D assets in the projects I have participated in. 

How do web-based capabilities help you bring AR to the real world? 
As a professional in the field of augmented reality, I continuously strive to elevate the sophistication and impact of my AR projects. My background includes working with a variety of AR platforms, which has provided me with a broad perspective on the technological landscape. The transition to utilizing 8th Wall has been notably inspiring due to its advanced integrated technology and the strong synergy between 8th Wall's developers and the encompassing community. This environment not only energizes my creative vision but also enhances the execution of my projects, allowing me to bring more innovative and engaging augmented reality experiences into the real world.

What are your future goals with AR?  
Augmented reality represents the forefront of technological innovation, offering unparalleled potential for seamless user integration and demonstrating significant growth in recent years. My ambitions within the realm of AR are centered on transformation and innovation, with a specific focus on representing Colombia and the broader Latino community on the global stage. I aim to leverage AR technology across various sectors, including marketing, education, and tourism, to foster inclusive and impactful experiences. These endeavors are driven by my passion for AR as a tool for building a future where technology not only transcends boundaries but also enriches our daily lives. This vision propels me forward, motivating me to explore and create within the ever-evolving landscape of augmented reality.

What’s a recent project that left you feeling inspired?

The project 'Be The Hero' stands out as a particularly inspiring endeavor that I had the privilege to develop alongside my colleague, Diego Aguirre, a seasoned developer within the 8th Wall community. This project was a unique blend of creative and technical challenges, offering me a substantial opportunity for growth both as a developer and as a creative professional. I am deeply thankful to Diego for this collaborative journey. What made 'Be The Hero' especially rewarding was witnessing the reactions of users as they engaged with the experience's rich narrative, concept, story, and artistry. The advanced backward compatibility provided by 8th Wall significantly enhanced our development process, allowing us to incorporate cutting-edge features such as Spatial Audio Technology, Interactive UI, Handcrafted Art, 3D Modeling, and 8th Wall's extensive libraries.

Our approach to this project was holistic, starting from the ground up with audio development, which included the integration of AI tools for narrative voiceovers and the use of professional music software like GarageBand to create a compelling auditory experience. This project not only served as a testament to the capabilities of AR technology but also as an invitation to other creatives and technology enthusiasts to explore and harness these powerful tools. 'Be The Hero' exemplifies how innovative technology can elevate a project, and I am eager to see more individuals leverage these opportunities to take their creative visions to new heights.

Are you interested in connecting with developers like Libardo Martinez Durango? Join our developer Slack to build and learn from others in the 8th Wall developer community.