Designing for Field-of-View
Field-of-view (FOV) informs how digital content appears, feels, and fits into daily life. We select FOV based on use-case for optimal user comfort and device performance.
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Understanding Field-of-View
Effective FOV design respects comfort, natural eye movement, and the role each device plays in daily life. Central and peripheral vision serve different purposes in cognition and perception. Glanceable displays may only need a narrow view, while immersive experiences call for broader FOV.
Peripheral vs. Central
Peripheral vision supports awareness. Central vision focuses on detail. A balanced FOV considers both.
Glanceable Displays
Narrower fields can improve legibility and reduce weight, power, and complexity of the AR glasses for simpler tasks.
Expanded Awareness
When information surrounds the user, like indicators, directions, or digital objects layered onto the physical world, a broader FOV makes interactions feel more natural.
Fit by Use Case
Each device and its target use cases demands a tailored FOV, whether for hands-free instructions or full spatial visualization.
FOV is More Than a Spec
Field-of-view is a design challenge that spans optics, ergonomics, software, and user behavior. We approach it holistically, with teams working together from concept to testing. When FOV is designed with intention, the result is a device that feels intuitive and responsive.
Experience Above All
The FOV of each device is designed to enhance the user experience, first and foremost.
Cross-Functional Thinking
Hardware and software decisions shape how FOV is perceived and used.
Tested in the Physical World
Every FOV is validated in context, with real users and real tasks.
Optimized for the User
The FOV doesn’t draw attention to itself, it puts the content and experience into focus.
Binocular Coordination
Aligning views for both eyes requires careful tuning of overlap, eye box, lens and waveguide geometry.
Natural Eye Movement
Devices must support intuitive gaze behavior without forcing head turns or unnatural posture.
Experience Shapes Expertise
Years of working at the cutting edge of optical performance has given our teams deep insight into what matters most: comfort, clarity, and human fit. That experience carries forward as we design smaller, lighter devices with purpose-fit FOVs. Scaling down requires just as much care as scaling up, because when everything is miniaturized, precision becomes non-negotiable.
Large FOV Learnings
Our experience in large FOV systems has taught us how optics and perception interact allowing us to easily scale down to smaller form factors.
Smarter Miniaturization
Our experience with the complexity of AR systems now fuels faster, more focused development in compact systems.
Designing for Comfort
We know user comfort inside and out, and know displays must support long-term use, with crisp visuals and intuitive focus.
Optics That Adapt
Flexibility in design allows us to tailor the FOV on a device-by-device basis to support visual content from subtle overlays to rich spatial experiences.
Selecting the Correct FOV
The optimal field-of-view depends on what the user needs to see, how they interact with content, and how the device fits into their day. Our decisions are guided by vision science, population data, optical modeling, and dynamic FOV simulations, combined with partner goals and real-world use cases. Bigger isn’t always better. The best FOV is the one that supports the experience without distraction.
Vision Science Matters
Research into eye movement and perception guides every FOV recommendation.
Built Around Use Cases
From simple notifications to immersive AR experiences, we know how to design for diverse use cases.
Collaboration Drives Fit
We work closely with partners to define each design’s visual and ergonomic sweet spot.
Optimized, Not Maximized
Each design’s FOV is tailored for maximum impact. Precision targeting creates clarity and comfort.