Basically - useful AR hardware isn't here yet but what we do have allows us to play around and test ideas.

I'm interested in using VR in a similar way. i.e. build a copy of a real space in VR, ensure the alignment is correct and make sure any moveable objects are trackable. It's a hassle but once you've done this you've essentially got a prototype of what it will be like in future when AR glasses have a decent field of view, work in full lighting and allow you to subtract as well as add light to the scene.

I think this is more fun that the other options:

1. Hold a phone or tablet in front of you and imagine what it will be like when I can do that without holding a lump of metal and glass.

2. Squint through a Hololens or Magic Leap and try and ignore the current hardware limitations.

However - in either case it's all a dry run for some future hardware platform that we don't have yet.