Pokemon Go! wasn’t just popular because it featured characters millions of fans throughout the world know and love. The game was so successful because it introduced augmented reality technology to the mainstream public.
AR tech allows users to superimpose virtual elements over the real world on their device’s screen. However, it’s not just useful in the gaming industry. AR has many potential applications in many different sectors.
Major brands like Sephora and Ikea have already used the technology to help their customers research products more thoroughly when shopping online. In the near future, it’s very likely other businesses in other industries will follow their example by partnering with a creative agency specializing in AR development. The following are just some of the ways we can expect these brands to leverage augmented reality tech to their advantage.
Augmented Reality Makes Ecommerce More Dynamic
Online shopping hasn’t completely replaced brick-and-mortar retail just yet. Surveys indicate that, while customers prefer to research products online, they generally like to make purchases at physical locations. This is likely due to the fact that customers want to try certain products before buying them.
Companies like Ikea have used AR to address this problem. Ikea’s app lets users insert a virtual rendering of a piece of furniture into their surroundings, giving them a better sense of what it would look like in their home. This makes the ecommerce experience more dynamic, resulting in greater revenue from online shoppers.
Using AR to Improve Marketing Campaigns
AR is also poised to have a major impact on marketing campaigns. Someday soon, customers who use wearable headsets could walk through stores, with an app that highlights products from a specific brand.
Marketers could also hide promotional deals in various public spaces that users could only find with the brand’s app. Offering users a virtual scavenger hunt would be a very smart way of using AR to fuel an experiential marketing campaign. This type of campaign would keep shoppers engaged with a particular brand while out at a mall or retail district.
Using AR to Make Operations More Efficient
Businesses won’t just use AR to offer customers a more dynamic experience. Behind the scenes, companies can use this technology to boost their own operational efficiency.
Some are already doing so. For example, DHL has equipped some warehouse employees with AR headsets that highlight items they’re looking for. This significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to complete certain tasks.
Businesses can also use AR to train employees, visualize data, and identify hazards in the workplace. Those that do are likely to reduce operational costs and enjoy the benefits of more consistent employee performance.
That’s why it’s important to partner with AR developers now. This technology is useful because it offers practical value as well as enhancing the emotional connection customers have with a brand. By coordinating with experts, your company can find out how to take full advantage of it.
Featured Image: AppFutura
This is a guest post by Serena Garner from Y Media Labs. It was not produced by the UploadVR staff and no compensation was exchanged for the creation of this content.
Y Media Labs is a full service digital agency on a mission to help our clients see what they cannot see themselves, and create incredible digital user experiences. We work alongside elite brands to uncover what we believe to be simple truths and most importantly, show them how an amazing experience can revolutionize the way they interact with their customers.
