The added value of Augmented Reality

The global success of the innovative Pokémon Go game will surely not have escaped your attention. Using Augmented Reality (AR) technology, Pokémon characters are displayed to players via a smartphone screen in real-life streets and parks. Thanks to the popularity of this game, the way seems clear for AR to be used in other applications. Augmented Reality is expected to drive massive growth in e-commerce. That’s why, in this blog, we’ll explain why AR could eventually be of interest to your business.

Augmented Reality software

Augmented Reality refers to the addition of graphic content to a real-world image. A successful example of this is Pokémon Go. Thanks to the popularity of this game, there is an ever-increasing demand for AR, leading to substantial investment in augmented reality software worldwide. As a result, increasingly sophisticated software and sensors are becoming available. The most significant developments are taking place on the mobile platforms ARCore by Google and ARKit by Apple.

The ultimate client experience

Augmented Reality is not only of interest to game developers; it can also be highly beneficial for e-commerce. With Augmented Reality, online shops can create the ultimate customer experience. In practice, this online strategy is applied in various ways. One well-known example is the virtual fitting room. This allows customers to see how a product looks by placing it in front of a live image of themselves; a real boon for fashion online shops. But other shops are also making good use of AR. Take IKEA, for example. Download their apps and see how that trendy little table or that beautiful sofa would look in your room.

Visualisation and personality
AR can deliver significant benefits for your online shop. It takes products to a whole new level. Furthermore, it offers an additional way of serving customers. The aim of Augmented Reality is for the user to experience something extra in a non-intrusive way. Furthermore, we’re seeing an increasing demand for visualisation as an online marketing trend for 2018. At the same time, greater value is being placed on personality. And Augmented Reality happens to be a blend of these two developments. In short: Augmented Reality can truly add value to your business.

Augmented reality applications

Augmented Reality (AR) is used in various creative ways to engage clients, increase brand awareness and promote products or services. Here are three examples:

AR product demonstrations

Companies use AR to bring products to life for potential customers. For example, there are flooring shops that offer an AR app allowing customers to place their chosen flooring in their own home to see what it would look like and whether it suits their home. But there are also paint suppliers who can virtually apply the colour to your wall using an app, making the decision easier.

AR translations with Google

Google Translate also offers a specific application of Augmented Reality. When abroad, it can be difficult to read a menu. Using a special lens, it instantly translates the words into the language you have selected. This means you no longer need to type out the menu, as Google does the work for you.

AR on social media

One of the most striking applications of AR is on TikTok. The well-known Chinese platform offers various filters and effects that allow you to transform yourself into someone else. With AR filters, TikTok users can alter their face and surroundings, enabling them to imitate a particular character. Entertainer Kaj Gorgels, known from *Expeditie Robinson* and his podcast with Monica Geuze, already makes extensive use of this. These filters have significantly transformed the ‘For You’ page in recent years.

Wearables

The possibilities with Augmented Reality are endless. AR can be implemented not only on smartphones and tablets, but also via earbuds, glasses and other wearables that utilise AR. Moreover, more and more devices are being developed, so who knows what will be available in five years’ time.

The Future of Augmented Reality

Thanks to AR, marketing teams and entrepreneurs can take the customer experience to the next level in a more creative and innovative way. However, augmented reality items are not yet mass-produced and the software is still on the pricey side. It’s also worth bearing in mind that implementing augmented reality is quite a task and requires a considerable amount of preparation time. For example, it’s important to have 360-degree photos of your products available, so if you run a large online shop with lots of products, this can be quite a task. That said, AR is developing rapidly, and it’s expected that the transition to Augmented Reality will be less daunting for smaller businesses in a few years’ time. For now, we advise every entrepreneur and marketer to keep a close eye on developments and to capitalise on any opportunities that arise. Stay one step ahead of your competitors and be authentic – that’s how you’ll put your business in the spotlight.