Augmented reality made an impact during the pandemic. Customers needed to find new solutions as massive disruptions unended their normal routines.
Working, shopping, studying, and socializing suddenly moved from in-person interactions to remote ones. However, for many this wasn’t an inconvenience. It became a better way to interact.
Disruptive Technologies Redefine the Marketplace
Consumers will continue to embrace disruptive technologies if they offer them an improved experience. Companies can’t afford to ignore this trend if they intend to stay relevant.
AR will work within a stack to fundamentally change a consumer’s relationship with technology. As well, new cross-platform solutions and tools will make it possible for business to build once and deploy everywhere making it very cost-effective.
Additionally, augmented realities can provide companies with valuable analytics on consumer behaviours. This can help them improve their services based on specific needs.
AR is Already Available to Most Mobile Users
Augmented reality isn’t some pie-in-the-sky idea only available to enterprise business and wealthy consumers. Fortunately, most people already own AR capable devices due to Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore.
Companies can use iOS and Android devices to build augmented reality experiences that integrate seamlessly with the real world. This allows the consumer to interact with relevant information easily when they use their devices normally.
Data provided by Statista suggests global augmented reality usage will increase to 1.73 billion by 2024. Significantly, that’s almost triple the amount since 2020.
Advances in wearables and lag-free 5G connectivity are just a few of the reasons for this increase. However, augmented reality is also the most accessible aspect of the extended reality landscape available to business.
Retail Augmented Reality
Undoubtedly, the retail market has embraced augmented reality. IKEA Place, an Apple-based app, lets shoppers virtually place true-to-scale 3D models in their own space. This removes buyer doubt and increases consumer satisfaction.
Additionally, Modiface, created virtual try-ons for skin assessments, photo-realistic makeup and hair colour, and styling simulations. Consequently, over 70 brands now use the technology so clients can test their products before they decide to buy.
AR Offers Versatility
As well, augmented reality also offers versatility. Snapchat uses it to enhance their messaging app. Google Glass allows the user to access the internet, manage phone calls and messages, take photos, and record videos – hands-free.
Furthermore, business uses augmented reality to assess talent, onboard, train, guide, and support their workers. AR is also used in early-stage product design and development to lower costs and risks. It also helps customers understand their energy consumption.
Finally, augmented reality plays a powerful role in sales and marketing. Traditional branding materials are transformed into immersive, interactive experiences. For instance, TopGear magazine allows the reader to view exclusive content, videos, and additional information by hovering over an image.
Augmented Reality Can Build Brand Awareness
The Gateway to the Metaverse: AR Marketing & Consumer Behavior in 2022, published by Camera IQ, revealed several interesting statistics regarding AR.
First, 78% of consumers are likely to share a positive AR experience. Second, more than half of those surveyed shared AR content on social media in the past.
Finally, the interactive nature of AR makes it very suitable for social media “stories”. These 10 – 15 second experiences provide an excellent way to showcase a brand and build awareness.
Increasing Customer Loyalty
Brand authenticity has become even more important today. AR can demonstrate a company’s value proposition to create strong customer relationships.
For instance, Chiquita used technology to increase transparency and prove their commitment to sustainability. Consumers can “see” the journey from the tropics to the grocery store by scanning the blue sticker on their bananas.
A New Level of Customer Support
In a competitive market, excellent customer support can provide an edge. AR can be used to train employees, report faults or malfunctions, or to access self-service options. These may include overlaid answers to common questions, instructions, manuals, and real-time support.
The Ask Mercedes app allows users to move their smartphone camera over parts of the vehicle to discover their function. They can also ask questions via text or chat using Facebook Messenger, Google Home, and Alexa. The app also provides immediate access to the vehicle’s manual.
Business Can Tap into AR Now
The steady rise in the adoption of AR technology in traditional industries adds a new dimension to business. As consumer hardware improves and more companies realize the potential of AR, it will become imperative for companies to step out of their comfort zone.
Determining how augmented reality can solve problems requires AR Subject Matter Experts. They can identify use cases and target viable solutions. Luckily, EarlyBirds offers expertise, an expansive marketplace of new and disruptive technologies, and programs and support for ad hoc or supplementary needs.
EarlyBirds Marketplace
The EarlyBirds Innovation Ecosystem is a Business-to-Business portal that connects leaders or influencers in an organisation with new and disruptive technologies.
The Ecosystem has a data pool of over 4 million global innovations that may already address your business challenges. Alternatively, companies can list challenges and request solutions from innovators.
EarlyBirds Explorer Program
The Explorer Program is tailored towards businesses who need innovation as a service to supplement existing innovation programs, or to conduct innovation projects when required.
EarlyBirds Challenger Program
The Challenger Program focuses on a single business or technical challenge. It looks for the most relevant innovators that meet business, technical, commercial, and business risk requirements.
The program is run by an EarlyBirds Subject Matter Expert who collects requirements. The SME then searches the data pool to identify and curate options for further evaluation. The most suitable option is chosen and SME drafts a roadmap of next steps, POC, trial, or implementation.
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EarlyBirds can help you tap into augmented reality now. We’re highly experienced in finding innovative solutions and connecting business to disruptive technology.
Register at https://earlybirds.io/, or contact us to discuss your needs. We can help you create a roadmap for AR change and find suitable talent and solutions.