As technology continues to evolve, the potential for augmented reality (AR) to change our daily lives is becoming more and more evident. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that adds a digital layer of information to our physical environment.
The technology overlays virtual elements, such as 3D models, images, text, or animations, on top of a real-world setting. This technology is rapidly becoming popular in the digital world, and the revenue generated by #AR applications has already reached $25.33 billion in 2021, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 41% through 2030.
AR vs. VR
AR has often been overshadowed by the more mainstream virtual reality (#VR) technology. However, AR is more accessible, less controversial, and projected to be a bigger market over time. In contrast, VR creates a completely simulated virtual reality and places the user within that reality. AR, on the other hand, adds virtual objects to an existing environment, blending the digital and real worlds. AR does not require any special hardware or software and can be utilised from most phones, whereas VR requires an expensive headset.
AR can be used in many different sectors, including education, gaming, healthcare, retail, and industrial applications .
Enhancing User Engagement, Brand Awareness & Sales
One of the most significant benefits of AR is the power to influence buying decisions. Consumers feel more connected to a product when it evokes emotion, and emotion is heightened when a product is more than just a 2D image on a screen. The augmented shopping experience is welcomed by consumers, and 63% of online shoppers say AR will improve their shopping experience. AR can be used for virtual try-on, scannable product labels, interactive ads, catalogs, store signage, and much more.
Pepsi Max created an AR bus stop ad in London that transformed a bus shelter display into a window and generated over 8 million views on YouTube. Sales for Pepsi Max increased by 35% year average for the month the campaign was live.
Sephora launched a virtual artist AR app that allows customers to see how their makeup products will look on them. Recent upgrades have seen a 48% increase in AR makeup feature traffic and a 28% increase in user adoption.
Improving Employee Safety & Reducing Costs of Training/Education
AR is an excellent tool for reducing the costs of training and education while providing greater value. The average US company spends more than $1,000 on training per employee, and AR-based tools can significantly lower that cost. AR-based tools can simulate various scenarios and measure the efficiency of training. Since AR tools are multisensory, learning effectiveness is 72% higher than with traditional methods.
AR goggles in manufacturing, training for healthcare workers, and high-risk positions are a few examples of how AR is used to improve employee safety.
Walmart and Chipotle have used AR to provide hands-on training. It is a multisensory, highly practical training experience without the risk of costly real-world mistakes.
AR can also be used in the healthcare industry. The Cleveland Clinic uses AR for student training, allowing health education students to take a 3D holographic anatomy program. This program saves dozens of hours in a traditional lab.
Enhancing Customer Satisfaction with Fast Repair & Maintenance
The lengthy process and costs of repairing faulty products can leave consumers with a headache, often leading them to abandon brands and leave negative reviews. AR solves this by allowing people to identify problems and perform repairs with ease and minimal waiting time. This clever approach to remote assistance has been proven to increase first-call resolution by
Three Points to Consider Before Diving Into AR
As with any new technology, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before diving headfirst into the world of AR. Here are three key points to think about:
Cost: Developing an AR solution can be expensive, especially if you're starting from scratch. However, the cost can be offset by the benefits that AR can bring to your business. It's important to weigh the cost against the potential return on investment. We at Canopy Creative has industry tested and robust workflows around AR developement, lowering cost and increasing efficiency.
Usability: While AR is an exciting technology, it's important to make sure that the solution you develop is actually usable for your target audience. Consider factors like user interface, ease of use, and accessibility.
Integration: Integrating an AR solution into your existing infrastructure can be a challenge. Make sure you have a plan for how your new solution will integrate with your existing systems, and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
AR is an exciting technology with the potential to revolutionize a variety of industries. From education and healthcare to retail and manufacturing, there are countless use cases for AR solutions. By considering the three key points we've outlined above, you can ensure that your AR solution is cost-effective, usable, and well-integrated into your existing infrastructure.
At Canopy Creative, we're always on the lookout for new technologies and tools that can help our clients achieve their goals. If you're interested in exploring the world of AR, we'd love to chat with you about your options and help you find the right solution for your business.
