Augmented Reality (AR) used to be the sometimes-forgotten cousin of Virtual Reality (VR). It used to not receive a lot of attention mostly because it did not have massive product launches dedicated to exploring the tech like VR did with the many VR headsets that were launched. However, in recent years, AR has begun to gain popularity and has been at the forefront of many developers’ minds leading to product launches such as the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest Pro. The change reflects the reality that the tools can be used together to make each better and better amplify the benefits of augmented reality.
Studies show that AR has resonated with a lot of consumers and AR device users were estimated to reach 1.4 billion by the end of 2023. That is a lot of people willing to use this new tech. And that number is expected to reach 1.73 billion by the end of 2024.
So how can you take advantage of the benefits of AR in your business? Discover the numerous advantages that augmented reality can bring to businesses and how it can revolutionize the way they operate.
Benefits of Augmented Reality:
Enhanced Customer Engagement
By incorporating AR technology into their products or services, businesses provide customers with immersive and interactive experiences. You may have seen this in personal items like eyewear (glasses), jewelry and makeup – AR allows e-commerce businesses to create personalized experiences and try something digitally. When doing so they drive faster decision-making on purchases and reduce returns on highly personal items.
Larger scale items also benefit from this kind of experience. AR can be used to create a virtual staging experience for furniture shoppers. Businesses like Amazon already allow users to see what a piece of furniture would like in their own space using AR. Manufacturers of windows, garage doors, siding, roofing, and more can also show homeowners what new items look like on their own homes – they can not only win the sale by putting a vision of the change in front of the customer but speed up the sales cycle by showing color and finish options and reducing decision times. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also increases customer satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of returns.
Furthermore, AR can be used to offer personalized recommendations and product information to customers. By overlaying digital data content onto the real world, businesses can provide customers with product details, reviews, and pricing, in real-time. This helps customers make informed purchasing decisions and improves their overall shopping experience
Improved Learning and Education
Another significant benefit of augmented reality in business is its ability to improve training and education. AR can be used to create realistic and interactive training simulations, allowing employees to practice and learn new skills in a safe and controlled environment. For example, in industries such as manufacturing, AR can be used to simulate complex operations, helping employees gain hands-on experience without the need for expensive equipment or risking any real-world consequences.
Similar to VR, AR is a very visually engaging medium, encouraging users to physically move and interact with AR objects. At Yulio, we believe an engaged user is an educated user. When you actively have your users interact and engage with your experience, they are much more likely to retain the information that you want to impart during that experience.
Innovative Marketing Opportunities
Augmented reality opens a wide range of innovative marketing opportunities for businesses. This is the biggest way AR is used these days. By collaborating with popular applications such as Snapchat and Instagram, AR can be used to create interactive and immersive advertising campaigns that capture the attention of consumers. For example, makeup companies have created filters for trying on beauty products. Movies and television also create unique AR experiences to promote their productions. This not only helps businesses stand out from the competition but also increases customer engagement and drives sales and interest in their products
AR can also be used to create gamified marketing experiences, where customers can interact with virtual elements to win prizes or unlock exclusive content. This not only creates a sense of excitement and entertainment but also helps businesses collect valuable data and insights about their target audience.
Cost Savings and Competitive Advantage
Implementing augmented reality technology in business can lead to significant cost savings and provide a competitive advantage. AR can be used to streamline and optimize various business processes, reducing the need for manual labor or physical resources. For example, AR can be used for furniture staging/previewing. By creating AR objects of furniture, it can negate the need to set up elaborate showrooms or staging areas. As we said before it gives a chance for consumers to “try before you buy.”
Furthermore, AR can enable remote collaboration and communication, reducing the need for travel and in-person meetings. This not only saves time and money but also allows businesses to work with global teams and experts without geographical limitations.
AR is Only Growing
Bringing the benefits of AR to your business can differentiate you from competitors and attract customers with innovative and immersive experiences. This can help businesses gain a competitive advantage in the market and position themselves as industry leaders.
Now is the time to consider your AR strategy as the tech is only going to become more commonplace over the next few years. Think about the ways you can include AR in your business and start being a leader in your business.
Learn more about Yulio’s AR and VR features and check out our latest integration with CET Designer. Try Yulio out for 30 days with our free trial. It is a fantastic way to dive into AR and VR with a business focus.
