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Businesses develop and change to meet customer satisfaction. Evolving is a major part of keeping your business afloat and prominent. With technology taking over the world and people’s interests; it is of major concern to businesses to get on the trends. One way is creating a virtual space for the customer, but the other way is expanding the physical world of the customer. This is done by using augmented reality (AR) technology.

What is AR and how does it work?

While Virtual reality (VR) offers a simulation into a virtual imaginary world, AR bring digital objects into real–time space and place. Using computer generated input, it magnifies objects in the user’s real world. We spend a lot of our time in front of computers, phones, and television screens. Its where we get most of our daily information and updates. Augmented reality technology changes the way we use screens creating exciting interactive experiences.

Augmented reality takes layered computer-generated images and places them in the real world around you. Most smart phones have these applications which enhance your AR experience with the use of the camera. AR can be used on various devices such as computers, screens or even glasses. Companies like Microsoft and Google have introduced specialized glasses that offer the ultimate augmented reality experience. It allows you to see the world around you with superimposed information, data, graphics, movies and much more layered over the real world.

Although, it is important to know where and how you want the object to act. When it comes to AR there are different ways the objects are animated. The two main types are:

Markerbased AR which needs specific, clear-cut images, in other words a ‘uniquely recognisable visual points’ . The most common marker base AR we seen in our daily lives are QR code, we scan with using our devices. But this type of AR does so much more. These codes or unique images when scanned can be used to create Immersive and interactive images and scenes. Imagine picking up a history book, scanning a distinct image and watching the events being animated before your eyes. Games, learning material or advertisements could be tracked to a marker to be made more interactive. 

Markerless AR does not need a certain space or image. This gives the user the freedom of space and range. The recent game, Pokémon go is the most prevalent example of markerless AR, Objects can be place in any location or surface. It could even float in the air. It creates a more immersive environment where the user can even open virtual interactive portal in the middle of wherever they are. This type of AR is a powerful tool for immersive story telling in businesses and industries.

 So how can this be incorporated into your business and benefit it?

AR technology will revolutionize and change your business for the better. Some of the positive effects it can have on your business is:

Enhances user experience and interaction

For instance, the IKEA app when downloaded on your phone allows the user to place 3D scale models of IKEA furniture in your real time space. A user can scan their surroundings, browse through a range of various furniture designs, select it, move around their space. It allows the user to interact with the actual product the business is offering in a clear and reliable way. Allowing the user to interact or test your product in real time virtually promotes brand loyalty and trust.

Or simply imagine having your customers scan a special marked based code on your business card to unveil your business services in 3D in front of their eyes. It gets the customer excited and personalizes their interaction with the business.

It can be a unique marketing strategy

Earlier this year Pepsi launched its 2020 international football campaign called #FORTHELOVEOFIT. The brand introduces limited edition can with special QR codes that track to AR images of famous football players. It not only allowed customers to view their favourite player but permitted the user to play a game with them in AR and share the scores on social media. It enabled the customer to engage with the brand and at the same time promote the product. Using AR for marketing could help your company stand out and help your service reach a broader audience.

Improve staff and company efficiency

There is always room for improvement.

AR technology can act as a ‘Virtual assistant’ to create interactive content for training purposes. It could generate an immersive learning environment or animate an object to provide real time information and knowledge. It makes learning about more stimulating and give employees hands on experience. This could be beneficial to numerous businesses and industries, from retail to the field of medicine.

Augmented reality changes the way we see things in the real world. Employing and integrating AR into your business could lead to multiple beneficial impacts. It elevates customer interaction and engagement with the business and in turn contributes to the business is revenue and growth.

How would you like to integrate a unique AR feature in your business?