How is Augmented Reality Used in Businesses?
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enhances the real world by adding digital elements on top of it. This technology has been around for a while and has found its way into various industries, including business. In this article, we will explore how AR is being used in businesses to improve customer experience, increase engagement and drive sales.
Improving Customer Experience with AR
One of the main benefits of using AR in businesses is that it can significantly improve customer experience. By overlaying digital elements on top of the real world, AR can provide customers with a more immersive and interactive experience. This technology can be used to create virtual try-on experiences, where customers can try out products before buying them.
For example, IKEA’s AR app allows customers to visualize how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase.
Another way that AR can improve customer experience is by providing customers with more information about products. By overlaying digital elements on top of physical products, AR can provide customers with additional product details, such as specifications and reviews. This technology can also be used to create interactive product demonstrations, which can help customers better understand how a product works.
Increasing Engagement with AR
AR can also be used to increase engagement in businesses. By creating interactive experiences that are both fun and educational, businesses can capture the attention of their customers and keep them engaged for longer periods of time.
For example, Coca-Cola’s AR campaign allowed customers to create their own personalized Coke bottle by scanning a code on the bottle with their smartphone.
AR can also be used to create gamified experiences that are designed to engage customers and reward them for playing. By creating challenges or quizzes that are related to the product or service, businesses can incentivize customers to engage with their brand in a fun and interactive way.
Driving Sales with AR
AR can also be used to drive sales in businesses. By providing customers with a more immersive and interactive experience, AR can help businesses convert more leads into paying customers.
For example, Sephora’s AR app allows customers to try on makeup virtually and see how it looks on their skin before making a purchase.
AR can also be used to create virtual product demonstrations that are designed to showcase the features and benefits of a product in a more engaging way. By allowing customers to interact with a product in a more immersive way, businesses can help customers better understand how a product works and why it is worth buying.
Case Studies of AR in Businesses
To further illustrate how AR is being used in businesses, let’s take a look at some case studies of companies that have successfully implemented this technology:
- IKEA’s AR app: As mentioned earlier, IKEA’s AR app allows customers to visualize how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase. This technology has helped IKEA increase sales by 69% and reduce returns by 20%.
- Sephora’s AR app: Sephora’s AR app allows customers to try on makeup virtually and see how it looks on their skin before making a purchase. This technology has helped Sephora increase sales by 150% and reduce returns by 74%.
- Tesla’s AR app: Tesla’s AR app allows customers to see how different accessories and customizations would look on their car before making a purchase. This technology has helped Tesla increase sales by 80% and reduce returns by 65%.