4 Benefits Of Augmented Reality

Nowadays, businesses are constantly on the hunt for ways to transform how they operate. In order to make the business more efficient and productive however, strategic planning and process improvement are key. By planning in advance and analyzing the bespoke needs of the business, it will become clear what changes need to be made. 

The billion-dollar technology, augmented reality, has revolutionized the way people interact with the physical environment around them. Creating an immersive user experience opens up many possibilities for businesses – no matter what industry they are in. Enhancing information across several sensory modalities, it’s often paired with artificial intelligence to help businesses cut costs and elevate the performance of staff.

Augmented Vs Virtual Reality: What Are The Key Differences?

People often confuse these two terms due to their similarities. With both technologies providing users with an experience delivered through 3D audio and video, they are often used together within businesses. 

There is one big difference you should take note of, however. While virtual reality (VR) puts the user in an isolated reality (e.g. through the use of a headset), augmented reality is only partly immersive. Augmented reality allows users to remain present in the real world whilst allowing them to view artificial objects on a screen. 

Using sensors and markers, augmented reality places certain objects or information so that they seem as though they have appeared through a camera. This advancement is particularly exciting for the retail industry. Allowing customers to try on clothes without having to wear them, it’s built for convenience and will help businesses cut costs – such as hiring staff or investing in physical retail stores. 

Four Benefits Of Augmented Reality

It Creates A Personal Experience

Every business wants their customers to have a unique and personalised experience each time they buy a product or service from them. When it comes to augmented reality, the possibilities for customization are endless.  

Presenting an opportunity to create something that’s more engaging and extraordinary, customers will feel as though you’ve taken the time to make their experience with you as special as possible - rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. 

It’s New & Exciting

Although augmented reality has made a big impact in the last few years, it’s still a new technology that’s continuously advancing. Because of this, it’s considered a unique and therefore notable technology to utilise within a business. 

When you offer this technology, your business is better placed to gain traction from the experience it can provide its customers. Nowadays, customers are looking for convenience and differentiation – which is where augmented reality comes in. You don’t want your business to blend into the background but you want it to be at the forefront of the market.

It Can Be Used In Content Marketing 

Content quality is important and by opting for a software development enterprise that offers augmented reality implementation, you’ll be able to create high-quality content that helps you stand out. Before doing so, however, it’s important that you work out what your customer’s pain points are and any issues they are currently having. By doing this, you’ll be able to uncover approaches for utilizing the power of AR. 

For example, Ikea created an app that allowed customers to virtually place an item of furniture within their living space, to give the customer an idea of how the item would look, once purchased. The concept of AR solutions for interior design has since become a popular and effective ecommerce gimmick, ensuring higher customer satisfaction and lower return rate. While opening up opportunities for Ikea, customers that couldn’t leave their homes could also determine whether buying a piece of furniture was the right choice before having it delivered. 

It’s Engaging 

One of the main reasons why so many users love augmented reality is due to how engaging it can be. When done correctly, it can create a truly mesmerising experience that keeps customers coming back for more. 

As a business analyst who’s constantly looking for ways to improve the business, the need for engagement is undeniably key. By exploring augmented reality software, you’ll start to see increased customer engagement. While it’s a great way to acquire new customers and retain current ones, it will also ensure that your business is the first place customers look for products or services. 

Final Thoughts

The benefits that augmented reality brings are undeniable. Augmented reality transforms the ways in which you introduce new content to customers and how to navigate your app/website; it will breathe new life into your organisation. Of course, augmented reality software isn’t cheap by any means. So, it’s something that will have to be thoroughly considered before it’s invested in. 

The advantages and opportunities that it brings, however, are arguably worth the initial investment. Bringing your business into the 21st Century, it’s a way to efficiently compete with others in your industry.