Augmented reality has become a new standard in advertising and marketing, but the technology still has some kinks to work out. The good news is that the examples of Augmented Reality mentioned here are mind-blowing, even if they’re just simple games played with smartphones and other standard devices.
According to The Drum reports, augmented reality may hold people’s attention for over 85 seconds, raise interaction rates by 20%, and increase click-through rates to purchase by 33%.
Many businesses are turning to augmented reality (AR) to reach new audiences, create immersive experiences, and boost sales. So, how can brands take advantage of an emerging trend like augmented reality (AR), which allows them to provide new customer experiences?
Let’s look at some of the most impressive examples of augmented reality in marketing to get you thinking about how you may use this technology to improve your consumers’ experiences in the future.
Awesome Examples of Augmented Reality Use Cases
Today we’re going to take a look at some of the best examples of how augmented reality (AR) is changing marketing and the ways that you can utilize AR in your own business to make things easier and better for your customers with the help of augmented reality companies.
#1 Walmart – Testing AR for Inventory
Walmart stated in October 2020 that four of its physical retail stores would be converted into “test stores” for the purpose of experimenting with new technology (with the aim of enhancing all stores to become both physical shopping destinations and online fulfillment centers).
Inventory control is an essential aspect of these establishments, with one test using an app meant to reduce the time it takes to convey things from the backroom to the sales floor.
Instead of scanning each individual box, the program employs augmented reality to allow staff to hold up a portable device (which will then highlight the boxes that are ready to travel).
This is an example of how augmented reality is being utilized to improve internal procedures, resulting in a more seamless and efficient workflow. Despite the fact that the technology is not visible to customers, Walmart claims that “regardless, the customer will benefit,” with the technology ultimately enhancing the customer experience by putting more products on shelves faster than before.
#2 Home Depot
Home Depot implemented augmented reality (AR) technology in its mobile app in 2017 to assist customers with patio furniture, vanities, doors, and faucets, among other things.
You can virtually place the item in your home, resize and rotate the image to see how well it fits, then share it with your friends via Twitter, Facebook, or email using your mobile camera and the app’s AR technology.
The above Home Depot picture shows what augmented reality could look like. The retailer partnered with Microsoft to give shoppers a glimpse into how AR could be used to furnish an apartment or build a backyard.
I love that it utilizes 3D rendering software, which gives viewers an idea of what furniture will look like and where it will go before they make their purchase.
What’s more, you can easily interact with objects in 3D space, unlike Pokemon Go, which only lets you catch Pokemon!
#3 Nike
Nike was an early adopter of augmented reality. Back in 2006, its designers created what would become known as Nike ID, a tool that allowed users to customize their shoes by choosing colors and designs online.
While very similar to traditional digital design tools, Nike ID built a layer of augmented reality on top. Users could try on their shoes virtually before they ordered them—this made Nike ID hugely popular with customers, who took to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to share how they’d customized their own shoes.
The user-generated advertising spread like wildfire, and customers were so pleased with what they got that many came back for more customized products later on (again demonstrating how AR can increase customer satisfaction).
#4 Microsoft’s HoloLens
Microsoft recently unveiled its HoloLens glasses, which allow you to interact with holograms. At Microsoft’s unveiling, users were able to manipulate a 3D Halo rocket game, bringing it into their space and watching as it exploded at their feet.
While we’re still years away from these being available for consumers, businesses can leverage augmented reality through mobile apps such as Aurasma AR Marker or Layar apps that take your phone’s camera and overlay information on whatever is captured within the frame.
The possibilities for marketing are endless; you could have customers try on a pair of pants before purchasing them or bring your service right to someone’s doorstep.
For example, Google Maps’ mobile app now allows users to scan printed directions using their phones’ cameras–no more printing out maps!
#5 Netflix
One of Netflix’s recent movies is titled 22 July, based on a Norwegian terrorist attack that killed 77 people. The movie allows viewers to see what happened during those horrifying moments when everyone on board a ferry boat was shot at close range.
Viewers can choose to view whatever happened before or after their selection at any time. They can even watch just one side of a two-sided story from different perspectives.
By using AR technology, Netflix made it possible for viewers to get up close and personal with one of history’s most harrowing events—which also happens to be one that could help them learn more about life and how precious it really is.
#6 Timberland
With the help of AR app developers, Timberland created a virtual fitting room for customers to try on the brand’s latest collection using augmented reality and kinetic sensing technologies. The retailer avoided the inconvenience of lugging a pile of clothing and physically trying them on in a dressing room by doing so.
The wearable GPS logger from Timberland logs your every move and posts it to a map that you can share with friends. You might think that would make for poor PR, but it has done just the opposite.
This campaign encourages active lifestyles by allowing users to get outside and track their adventures and then shows them how they stack up against their friends’ stats. In the future, virtual fitting rooms powered by AR technology could be a game-changer for the retail business.
#7 Sephora
This app works similarly to others on our list. When you point your smartphone’s camera at yourself (yes, you need a front-facing camera), a software program analyzes and measures your face from every angle.
It then provides recommendations for makeup purchases and even helps you match clothes to go with particular looks.
The app is only available through Sephora’s Android marketplace for now but if it proves popular, there could be an iOS version down the road.
Very soon, we may not need makeup artists or personal shoppers at all! But until that day comes, using an app like Makeup Genius could be a great way to save time when shopping for cosmetics!
Bottom Lines
While many organizations are currently unable to use AR, marketers can learn how these brands creatively integrate new technology into their marketing campaigns.
When integrating AR technology, companies must also keep security and customer privacy in mind. So, you should seek the advice of an IT consulting company that is well-versed in the technology and can assist you in being more widely known and impactful in the future.
Good luck!
