Hearing the word “Augmented Reality or AR”, it makes us think of science fiction movies, but in this article, we are going to tell you more about it and how you can use it for mobile applications. There was a time when a game like Pokemon could only be played on playing cards or on video games. But thanks to augmented reality, using AR you could find Pokemon in real-world and catch them all. Pokemon Go was one of the best examples of a game which truly leverages AR.
In 2016, the total revenue from the consumer-end augmented reality mobile apps was nearly $800 million. By 2022, it has been predicted to reach the valuation of $15.5 billion. With such growth, we can say that the AR is catching the eyes of both users and developers across the globe.
What is AR?
Augmented Reality involves the superimposition of different types of media by which we can interact such as audio, video, images, etc. onto the real world. It mixes real-life objects with the virtual ones.
Some of the best examples are IKEA where you can place the store furniture into your home virtually and can check how it will look in your home. Snapchat filters are another example by which you must have encountered. The filters recognize your face and then put dog ears, cat eyes etc. on your face.
However, AR is not just limited here, it is getting used in a wide range of industries to boost customer engagement, and create realistic, virtual experiences with the products or services.
Types of AR
There are 4 main types of AR:
Marker Based
This AR is also known as image recognition AR. It uses the camera, microphone and a visual marker to produce an AR when sensing by a camera. The common example which used Marker Based is Google Lens.
Marker-less
This AR leverages GPS, digital compass, gyroscope, accelerometer etc. for providing data related to speed or location. It is the most versatile and popular type of AR. IKEA and Pokemon Go are based on markerless AR.
Projection-Based
As the name signifies, this type of AR works by projecting artificial light onto a real surface, just like a movie projector works. You don’t require a screen or earphones hardware. This AR is widely used for showcasing large objects onto different models. You can show the architecture of home, car models using projection.
Superimposition-based
This AR technology uses object recognition to create an augmented image. The augmented image partially or completely replaces the original image. This AR is mostly used in the healthcare sector such as superimposing X-ray onto a patient’s body.
Benefits of Augmented Reality
Helps customers visualize the product
From virtually trying on clothes to placing furniture, AR showcases products in a personalized environment
Attracts customer to your store
In-store AR displays provide product and fit information. 58% of customers want to get product information in-store before they purchase.
Increases Customer Engagement
One study found that AR apps generate nearly twice the level of engagement from consumers.
Increases Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
50% of customers say they are more likely to shop with a brand that offers AR, MR, or AI.
Boosts Purchase Willingness
40% of people would pay more for a product they could experience through AR.
Attracts a wider audience
For 51% of Americans who prefer online shopping, AR brings the store to users who aren’t near a physical location.
How to use AR in your industry
Education:
Supplement bookwork with engaging activities like helping kids learn the skeletal system.
Healthcare:
Visual explanation of how medicines work in the body to train doctors of new treatments.
Fashion:
Give shoppers the chance to try on clothes, glasses, or makeup from the comfort of home with a fitting room feature.
Real Estate:
Show potential home-buyers what an empty floor plan could look like once it is filled with their favourite furniture.
Travel:
Show off the amazing views from your hotel’s rooms with 360° tours on any smartphone.
Tips for Creating an AR mobile application
Identify a problem
How can you make your customers’ lives easier?
Re-engage users
Send push notifications, emails, text messages, etc to keep them coming back for more.
Keep it simple
Replicate behaviours and motions that customers are familiar with, so using your app will feel intuitive.
Add a CTA
Use in-app messages to prompt users to take a specific action when using AR functions.
Leverage Data
Analyze how and what people engage with to improve your app.
Here are a few examples of companies using AR:
IKEA
The furniture giant has been leveraging Augmented reality to help buyers visualize the furniture items in their home before making a purchase. There is an app called Ikea Place, the first app to use Apple’s ARKit tech, by which you can place the furniture items wherever they envision it in their homes.
L’Oreal Makeup Genius
L’Oreal the makeup specialist is using augmented reality to bring a virtual try-on feature by which you can try different hair colours and cosmetics on your body before making a purchase decision. The customer gets a realistic idea of how the colour will look on her/him.
Wannaby’s Wannakicks
Augmented reality is not limited to only clothing but has extended its roots to footwear as well. The footwear company Wannaby’s Wannakicks introduced its app by which you can try 10 pairs of shoes within just 10 seconds virtually. Using “Wannakicks” iOS app, you can try a perfect pair of sneakers using AR.
Wrapping Up
Augmented Reality can be the next big thing in mobile application development especially when you are offering products or services which the customers need to visually see before purchasing. At Amplework Software, the best mobile application development company, we develop a mobile application using the best AR tools.
