As children, we often dreamed of having a magical wand that could create gateways to new places without ever leaving our homes or the ability to try on clothes without actually having them. While some of these dreams may never come true, the desire to experience and experiment with items without physically possessing them has become a reality thanks to Augmented Reality (AR) technology.
Businesses are now enhancing their capabilities and becoming the best AR app development company by incorporating ecommerce store development. AR in eCommerce is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers a smart and enjoyable way for consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes. This trend is only expected to grow as more people prefer to purchase items online rather than in-store. In fact, studies predict that by 2024, 95% of all purchases will be made online.
AR technology holds enormous potential for eCommerce businesses to boost sales and cater to the growing demand for online shopping. It is no wonder that consumers are eagerly anticipating the integration of AR in every niche of eCommerce.
Difference between Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
VR requires a dedicated accessory, usually in the form of headgear, to fully immerse the user in a completely virtual world. This means that the user is shut out from the real world and all their senses are focused on the virtual environment.
In contrast, AR provides a more natural experience that can be accessed through a mobile device such as a smartphone. With AR, the user is not shut out from their real surroundings but can instead superimpose virtual objects into the real world. This allows the user to see how a product or item will work in a real-world setting, without actually having to physically make or buy it.
Essentially, virtual reality creates an entirely new environment that is separate from the user’s original surroundings, while augmented reality enhances the user’s existing environment with virtual elements.
Interesting Fact about Ecommerce AR
According to a survey, 61% of consumers show a preference for retailers who offer augmented reality (AR) experiences. This feature helps to alleviate customer doubts and speed up the sales process. Customers desire the ability to ensure that the product they purchase will meet their requirements. When it comes to furniture, this means customizing the product to suit the existing decor.
IKEA has introduced the IKEA Place app, which enables customers to visualize furniture in their living space with real-time customizations. By providing this capability through AR, retailers can expect a reduction in returns and lower logistics costs.
How can AR benefit e-commerce stores in 2023
As an eCommerce business owner, you may be curious about how to leverage AR technology to enhance customer engagement. Fortunately, there are many ways that Augmented Reality can help build a loyal customer base. Read on to discover how.
1. Better reviews
Looking to buy furniture or other home decor items online? Augmented reality in eCommerce can help you visualize how a product will look in your space before making a purchase. This technology is especially useful for the furniture industry and home decor businesses.
With AR, you can see how wall paintings, furniture, and other items will look once placed in your home, making it easier to choose the perfect piece for your space. By using AR, you can avoid the hassle and disappointment of having to return items that don’t fit with your setup and decor.
2. Virtual try-on Solutions
Have you ever spent hours browsing an online store for eyeglasses or other accessories, only to end up buying from a physical shop because you were unsure how it would look on you? Well, thanks to Augmented Reality in eCommerce, you can now try on products virtually. This technology allows people to use AR to see how products will look on them, including eyeglasses, earrings, makeup, and even hairstyles.
One popular example of AR for this purpose is the Snapchat and Instagram Filters. These filters can help you with your makeup, let you take photos with sunglasses and headgear you are not actually wearing, and more. With AR in eCommerce, you can confidently make purchases online, knowing exactly how they will look on you.
3. Easy User Interactions
User manuals are essential for guiding customers on how to use your products effectively. By providing clear instructions, you can increase customer awareness, reduce support requests, and improve engagement. Interactive user manuals are a popular tool used by businesses to provide on-page support and guide buyers through the product’s features and functions.
For example, companies like Mercedes and Hyundai are using AR technology to create interactive owner’s manuals that allow customers to scan their cars and explore various buttons and features. This innovative approach helps customers better understand how the product works and enhances their overall experience.
4. Better relations with customers
Augmented reality (AR) technology can greatly improve customer engagement and satisfaction in eCommerce. With the ability to preview and try on products virtually, customers will be more likely to make informed purchasing decisions and less likely to return items or file complaints.
Research indicates that a majority of buyers (63%) believe that AR will enhance their online shopping experience. If you want to ensure the success and loyalty of your eCommerce business, implementing AR technology is a must.
5. Attract New Customers
Customer relationship management is key, and incorporating augmented reality technology can be a unique and compelling way to do so. In fact, 61% of shoppers prefer businesses that offer AR technology.
By using this technology, you can keep your current customers engaged and even bring in new ones who will be satisfied with your service and products. Remember, something new and useful always catches attention and allures people towards your business.
6. Boost Your Sales with Augmented Reality
By using Augmented Reality in eCommerce, you can improve customer engagement and attract new customers, resulting in a boost in conversion rates.
AR is a valuable marketing tool that catches the attention of customers and generates more traffic. Simply by making customers aware that your business uses AR, you can encourage them to explore and buy from you with priority.
What are the different types of AR?
Utilizing Augmented Reality in eCommerce is becoming increasingly profitable and necessary to gain an edge over competitors in the industry. However, it comes in various types, including:
1. Projection Based AR
With projection-based AR, virtual 3D images of a product can be projected over a real object, space, or surface. This is a popular method of using augmented reality in eCommerce. For instance, you could project an image of a cupboard onto a corner of your bedroom to determine if it would fit and look appealing.
2. Recognition Based AR
Marker-based AR technology uses markers in the form of QR codes, logos, or stickers with distinct shapes and edges. The software or app must recognize the marker and convert it into a digital product. Each product has its own marker that the app can track, making it useful for eCommerce as many products have stickers and logos.
3. Location-Based AR
This technology relies on GPS to locate nearby places that you are searching for. Unlike traditional GPS, Augmented Reality (AR) allows you to view your destination pins as floating objects in your phone’s camera, providing real-time guidance in your environment. While this type of AR may not be as applicable in eCommerce, it can be highly useful for delivery personnel.
4. Outlining AR
The technology known as outlining AR may seem similar to projection AR, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Projection AR fully projects an object, while outlining AR simply outlines it.
For instance, if you’re parking your car in the dark, outlining AR can illuminate the road lines for you to see. Civil engineers can also use this technique to outline a building model, highlighting its foundation and pillars.
5. Superimposition based AR
With this type of AR, an object or a portion of it is fully replaced by an augmented digital element. The user can easily choose which part they want to augment on their smartphone or tablet screen, and the technology takes care of the rest.
Wrapping it up
Incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) in eCommerce can enhance the shopping experience by providing both a X factor and convenience. This technology is becoming increasingly popular among big brands seeking to maintain a competitive edge, making it necessary for businesses of all sizes to adapt and stay ahead of the game.
Utilizing AR app development companies in eCommerce store development is also an effective way to surpass competitors. To stand out in the eCommerce market, businesses should learn techniques that involve implementing AR to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction with both new and returning customers.
