Augmented Reality in E-Commerce
Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) mobile app development has become one of the most popular and demanded strategies among companies with a strong online presence, like e-commerce.
AR technology, in particular, is slowly disrupting brick-and-mortar stores, offering more convenient, personalized, and gamified experiences for their customers.
In this article, we’ll look at Augmented Reality in e-commerce, covering its benefits, applications, successful implementations, and how it can contribute to the growth of your online store.
What Is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) is a digital technology that integrates virtual entities such as images, text, or videos into the real world.
For this, a user switches on the camera on his mobile phone and sees what’s happening around on the screen in real time.
Now, if he adds Augmented Reality technology, the user can layer extra images over the picture of the real world on the screen. Besides mobile phones, AR is accessible on laptops, computers, tablets, and every gadget with a camera.
So, how could it be useful? AR in e-commerce helps sellers advertise their products, showing their customers online how the product would look in real life.
For example, if a customer buys a large piece of furniture, they don’t need to measure and try to imagine how that sofa would look in this corner. All they need to do is just open an app, choose the sofa, and project it in the corner of their room.
Benefits of Augmented Reality in E-Commerce
The integration of Augmented Reality in the e-commerce sector offers numerous benefits, both for businesses and consumers. Let’s delve deeper into these advantages.
Enhanced Product Visualization
One key advantage of AR in e-commerce is its improved product visualization. Shoppers can employ AR apps to overlay virtual product images onto their real surroundings.
For example, a customer can use their smartphone to position a virtual couch in their living room, allowing them to imagine how the furniture would look in their space. This capability greatly minimizes guesswork and doubts about size, color, and style.
Customer Engagement
AR tech provides a fun and interactive shopping experience. It helps customers engage with products in a unique and immersive manner, grabbing their attention and keeping them on your e-commerce site for longer. And longer visits, in turn, can boost conversion rates and, with time, build brand loyalty.
Less Uncertainty
Online shopping always comes with a degree of uncertainty, especially when customers can’t touch or try products. AR bridges the gap between digital product images and real-world use by allowing customers to better understand a product’s details, like texture, size, and fit.
Competitive Advantage
As shoppers get more tech-savvy and seek next-gen shopping experiences, businesses using AR tech gain a competitive edge. Online shops with AR experiences are better at drawing and keeping customers since they position themselves as industry leaders.
Data Insights
AR analytics offer helpful insights into customer actions and preferences. These insights allow businesses to make data-based choices about their products and marketing strategies. They can refine recommendations, improve product placement, and better understand how customers interact with augmented reality features.
Types of AR Applications
AR in e-commerce can take different shapes to suit diverse industries and business requirements:
Product Visualization
Product visualization is a key use of AR in e-commerce. Usually, it means putting digital product images into the real world, which is especially valuable in industries like furniture and interior design. Customers can easily use AR to check how a piece of furniture fits in their home before buying.
Virtual Try-On
Virtual try-on is an innovative AR use in fashion and beauty. With AR apps, customers can virtually try on clothing, makeup, eyeglasses, and more. By using their device’s camera, customers can see how different products look on them without wearing them physically.
Interactive Manuals
Apart from product-related applications, AR can also be used for interactive user manuals. For example, manufacturers of complex items like electronics or machinery can make AR guides to help customers with assembly, setup, or troubleshooting.
Location-Based AR
Location-based AR is a new way to bridge online and offline shopping experiences. Retailers can use AR to direct customers to their physical stores by displaying directions and deals on their mobile screens. Inside the store, customers can access navigation assistance to find the products they’re looking for.
Virtual Shopping Assistants
Chatbots and virtual assistants are getting smarter and can use AR to offer instant advice and suggestions. For example, a virtual shopping assistant could help customers find the ideal outfit or recommend matching products.
Successful Implementations of AR in E-Commerce
Many big e-commerce companies have already added Augmented Reality to their platforms to increase brand awareness and stay ahead of their competitors. Learn more information in our infographics.
IKEA
Furniture giant IKEA launched an AR shopping app that helps customers see how their products fit in their homes. This creative approach has greatly increased customer interest and sales. With the app, customers can virtually put IKEA furniture in their homes to check if it matches their style and fits well.
Sephora
Sephora, a top beauty and cosmetics store, has adopted AR technology with its Virtual Artist app. This app allows customers to test makeup products using their device’s camera. Customers can play around with various colors, shades, and makeup looks, which helps them make smarter buying choices.
Wayfair
Wayfair, a well-known online store for home furnishings and decor, uses AR to let customers try out virtual furniture in their homes before buying. With the Wayfair app, customers can overlay 3D models of furniture in their living spaces, getting a clear picture of how the products will appear and fit.
How to Bring Augmented Reality to Your E-Commerce Store
Augmented Reality isn’t a short-lived trend. It’s a necessary tool for the future of online shopping. With its engaging and interactive features, AR can draw in and keep customers, increasing sales and brand loyalty.
If you’re interested in seeing how AR can help your e-commerce site, here are some steps to consider:
- Set Your Goals: Begin by outlining your goals for adding AR to your e-commerce platform. Figure out how AR can enrich the customer experience and make sure it aligns with your broader business objectives, whether that’s promoting sales, reducing returns, or improving customer engagement.
- Pick the Right Technology: Select the AR tools and software that suit your requirements. Depending on your industry and products, you can go for product visualization, virtual try-ons, interactive guides, or other AR options. Make sure the technology you choose matches your business goals and your customers’ preferences.
- Add AR to Your Website or App: Collaborate with skilled developers and designers to incorporate AR features into your e-commerce site or mobile app. Focus on user-friendliness and good usability for the success of your AR integration.
- Spread the Word about AR: Inform your customers about the new AR features on your platform. Give simple instructions on how to access and use them. Include tutorials or videos to assist users in getting the most out of the AR features.
- Gather and Analyze Data: After you’ve added AR, gather and study user data. Focus on how customers use AR features, which products they like the most, and any feedback they give. This data-driven approach will aid in improving and fine-tuning your AR features to consistently meet customer needs and enhance the shopping experience.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality has opened up exciting possibilities for the e-commerce industry.
Its ability to improve product visualization, boost customer engagement, and reduce uncertainties offers significant advantages to both businesses and consumers.
As we’ve seen from successful implementations by industry leaders, AR is a powerful tool that can help grow your online store and provide a unique and immersive shopping experience.
As technology keeps advancing, using AR could be essential for staying competitive and succeeding in the e-commerce world.
By following the right steps and using AR tech well, your online store can gain a major advantage in the market, attract more customers, and build brand loyalty.
If you want to leverage the power of AR, VR, or Mixed Reality Solutions for your business, our team of experts is ready to build customized solutions that will take your business to the next level.
