Augmented Reality in ecommerce: Benefits + examples

In this article we will show you the benefits of Augmented Reality in ecommerce and some examples to help you get inspired and see if it could be a good fit for your brand. First of all, let’s refresh our memories, what is Augmented Reality? 

Augmented reality is a technology that allows the user to interact with and experience a digital environment in real time. It is one of the most exciting technologies of our time, and it has been gaining popularity in recent years. It can be used for many different purposes. For example, it can be used for gaming, entertainment, education, design, engineering and more! Let’s see more.

Augmented reality in ecommerce

Augmented reality is a technology that has been around for a while now. But, it’s not until recently when it started to be used in the ecommerce industry.

It all started with the introduction of ARKit by Apple in 2017. It enables developers to create augmented reality apps for iOS devices.

Since then, many ecommerce companies have started experimenting with AR technology and its potential for high-quality marketing and customer engagement.

Augmented reality is an interactive experience of a real-world environment whose elements are “augmented” by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. Augmented reality is typically experienced through a mobile device or personal computer and often uses either a camera or displays like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches

Augmented reality is a technology that can be used to make online shopping more interactive. It can be used to take the customer on a virtual tour of the store and show them what they would look like wearing different clothes.

Benefits of Augmented Reality in ecommerce

There are so many different benefits of Augmented Reality in ecommerce, next we will mention just a few to get you an idea of the true potential of this powerful tool.

1) Visualization and detail

Unlike the common and limited photos that show the products in the brand Marketplaces, AR allows a 3D experience the properties and details of the products can be appreciated, such as: size, shape, texture and even physical properties such as weight or luminosity. 

2) Interaction with the Space

One of the great contributions of AR is the possibility of dimensioning the product in a personal space. Through the camera and Artificial Intelligence, it is possible to capture any environment in real life and superimpose what you want to buy, to define if it really fits the space and needs of consumers. In addition, with the Virtual Try On experiences, users can try clothes, accessories or makeup on themselves, achieving more satisfying purchases.

3) Diversity of options

Physical stores often have limitations in terms of space and the number of products they want to offer. With an extension of reality, it is possible to explore many more purchase options from points of sale and marketplaces by implementing access to AR with a QR code. A service that also has virtual advice that accompanies the purchase and resolves concerns.

4) Personalization

Currently this function is quite attractive for consumers of different products, because it allows them to directly change options such as color, shape or finish and have a product much more in line with their tastes and desires.

Examples of Augmented Reality in ecommerce

There are a large number of companies that use Augmented Reality in their business, both online and offline. Here are some examples of how different sectors use Augmented Reality in their business.

Fashion stores

Online stores play with the advantage that with just one click, the user is able to discover interesting information, as well as check how the product suits the customer without having to try it on, through what they call a ‘virtual fitting room’.

On the other hand, in Retail, through the brand’s application, or directly with the mobile camera, they use augmented reality to offer promotions at the point of sale, in a more personal way towards the receiver of the message, as well as more attractive and with more information. Also, it is being widely used to offer extra product information directly on the shelf, and through the price tag, for example. This information is displayed in both 2D and 3D, thus supporting the improvement of the customer experience and customer satisfaction.

Beauty

Some brands are starting to take advantage of augmented reality to test blush, lipstick, etc. In beauty products it is typical to check how certain products and colors look on your own skin, in order to finally decide. The user is able to try as many as as possible, something that would not be possible in the physical store. The experience may not be the same, but the end result is very powerful in terms of sales.

Furniture

The furniture industry has been struggling to keep up with the demands from customers who want to buy their furniture online and have it delivered to them. This has led to many companies developing augmented reality solutions that allow customers to view their furniture in their homes before they buy it. Companies related to this sector know this, beginning to use it to their advantage, avoiding final dissatisfaction of their clients.

Tourism

Through AR is possible to show clients a specific hotel, their room, bathroom, etc, or other uses like to facilitate the check-in of the guest upon arrival at the hotel, facilitating how to get to his room, what is the WiFi password, restaurant or breakfast hours.

Augmented reality is the next big thing in ecommerce, and it will be a game changer for the industry.

The most popular use case for augmented reality in ecommerce is to provide a visual experience of what a product looks like on the user. This is done by using computer vision technology to overlay digital content over an image of the real-world environment.

This technology can be used to create interactive virtual shopping experiences that are more engaging and fun. It also helps customers make buying decisions easier as they can see how products would look like on them before they buy it.

If you wonder how you can implement this technology in your own business, we can help you in Stringnet.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to get the best Augmented Reality service on the market.