Technological innovations have brought great variation in the shopping experience of people. From offline to online, further different browsing options at various sites have made it easy for people to make purchases just by sitting at their place. However, the sensory experience was still a big challenge, which made replace and return more prominent.
Well, with Augmented Reality in the queue, things are no longer the same. With this technological advent, people can actually sense their products. It allows customers to experience the services or preview their items and acquire in-depth and comprehensive information about their items of choice—from the comfort of their homes.
According to the report, the augmented reality industry is expanding and is worth $30.7 billion, with roughly 810 million active smartphone users.
What is Augmented Reality?
AR (Augmented Reality) is a technology that overlays a computer-generated image over the user’s real-world perspective to give them a more accurate representation of reality. This entails incorporating digital data (sounds, pictures, and text) into the user’s current surroundings.
The idea is to blend the virtual and real worlds and offer the user a sense of seamless integration. These virtual assets might be in the form of 2D or 3D images, music, films, and so on.
“I do think that a significant portion of the population of developed countries, and eventually all countries, will have AR experiences every day, almost like eating three meals a day. It will become that much a part of you.”
— Tim Cook
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: What Is the Difference?
Augmented reality and virtual reality are two concepts that are sometimes used interchangeably since they have many similarities but also some variances. Virtual reality (or VR) requires the user to wear a headset with earbuds that totally replaces the actual environment with the virtual world. Virtual reality aims to remove the user from the current world as much as possible.
| Quick Tip: Although virtual reality has business uses in product creation, teaching, architecture, and retail, the bulk of VR applications are now centred on leisure, particularly gaming. |
Augmented reality, on the other hand, combines the virtual and real worlds. Most apps use the screen of a smartphone or tablet to do this, with users directing the phone’s camera towards an area of interest and the screen displaying a live video of that scene. The display is then filled with helpful data, such as servicing instructions, navigation data, or diagnostic data.
| Quick Tip: AR is more commonly used in entertainment applications, but now it is also being used for providing expert assistance, transforming shopping experiences and predictive maintenance. |
Augmented Reality in E-commerce
AR has piqued the curiosity of investors, businesses, and the general public in recent years, particularly when Mark Zuckerberg purchased Oculus. Many web companies, such as Sony, Samsung, and Google, are now investing heavily in augmented reality.
E-commerce is expected to take a huge leap with this technology as augmented reality can bridge the gap between conventional brick-and-mortar retailers and current e-commerce companies. Customers may see the product as they would see it in person using augmented reality. It’s a breakthrough that gives online shopping a more genuine feel while also increasing e-commerce sales by enhancing the shopping experience.
This [Retail] is a sector where AR is revolutionising the way we shop by bridging the gap between digital and physical worlds. A radical store re-invention will offer retailers new ways to increase convenience and personalisation, and consumers the opportunity to experience re-envisioned shops.
–Muchaneta Kapfunde
The Benefits of Augmented Reality
Here’s why augmented reality is more important—and how they’re already helping early adopters.
Personalized Experience
AR allows customers to see how items appear on them. They show what sizes might fit them, or illustrate the real size of a product in their area, as well as other features that address the issues with online shopping. Instead of seeing mannequins wearing the items in an online store, buyers can view themselves in all of the ensembles to evaluate which ones would look best on them.
Reduced Return Rate
AR offers consumers the unique option to test before they purchase since it provides an immersive experience with 3D visualizations, virtual try-on, and product demos. As a result, augmented reality technology aids in the battle against high return rates by allowing customers to make an informed purchase, resulting in a decrease in return rates.
Improved Customer Satisfaction
AR’s immersive experience allows e-commerce firms to not only interact with new customers but also to create a long-term and trusted relationship with them. This technology helps boost consumer interaction with e-commerce firms, leading to increased sales.
High Conversion Rate
It is one of the most notable advantages of augmented reality in e-commerce. If users have a clearer picture of the product they are going to buy, they are more likely to convert. Augmented reality in e-commerce allows store owners to provide a more immersive and engaging product experience, which leads to higher conversion rates.
Those who browse sites that use augmented reality (AR) technology are more likely to make a purchase. So, bring it to your store and leave the rest to us.
Role of ANS Commerce
At ANS Commerce, we assist businesses in enhancing their brand’s position through higher sales. We assist organisations in focusing on their core competencies while also delivering other services such as performance marketing, marketplace management, warehousing, and fulfilment. We give e-commerce consultancy for the brandstore through technology interventions so that they are aware of the present gap and may use the best industrial practise to optimise the funnel.
We also assist businesses with our core product, Kartify, which provides the foundation for establishing an online presence without any hassle. You can request a DEMO now.
