How Augmented Reality is Transforming the Retail, Education & Real Estate Industry

Interest in Augmented Reality is exploding as different industries are exploring how it can improve customer experience and the interaction with products and/or services.
What is AR? Augmented Reality improves, enhances or expands real life by inserting virtual objects into the user’s real-world environment through their device. It essentially blends the lines between the physical and digital world and is offering an entirely innovative way of interacting with consumers, co-workers and the world around us.

So, how are different industries embracing AR?

Retail

AR is completely transforming how customers interact with brands and products, both in-store and from their homes.
One of the most significant transformations in the retail experience is with offering customers the opportunity to see products in their home before they buy.
Beauty Industry leader Sephora, created a VR app for in-store use to show their shoppers how makeup products will look on their face via their phone’s camera without the need to try the product on or pre-purchase it. Similarly, Topshop has created an AR app that allows customers to try on clothes through a virtual change room. By standing in front of the camera, customers were able to see how clothing items looked on their bodies without physically trying anything on. Additionally; retail giant, IKEA has built Ikea Place an augmented reality app that lets you experience, experiment and share popping Ikea products into any space. Everything is 3D and true to scale so you can see if it’ll fit.
AR integration means retail business owners can actively collect data from consumers to improve and the customer’s experience.

Education

Using augmented reality in the classroom can turn an average class into an engaging experience. AR technology provides virtual examples and adds gaming elements to support textbook materials – allowing for more student interaction. AR helps students better remember the information they’ve just learned. instead of simply reading books or listening to lectures, students and trainees can start practising with the help of headsets and goggles. Additionally, AR helps provide new possibilities for students to learn how to interact and collaborate.

Real Estate

For Real Estate the benefits are endless, as potential buyers of real estate you can now visit the property in 3D before physically entering the estate. For Agents, AR provides completely new marketing opportunities by making use of location-based services while at the same time providing a unique experience to the buyer. With a single touch of the button, clients can use AR to view every aspect of any building they are interested in without leaving the office or home, interacting with space virtually and even placing furniture or belongings in the space before purchasing.
Buying off the plan? AR is a game-changer for architects, designers and builders – as it allows them to bring the blueprints and images to life for clients to see how their prospective new home might look – allowing for end-to-end quality assurance for the developer and the buyer alike.