What makes augmented reality useful for eCommerce store/shopping applications?

Augmented Reality (AR) may not be as exciting as a virtual reality, but this new technology blurs the line between what’s real and what’s computer-generated by enhancing what we see, hear, and feel. It is proving very useful tool in our everyday lives. From social media apps to surgical procedures, and augmented reality eCommerce solutions it is rapidly growing in popularity.

Customer expectation – 22% would be less likely to visit traditional retail stores if AR would be available in online stores.

Applications of augmented reality can be as simple as a text-notification or as complicated as an AR app for eCommerce store enhancing the user-experience, assisting online shoppers in their buying journey and aid decision making by allowing them to see products in real-world at their place and in-store.

If you’re intrigued and considering creating an AR app for online commerce business then keep on reading.

How are AR apps being used in the real world?

Practically augmented reality finds a limitless applicability in all aspects of the real world. This technology can be used for developing shopping applications, education, healthcare, marketing, sports, gaming, entertainment, travel and other mobile applications.

How Retailers are Using Augmented Reality to Enhance Customer Experience

Almost 70% of consumers expect retailers to launch an AR app within the next six months. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of companies don’t use AR at all. Sources: – Shopify

Bring it home before you buy it.
AR apps are bringing the In-Store Experience to Consumers’ Homes. Augmented reality apps for eCommerce let your customers see and imagine how products will look, feel, or fit in their home. Even without buying it.

Visualize or Understand Products and Features
Augmented reality shopping apps allow shoppers to trigger animations to show how complex products like appliances or electronics work and function. AR in online shopping can highlight certain features, enhance understandings, and provide accessible and timely data.

Incorporating Augmented Reality into Your Product
Leading brands like Adidas has launched a line of sneakers that unlocked an AR for customers at home. The sneakers can be used as a control back home that a customer can use to read the embedded code on the tongue and it can take the customer in a virtual world.

Getting an edge over Competition and Building Brand Awareness
Retailers have taken an out-of-the-box approach to AR, using the technology to build buzz and brand awareness. Fashion brand RIXO London also gave customers an at-home experience with AR.

Add the Ability of Modification and Customization
As per a recent research, 77% of consumers would like to use augmented reality technology to observe product diversities such as a change in color or style.

Adding Personalization with Touch-and-Feel Factor
3D Augmented reality apps add the touch-and-feel option by supplying their clients with impressive-quality 3D holograms. And 40% of the shoppers would be willing to pay more for an item if they could observe it via AR first.

Augmented reality for eCommerce is allowing retailers to offer a more personal, interactive experience that will change the way we shop forever. A futuristic approach omnichannel retail experience heavily relies on augmented reality companies and it is already adding more value by getting shoppers to engage on retailer’s mobile platforms as well as driving in-store traffic.

According to Techcrunch, the AR market (which is primarily made up of AR on mobile devices) will be worth approximately $83 billion by 2021.

Researchers provided 5 main psychological reasons why AR boosts sales:

  • A higher sense of ownership – consumers engage, engage and feel close to the product
  • Incredible storytelling – People like to become part of events
  • AR experiences are interesting – makes customers feel happy
  • Factual judgment – Everybody tries to feel safe
  • Social animals – Before choosing any product customers seek reviews

How Augmented Reality for E-commerce Works?

Augmented Reality shows a computer-generated sensory in a real world. It can be experienced through smartphones, on computers or even special augmented reality glasses like Google Glass. It also allows a customer make a purchase using mobile device or desktop. AR allows people to see how a product would appear in their environment, without it having to be there physically.

Augmented reality examples

AR App Examples

A Guide to Augmented Reality App Development for E-commerce Business

Let’s get started.

List your app idea and objectives of creating an AR app. What you will be trying to achieve for your business with this app.

Already got an idea? Great.
The next step is defining what type of AR application you want to create. Here are some popular augmented reality applications types to consider from.

  • Marker-based AR – this type of application uses a predefined marker (such as a QR code or picture) to superimpose images into the physical world.
  • Markerless AR – these applications can recognize patterns, colors, and other attributes within a frame. Harley Davidson has a great markerless AR app.
  • Location-based AR – Location-based apps are a type of markerless AR that uses your GPS location to generate visual elements.
  • Projection-based AR – This type of AR app projects lights onto a 3D model to create a realistic looking object.

If you’re in e-commerce, a projection-based app would be perfect for showcasing different designs of the same item without having to ship or carry multiple SKUs.

Want to go with augmented reality in eCommerce, Great.
Now it’s time to understand the devices that will support. For e-commerce, you’ll need to run an app on mobile devices with front-facing cameras, like Smartphone or tables.

Now you can move onto actually getting your app developed. But wait…
Here are some of the top augmented reality developer tools one can use to create augmented reality app. You should also consider factors like license type, device support, multiple operating systems (iOSAndroid, Windows support and capabilities at the time of selecting the tools.

  • Vuforia
  • ARKit
  • EasyAR
  • Kudan
  • Wikitude

The cost to develop an AR app

Practically it depends on the number of features, the time estimate, and the platforms. The best practice is to start with an MVP (Minimum viable product) for one platform and keep on improving on it.

Wrapping Up

Augmented reality is expected to rapidly grow to $120 billion in revenue by 2020. It is expected to disrupt the e-commerce industry with its ability to personalize and enhance buying experience online for customers.

An expert augmented reality app development company can help you add value and enhance customers’ online shopping experience. With its experience, technical know-how, skilled team of augmented reality developers and support you need to create a success story.

Drive your digital strategy with Augmented Reality E-commerce solutions with i-Verve.Contact now.