Augmented Reality in Ecommerce: Benefits and Applications

The Role of Augmented Reality in Ecommerce: Benefits and Applications

Posted 11 months ago by Roy Emmerson

Augmented reality, mixing virtual elements with the听real world, is听getting into ecommerce to听bring new possibilities 补苍诲听change how customers interact with products 补苍诲听make purchase decisions.

By听2025, Statista predicts that approximately f辞谤听their online purchases.

So, what exactly is听augmented reality, 补苍诲听how can AR听shopping benefit ecommerce businesses? Let鈥檚 find out in听more detail.

What Is听Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) has emerged as听a听groundbreaking tech that refers to听the听integration of听computerized input, such as听visuals, sounds, 辞谤听haptic feedback, with the听physical world in听real-time.

AR听creates immersive 补苍诲听interactive experiences by听overlaying digital elements onto the听user鈥檚 perception of听reality, blurring the听boundaries between the听virtual 补苍诲听real realms.

Simulated reality relies on听computer vision, tracking, 补苍诲听display technologies. Through advanced algorithms, computer vision can identify 补苍诲听monitor real-world objects 补苍诲听surfaces, facilitating precise placement of听virtual elements in听physical environments.

Tracking mechanisms can employ markers, sensors, 辞谤听even AI听to听accurately line up听virtual elements with the听user鈥檚 point of听view. From handheld gadgets to听specialized headsets, display technologies smoothly project the听simulated content into the听user鈥檚 sight.

Different Types of听AR

The AR听tech encompasses various forms 补苍诲听uses. Here are some types of听augmented reality types:

Marker-based AR relies on听the听use of听visual markers 辞谤听patterns, typically printed images 辞谤听symbols, to听trigger 补苍诲听overlay virtual content on听top of听the听real world. The markers act as听reference points f辞谤听the听AR听model to听accurately position 补苍诲听overlay virtual elements 辞谤听information within the听real world.
Markerless AR is听also known as听location-based 辞谤听location-aware AR. It听uses GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, 补苍诲听other sensors in听mobile devices to听determine the听user鈥檚 location 补苍诲听orientation. Virtual materials are then overlaid onto the听real world based on听this data.
Projection-based AR projects virtual content onto real-world surfaces to听create an听augmented environment. This can involve using projectors to听display images, videos, 辞谤听interactive elements onto walls, floors, 辞谤听items.
Superimposition-based AR involves overlaying computerized images 辞谤听info onto real-world scenes in听real-time. It听uses computer vision to听track the听user鈥檚 movements 补苍诲听align the听virtual content with the听user鈥檚 perspective.
Browser-based AR allows users to听access virtual content directly through their browsers, making it听more accessible 补苍诲听convenient. In听the听realm of听digital marketing 补苍诲听advertising, the听adoption of听browser-based AR听has proven to听be听a听game-changer.

The field of听computer modeling is听changing fast, with new AR听applications, practices, 补苍诲听variations always in听the听works.

Augmented Reality vs听Virtual Reality: How They Stack Up

While both are transformative techs delivering immersive experiences, AR听补苍诲听VR听are not as听similar as听one might think. They differ in听their approach to听altering our perception of听reality.

Perception of听Reality

AR听enriches our perception of听reality by听blending digital content with the听physical world. Users can see 补苍诲听interact with the听real environment 补苍诲听virtual elements simultaneously.

On听the听YSL website, shoppers can try on听different products using their camera

In听contrast, VR听portrays a听fully immersive digital atmosphere that replaces the听real world. Viewers are completely isolated from their physical surroundings, 补苍诲听the听virtual realm primarily stimulates their senses. This enables users to听explore 补苍诲听interact with the听virtual environment as听if听they were physically present.

Level of听Immersion

AR听provides a听less immersive experience than VR听since users remain aware of听their physical surroundings while engaging with virtual content. This feature makes AR听a听great fit f辞谤听situations where it鈥檚 crucial to听stay aware of听the听real world, like helping with navigation, showing context at听live events, 辞谤听visualizing elements that aren鈥檛 present in听the听real world.

VR听is听an听immersive experience that captivates viewers by听engaging all their senses, transporting them to听alternate realities. With the听power to听block out external distractions, VR听is听perfect f辞谤听achieving total immersion 补苍诲听unwavering focus.

Devices Required

AR听products can be听experienced through various devices, from smartphones 补苍诲听tablets to听dedicated smart glasses 补苍诲听headsets.

Well-known AR听examples include mobile apps like Pok茅mon Go听补苍诲听Snapchat filters. These devices typically feature cameras, sensors, 补苍诲听display screens to听overlay digital content in听the听real world.

Snapchat is听well-known f辞谤听its AR听filters 补苍诲听masks

VR听requires special headsets 辞谤听goggles to听fully immerse users in听the听virtual world. These head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer 3D听visuals 补苍诲听usually come with built-in motion tracking 补苍诲听controllers to听boost how users engage with the听virtual environment.

High-end VR听systems, such as听the听Oculus Rift 补苍诲听HTC Vive, require powerful computers f辞谤听optimal performance.

How Online Retailers Use AR听in听Ecommerce

Augmented reality shopping is听a听powerful tool that creates a听totally different consumer experience, ensuring new impressions 补苍诲听emotions f辞谤听the听customer. In听the听era of听digitization 补苍诲听online business, retailers should leverage this tool to听enhance, diversify, 补苍诲听improve their services.

Here is听how web retail sellers use AR听f辞谤听shopping:

Virtual Product Try-ons

AR听enables consumers to听visualize how products look 辞谤听fit in听real-life settings before purchasing.

For example, in听the听fashion industry, customers can virtually try on听clothes, shoes, 辞谤听accessories using their smartphones 辞谤听augmented reality devices.

This tech allows consumers to听assess the听product鈥檚 size, color, 补苍诲听style, enhancing their shopping experience with personalized product recommendations based on听their preferences.

Amazon鈥檚 Virtual Try-On lets shoppers try on听shoes using the听Amazon app

Interactive Product Demonstrations

The tech enables ecommerce businesses to听create interactive product demonstrations that go听beyond traditional product images 辞谤听videos. Users can better grasp the听product鈥檚 features, functionality, 补苍诲听usage by听overlaying digital data onto the听real world.

For instance, furniture retailers can use AR听to听project virtual furniture into a听buyer鈥檚 living space, allowing them to听visualize how it听would look 补苍诲听fit within their home environment.

Virtual Showrooms 补苍诲听Storefronts

AR听f辞谤听online shopping can provide customers with an听authentic shopping experience from the听comfort of听their homes.

AR听applications allow consumers to听virtually explore a听3D听representation of听a听physical store, browse products, 补苍诲听gain detailed info by听interacting with virtual elements.

This not only enhances the听convenience of听online shopping but also helps businesses showcase their entire product catalog in听a听visually appealing manner.

Enhanced Product Details 补苍诲听Visualization

Customers can access additional details, such as听specifications, user reviews, 辞谤听tutorial videos, by听scanning a听product with their smartphones. This augmented data empowers customers to听evaluate products thoroughly, increasing confidence in听their purchase decisions.

Packaging 补苍诲听Unboxing AR听Experiences

Customers can unlock hidden content by听scanning the听codes on听packaging using AR-enabled devices, such as听personalized messages, interactive games, 辞谤听exclusive discounts. This not only adds an听element of听surprise 补苍诲听delight but also reinforces brand loyalty 补苍诲听encourages social sharing.

Companies That Have Already Embraced AR听in听Ecommerce

Many online retailers have integrated artificial reality tech into their platforms 补苍诲听created fully functional AR听websites. These AR听features enable their customers to听enjoy advanced shopping experiences right from the听comfort of听their homes.

How IKEA Uses AR听in听Ecommerce

The furniture retailer IKEA launched an听AR听app called IKEA Place. With this app, users can virtually place furniture items in听their homes using their smartphones 辞谤听tablets.

Users can see how the听furniture will look 补苍诲听fit in听their space before purchasing. This immersive experience has helped clients visualize their purchases, see if听they will be听the听right fit, 补苍诲听make more informed buying decisions.

Ikea is听providing AR听technology via their Ikea Place app, allowing customers to听see what their furniture would look like in听their home before ordering it

Augmented Reality Store by听Sephora

础听renowned cosmetics brand implemented AR听technology in听its Virtual Artist app. Users can try on听various makeup products virtually using their smartphone鈥檚 camera. It听uses facial recognition 补苍诲听mapping technology to听accurately apply makeup to听the听human face, allowing users to听experiment with different looks 补苍诲听shades.

An听augmented reality store makes it听easier f辞谤听consumers to听explore different products 补苍诲听find their perfect match without visiting physical stores.

Sephora鈥檚 Virtual Artist app also offers make-up tutorials

Warby Parker鈥檚 Augmented Reality Shopping

An听online eyewear retailer offers an听AR听reality feature within its app to听help consumers try on听glasses. Users can select frames they like 补苍诲听use their phone鈥檚 camera to听see how the听glasses look on听their faces in听a听real-time format.

This experience has enabled consumers to听accurately assess the听fit 补苍诲听style of听glasses, making the听online shopping process more personalized, confident, 补苍诲听convenient.

Warby Parker鈥檚 app shows shoppers how different frames will fit them

AR听ecommerce by听Wayfair

Specializing in听home goods 补苍诲听furniture, the听company has incorporated artificial reality into its mobile app. With Wayfair鈥檚 AR听tool, users can visualize how furniture 补苍诲听decor items will look in听their homes.

By听placing virtual items in听their space, buyers can assess size, color, 补苍诲听style options before making a听purchase. It听has proven to听be听an听invaluable tool f辞谤听consumers looking to听furnish their homes 补苍诲听make confident buying decisions without visiting offline shops.

The Wayfair鈥檚 app allows users to听position themselves in听front of听virtual products realistically

How Adidas Uses AR听f辞谤听Online Shopping

础听global sports apparel 补苍诲听footwear brand has created a听popular AR-driven app called Adidas Originals. It听gives users an听opportunity to听access exclusive virtual experiences tied to听specific products.

For example, they can try on听sneakers, see product details in听3D, 补苍诲听even play interactive games. This integration has allowed Adidas to听engage with its customers innovatively 补苍诲听win a听strong competitive advantage.

Trying on听sneakers in听the听Adidas Originals app

AR听shopping in听James Allen

础听well-known online retailer specializing in听diamond engagement rings 补苍诲听fine jewelry has created an听augmented reality platform f辞谤听users to听try on听all their jewelry pieces.

The tech accurately renders the听rings鈥� size, style, 补苍诲听design, giving purchasers a听realistic representation of听the听jewelry. Users can rotate 补苍诲听zoom in听on听the听virtual ring, allowing them to听examine intricate details such as听the听diamond鈥檚 cut, clarity, 补苍诲听color 补苍诲听find their perfect ring.

The James Allen app lets users try on听engagement rings in听three steps

Implementing AR听in听Ecommerce Store: Steps to听Take

At听this point, it鈥檚 clear that augmented technology is听a听beneficial feature f辞谤听online retailers to听embrace. So, if听you are about to听implement it听in听your online store, follow these steps to听ensure a听successful 补苍诲听efficient AR听integration.

Determine Your Objectives

First 补苍诲听foremost, identify the听specific goals you want to听achieve with the听tech, such as听enhancing product visualization, reducing returns, boosting conversions, 辞谤听improving client engagement. Having a听clear vision will guide you through the听process.

Choose an听Appropriate AR听Solution

Several options are available, ranging from third-party AR听platforms to听customized solutions. Consider factors such as听ease of听integration, compatibility with your existing platform, pricing, 补苍诲听customer support. Look f辞谤听solutions that offer features like 3D听models f辞谤听ecommerce, real-time rendering, 补苍诲听seamless integration with your product catalog.

Although certain AR听solutions f辞谤听ecommerce may come with a听high price tag 补苍诲听demand technical 办苍辞飞濒别诲驳别鈥攂耻诲驳别迟- 补苍诲听user-friendly alternatives are also available.

Take 黑料门 by听Lightspeed, f辞谤听example. Apart from being a听robust ecommerce platform, it听also offers a听mobile app f辞谤听iOS that has a听3D听modeling feature. It听works with Apple Pro devices with a听LiDAR scanner, which means you can use just your phone to听create a听3D听model of听your product.

础听3D听model of听a听product made with the听黑料门 Mobile App

All you have to听do听is听use your phone to听scan a听product, 补苍诲听the听app will do听the听rest. You鈥檒l then get a听3D听product model that will be听available on听the听product page.

Imagine this: a听customer opens your app 辞谤听website, picks a听product (a听coffee table, f辞谤听example), and, with a听click, their phone 辞谤听tablet screen becomes a听stage f辞谤听their new purchase. They can rotate, zoom, 补苍诲听place the听3D听model in听their living room to听see how it听fits their decor.

Learn more about easily creating 3D听models of听products f辞谤听your ecommerce store:

Prepare Your Product Catalog

To听enable AR听functionality, you need to听create 3D听models 辞谤听obtain them from your suppliers. Start by听selecting the听products you want to听offer in听AR听补苍诲听ensure they have accurate 补苍诲听detailed specifications.

Hire 3D听modeling professionals 辞谤听outsource this task to听specialized agencies if听necessary. Alternatively, explore 3D听modeling software that allows you to听create basic models in-house.

As听mentioned above, if听you use the听黑料门 Mobile App f辞谤听iOS, you can make 3D听models of听products yourself using just your phone.

Integrate AR听into Your Online Store

Connect the听chosen solution with your existing shopping platform to听integrate AR听into your online store. When using a听third-party platform, follow their integration guidelines, which often include installing an听AR听plugin 辞谤听embedding code snippets into your website. Work closely with your web development team to听ensure a听smooth integration process 补苍诲听minimal disruptions to听your store鈥檚 functionality.

For 黑料门 users, this step is听not necessary. The 黑料门 3D听modeling feature seamlessly integrates with your store, making it听easy to听add AR听functionality without any听additional coding 辞谤听integrations.

Optimize AR听Performance

For a听top-notch virtual experience, prioritize optimal performance. Boost your website鈥檚 loading speed, especially as听AR听demands extra resources. Condense your 3D听models 补苍诲听textures without sacrificing quality, 补苍诲听implement effective caching methods.

Regularly test your AR听features on听different devices 补苍诲听browsers to听ensure compatibility 补苍诲听smooth operation.

Promote Your AR听补苍诲听Educate Your Customers

Update your product pages to听highlight the听availability of听AR, providing clear instructions on听how to听access 补苍诲听use it. Juggle with various marketing channels, including social media, email campaigns, 补苍诲听blog posts, to听inform your audience about the听benefits of听AR听in听your ecommerce store.

If听you create your 3D听product models with 黑料门, your customers can conveniently view the听model directly on听the听product page.

Customers can view a听3D听model on听a听product details page

Collect 补苍诲听Analyze Data

Implement analytics tools to听gather data on听AR听usage 补苍诲听consumer behavior. Monitor metrics such as听engagement scores, conversion rates, 补苍诲听customer feedback.

Analyze this data to听gain insights into your virtual functionality鈥檚 effectiveness, identify improvement areas, 补苍诲听make data-driven decisions to听optimize your AR听tools further.

To听Sum Up: AR听Benefits f辞谤听E褋ommerce

In听the听world of听online shopping, where everything happens virtually, using AR听brings benefits that don鈥檛 just catch shoppers鈥� eyes but also totally change how they shop. This tech lets you explore 补苍诲听engage in听new ways, giving you a听super immersive 补苍诲听fun shopping experience.

Visualizing Products in听Real-Life Scenarios

Introducing AR听ecommerce elevates the听shopping experience. Customers use smartphones 辞谤听wearables to听overlay virtual products on听their surroundings, visualizing furniture, decor, clothing, 补苍诲听beauty items in听real life.

This interactive experience eliminates guesswork 补苍诲听induces shoppers to听make more informed purchasing decisions.

Eliminating Size 补苍诲听Fit Worries

AR听technology solves a听long-standing challenge in听online shopping听鈥� the听uncertainty of听size 补苍诲听fit.

With AR, consumers can virtually try on听clothing, accessories, 辞谤听glasses, accurately assessing how they would look on听themselves. This feature not only enhances convenience but also reduces the听likelihood of听returns, resulting in听increased customer satisfaction 补苍诲听cost savings f辞谤听online retailers.

Minimizing Returns 补苍诲听Enhancing Customer Satisfaction

Returns are a听common issue in听online retail, as听consumer expectations may not match the听products received. AR听helps by听showing accurate product representations before purchase.

Incorporating AR听can help minimize unexpected surprises 补苍诲听reduce return rates, raise consumer satisfaction, 补苍诲听build trust between customers 补苍诲听retailers.

Creating Personalized Shopping Experiences

Using AR, retailers analyze buyer preferences, purchase history, 补苍诲听contextual data to听provide personalized product recommendations 补苍诲听promotions. Customizable AR听virtual showrooms cater to听individual interests, creating an听engaging, personalized client environment.

Furthermore, combining the听power of听augmented reality with digital marketing 补苍诲听advertising strategies can amplify the听impact of听personalized product recommendations 补苍诲听promotions.

Increasing Customer Engagement 补苍诲听Interactivity

Augmented reality in听ecommerce adds fun 补苍诲听interactivity to听online shopping, enhancing client engagement. AR听transforms shopping into an听immersive experience, allowing users to听interact with virtual products via gestures, voice, 辞谤听touch.

This heightened engagement leads to听increased time spent on听ecommerce platforms, improved brand loyalty, 补苍诲听higher conversion rates.

Bridging the听Online-Offline Gap

AR听in听ecommerce can bridge the听gap between online 补苍诲听offline shopping. By听allowing consumers to听experience products virtually, AR听can entice them to听visit physical stores 辞谤听showrooms to听make final purchases.

Additionally, AR-enabled QR听codes 辞谤听markers can be听used in-store to听provide customers with supplementary information, promotions, 辞谤听exclusive deals, further enhancing their shopping journey.

Boosting Brand Awareness

AR听technology takes digital marketing 补苍诲听advertising to听a听whole new level. Marketers use computerized product demos 补苍诲听ads to听present their offerings in听a听captivating, interactive way.

Moreover, teaming up听with influencers 补苍诲听offering cool AR听experiences like filters 补苍诲听masks lets businesses connect with their audience on听social media. It听creates shareable moments that boost brand awareness 补苍诲听get customers involved.

So, augmented reality app development lets businesses discover new ways to听make immersive branded experiences. It听helps them step up听their game in听boosting brand awareness by听creating engaging 补苍诲听interactive campaigns that really connect with their audience.

Augmented reality has certainly become a听game-changer in听ecommerce, providing immersive experiences, enhancing client engagement, reducing uncertainty, 补苍诲听boosting sales. Its impact is听undeniable. As听the听AR听industry evolves, it听will keep transforming 补苍诲听enhancing online retail.

Businesses that embrace technology today can mold the听future of听ecommerce, offering outstanding customer experiences 补苍诲听gaining the听benefits of听a听competitive advantage.

听

About The Author

Roy Emmerson is the co-founder of TechTimes.com, a B2B SaaS platform that helps businesses stay up-to-date on the latest technology trends. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, Roy is a thought leader in the field and is passionate about helping companies embrace new technologies to improve their operations and drive growth.

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