With ongoing advancements in visual technology, businesses are constantly looking for new and innovative methods to promote their brand as well as create engaging experiences for customers and enhance the overall experience of stakeholders. With advancements in smartphone technology, augmented reality (AR) is now more accessible than ever to the public, allowing many businesses and brands to develop immersive and captivating content. One incredible way in which this innovative technology has been utilised, is through Augmented Reality Product Preview, which allows customers to virtually place true-to-scale 3D models of products within their very own living space.
So far, brands such as IKEA, Apple, DFS and Amazon have begun to embrace AR Product Previews on mobile websites and apps. Using this approach can allow customers to envision how different products would look within their homes, without ever having to leave their house.
In this blog, we will explore 5 awesome examples of Augmented Reality product previews!
…but before we dive in, we should probably give a brief explanation as to what augmented reality technology is!
What is Augmented Reality?
In short, augmented reality (AR) is a technology that blends real-world elements with virtual ones. By using a virtual headset, or smartphone device, AR uses cameras and sensor technology to superimpose digital information (such as sounds, images and text) on top of the real world we see. With advancements in smartphone and camera technology, AR has now become incredibly easy to access for everybody and has subsequently allowed many businesses to develop immersive and captivating virtual content.
In previous blogs, we have explored some of the various ways in which augmented reality has been utilised by businesses operating in the drinks, retail, and healthcare industries. However, this incredible technology has also been utilised by many different brands allowing customers to virtually place true-to-scale 3D models of products within their very own living space. Here are 5 excellent examples of augmented reality product preview experiences!
1. IKEA Place
Back in 2017, global furniture retailer IKEA launched their ‘Place’ app allowing users to virtually sample and place true-to-scale products within their very own living space. The IKEA Place app allows users to scan their environment, and automatically scales products based on room dimension. Users can then browse through thousands of IKEA products and virtually place them in their desired spot.
According to Micheal Valdsgaard (Leader of digital transformation – IKEA),
“IKEA place makes it easier to make buying decisions in your own place, to get inspired and try many different products, styles and colours in real-life settings with a swipe of your finger” – Micheal Valdsgaard
2. Apple – See it in your Space
Similar to IKEAs app, Apple has also created a ‘see it in your space’ experience, where users can virtually explore a variety of products at home or in an office space. By using their smartphones, users can explore various product colours and preview the various different sizes of products before purchase.
3. ASOS – See my Fit
In addition to furniture and tech, Augmented Reality Product Previews have also been utilised by fashion brands including ASOS! In 2020, the global online retailer released the “See my Fit” Augmented Reality experience, which allowed users to accurately see how clothing items would look in a variety of sizes and on different body types. This AR tool works by digitally mapping its products across 16-different models who vary across different heights and body shapes.
Since its launch, the See my Fit augmented reality experience has allowed users to view ASOS products from the comfort of their homes. This engaging experience was especially effective during the global pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdowns.
According to Senior Content Manager Tim Carey, “It’s a great tool for us to have it at our disposal, helping us drop new items on site each week and provide customers with realistic products images in a studio setting, while protecting the wellbeing of our models and staff”.
4. Adidas – Virtual Sneakers
Another awesome example of augmented reality within the fashion industry comes from Adidas, who released a product preview app in November 2019. Developed in partnership with Vyking, the app would track the users movements and allow them to virtually see how various Adidas trainers would look on their feet! This engaging experience allowed users to preview various footwear products without having to enter a store.
5. BLOOM
Our final example comes from fictitious cosmetics brand BLOOM. This brand was developed for printing company Springfield Solutions to help demonstrate digital embellishments across the health & beauty sector.
To help promote the BLOOM brand, Springfield Solutions teamed up with Eon Visual Media to produce a range of 3D models which could be accessed via the Springfield Solutions website and help to showcase various cosmetic products. These cosmetic product previews can be seen in the video below!
Summary
As you can see, augmented reality product previews are an incredibly practical tool for allowing customers to view products in the comfort of their own home! In addition to product previews, there are so many other practical ways in which augmented reality technology can help to promote products, increase brand awareness, and enhance the customer journey. We explore some of these various methods In our blog here!
Furthermore, with the Metaverse on the horizon, we firmly believe that we will soon see augmented reality technology become an essential part of every marketing mix.
Sounds great right? Want to get involved and incorporate augmented reality into your retail business? Well, good news! Our friendly team at Eon Visual Media can help collaborate with you and develop a highly interactive and engaging augmented reality experience to help promote your brand, products, and services.
For over 10 years, our team of experts have helped to develop apps for some of the UK’s largest B2B and B2C businesses, turning their ideas into reliable and robust pieces of technology.
Want to find out more? Drop us a message, and we would love to chat to you about your idea!
