When most people think of augmented reality, they think of entertainment media like Pokémon Go or the more recent Harry Potter: Wizards Unite game. However, what they may not know is that augmented reality is also changing the way consumers buy products and services online. From interactive 3D models on ecommerce sites to virtual product try-on, brands are leveraging the latest technology to give online shoppers better ways to try and buy products. In this post, we’ll explore the ways that augmented reality is changing ecommerce and how retailers can adopt innovative ways to deliver buyers a satisfying AR experience.
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. In other words, it’s a technology that blends the physical and digital worlds.
With augmented reality shopping, you can interact with 3D models of products on ecommerce sites or try on virtual products in real-time. This technology is changing the way consumers buy products and services online. Retailers who adopt innovative ways to deliver buyers a satisfying AR experience will be more likely to succeed in the ecommerce space.
How augmented reality works on ecommerce sites
When you go to an ecommerce site and view a product, you may see a little 3D icon in the top right-hand corner of the image. This is the augmented reality (AR) icon. When you click on it, the product will be brought to life in a three-dimensional space on your screen. You can move around it, spin it around, and get a better look at all the different angles.
If you’re shopping for a piece of clothing, for example, you can “try on” the clothes to see if they fit and look good on you. If you’re considering buying a piece of furniture, you can “see” how it would look in your home. This is all thanks to AR technology.
Why AR shopping is different from online shopping
With AR shopping, you can try on digital clothes and accessories to see how they look on you before you buy them. With just a few clicks, you can have the entire product in your living room, without ever having to leave your home. AR shopping is also great for comparing products. You can see how different colors and styles look on you before making a purchase. Plus, there’s no need to search through pages and pages of products—with AR shopping, the selection is right at your fingertips.
How ecommerce sites are using augmented reality
Ecommerce sites are using augmented reality in a range of innovative ways to improve the buyer’s experience. Some sites have interactive 3D models of their products that allow you to zoom in and see every detail. This is especially helpful for apparel and accessory items, where you can see how something might look on you before you buy it.
Other sites are using augmented reality to allow shoppers to try on products virtually. This is a huge help for cosmetics and sunglasses, for example. You can try on different shades and styles without ever having to leave your home. It’s just like being in a physical store, but without the hassle of crowds and long lines. augmented reality is changing the way consumers buy products and services online, and retailers are adopting innovative ways to deliver buyers a satisfying AR experience.
How to use augmented reality to shop online
With AR shopping, you can use your phone or tablet to view products in a realistic setting before you buy them. This could be anything from trying on a new lipstick shade in the comfort of your own home to seeing how a new piece of furniture would look in your living room.
AR makes online shopping more fun and engaging, and it can help you make better decisions about what to buy. Plus, many brands are now offering interactive 3D models on their websites, which give you a much more realistic view of products. So if you’re considering making a purchase, be sure to check out the AR capabilities of the retailer you’re interested in. You might be surprised at how realistic the experience is!
Conclusion
Augmented reality is quickly becoming a staple in the online shopping experience. By allowing shoppers to interact with products in a new and innovative way, brands are able to draw in customers and convince them to buy products they may not have otherwise. With the technology becoming more prevalent and widespread, it’s likely that even more retailers will begin to adopt augmented reality shopping in the near future.
