What is Augmented Reality?
AR is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world. This can include images, videos, and other data, which are displayed in a way that blends seamlessly with the physical environment. AR is different from virtual reality (VR) in that it doesn’t completely immerse users in a digital world, but rather enhances their view of the real world.
How AR is Changing E-commerce
Amazon has recently introduced an AR feature called “Look Inside” which allows customers to see what a product would look like in their own home before making a purchase. This feature uses the camera on a customer’s smartphone or tablet to display a 3D model of the product in the room, giving customers a more realistic idea of how it would fit and look in their space.
Another way that AR is changing e-commerce is by providing customers with more information about products. For example, some furniture retailers are using AR to provide customers with information about the dimensions and materials of their products, making it easier for them to make informed purchasing decisions.
In addition, AR can also be used to create more engaging product displays. By overlaying digital content onto physical products, retailers can create a more interactive and immersive shopping experience for customers. For example, a car company might use AR to display different colors and customizations for a particular model, allowing customers to see what the final product would look like before making a purchase.
Case Studies
There are several examples of companies using AR in e-commerce to great effect. One such company is IKEA, which has created an AR app called “Place” that allows customers to see how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase. The app uses the camera on a customer’s smartphone or tablet to create a 3D model of the room and then overlays the furniture onto the model, giving customers a more realistic idea of how it would fit and look in their space.
Another example is the furniture retailer Wayfair, which has created an AR feature called “View in Room” that allows customers to see how furniture would look in their home before making a purchase. The feature uses the camera on a customer’s smartphone or tablet to create a 3D model of the room and then overlays the furniture onto the model, giving customers a more realistic idea of how it would fit and look in their space.
The Future of AR in E-commerce
As AR technology continues to improve, we can expect to see more e-commerce companies using it to enhance the shopping experience for customers. In the future, we might see AR being used to create more immersive product displays, provide customers with even more information about products, and create new ways for customers to interact with products online.
FAQs
What is Augmented Reality?
AR is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world.
How is AR changing e-commerce?
AR is being used by e-commerce companies like Amazon to enhance the shopping experience for customers, providing them with more information about products and creating more immersive product displays.