Digital experiences are reshaping consumer expectations. And mobile app users are perhaps at the frontier when it comes to tech-enabled features and user experiences. As soon as we start talking about tech-powered UX, the immersive worlds of AR and VR come promptly into the picture. We have already discussed in a previous post how VR is reshaping consumer experiences. In this blog, we will talk exclusively about how Augmented reality app development services are redefining UX.
Augmented reality is rapidly getting mainstream across industries. From online fashion shopping to gaming and real estate, AR is everywhere nowadays. And it’s entering new market segments at a pace never seen before. Thanks to the pandemic-induced shift in consumer behavior. Whether it’s native app development services or apps for multiple platforms, entrepreneurs are increasingly inclined to use AR and VR. But some areas are already seeing more popularity than others when it comes to AR. We’ll explore them one by one. But first, let’s understand how AR creates enhanced versions of real-world environments.
How Augmented Reality Works
Augmented reality, as its name suggests, ‘augments’ real-world environments. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the verb augment as “to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense.” AR does just that!
AR uses the real-world environment as a base and puts computer-generated visual elements on top of the environment to enrich viewers’ experiences. In other words, augmented reality is the use of graphics, audio, texts, and other virtual enhancements integrated into real-world objects.
Customer Engagement Through AR
Engaging customers have become trickier than ever in a market transformed by the pandemic. But digital-savvy businesses are innovative ways to keep their customers engaged. And AR is emerging as a popular choice for digital-driven customer engagement. Social media apps are the most interesting example.
Apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok rely on a diverse array of AR-powered features. And most of us have used them. Yes, the wide range of ‘filters’ on your social media app uses AR. Those augmented versions of your pictures look better than the real ones. Thanks to AR. It’s helping companies like Snapchat and Facebook to keep their users engaged.
And AR’s role in customer engagement is not limited to the tech industry. Globally leading furniture maker IKEA, for example, uses AR to offer visualization to prospective buyers. And a significant number of online furniture shoppers are finding those experiences convincing enough. That’s what makes AR app development services increasingly popular across modern and traditional industries alike.
AR-enabled Object Recognition
Augmented reality enables users to create mobile apps that could promptly recognize physical objects. Using machine learning-based image processing, AR apps can give information about physical objects. Such applications can be used in home appliances, industrial machinery, and even automobiles. With ML capabilities evolving at a dizzying pace, apps powered with AR are likely to become more versatile soon.
Immersive Indoor Navigation with AR
Unlike outdoors, indoor navigation doesn’t have convenient digital tools like Google Maps. But tech-savvy organizations are creating even more seamless and immersive navigation for indoors using AR. Establishments like museums, malls, and airports are leading this trend.
For instance, an AR-powered app for a museum enables visitors to find their desired exhibitions and halls without any hassle. In malls, AR could help shoppers reach the desired store through the easiest route. With AR app development services becoming more efficient, these trends will only amplify.
AR-Enhanced Travel Experiences
Travel is one area where augmented reality is perhaps getting more creative. With intensifying competition, travel companies are laser-focused on boosting experiences. And AR has become an effective tool to achieve that. From sightseeing to airports and hotels, AR is establishing its dominance everywhere.
For example, an AR-powered tourist app can help get travelers to get unique information about the place or establishment they’re visiting. They just need to hold their mobile device to scan an object. Then the app will give all the pieces of information about that place or object.
Wrapping Up
Augmented reality is expanding its reach much beyond just enhancing real-world environments. As we’ve discussed here, AR is now becoming a tool for customer engagement across industries, from social media to travel and more. With AR app development services getting more affordable, even businesses of comparatively smaller sizes are exploring its capabilities. At Android Developer, a trends-driven Android app development company, we keep a close eye on technologies that make enterprises more competitive. Contact us to discuss a tech-enabled customer engagement plan for your business.
FAQs
Q. What is an augmented reality (AR) app?
AR apps use computer-generated objects and deploy them in real life to create an immersive experience for users. Pokémon Go is a well-known example of an AR app.
Q. Why is AR important for businesses?
Augmented Reality creates an enhanced and more immersive version of a real-world environment. AR-enabled experiences can captivate users in a way that encourages them to accept and believe it as a real-world environment. Such an enhanced and real-like experiences could help to increase conversions and sales.
Q. What are the best AR app development tools?
Some of the most widely used AR SDKs are Google ARCore, Apple ARKit Cordova, ARToolKit, and Vuforia.
