The coronavirus pandemic changed the eCommerce landscape drastically. The sector needed to quickly adapt and embrace changes according to the monumental shift in reality.
But apart from the industry changes that were forced from the pandemic, other trends need to be taken into account. For example, a recent report concluded by Accenture stated that 75% of consumers are more inclined to buy from brands that offer personalized online experiences.
When it comes to eCommerce, emerging technologies are what is driving the industry towards new horizons. And since 54% of consumers say that they prefer physical stores because they can not fully visualize products in online stores, augmented reality (AR) can be essential to enhance the customer experience.
Companies need to embrace new technologies such as AR as it is expected that the 'new normal' will continue to be the norm for some time even after the pandemic is over. According to IDC, the digital economy will continue to grow, with spending to grow up to $1.2 trillion between 2020 and 2023 worldwide. In the APAC region alone, it is expected to see a 52% growth.
Customers expectations
No doubt, augmented reality will soon become a standard tool in our day-to-day activities. Here are several ways AR can benefit your business.
"Virtual Try-on" – Visualize the product experience before purchasing
With the help of augmented reality apps, consumers can visualize the products in the context of the physical space.
For example, when buying furniture, shoppers can visualize how it will look inside their rooms, switch products or alter the color and size, and see how different items complement each other.
This can speed up the search process, especially when looking for high-value products.
Imitate real in-store experience
According to research, 61% of consumers prefer to buy from online stores that offer AR features. The technology provides a virtual in-store experience - from chatting with representatives and advisors to the ability to dressing clothes or footwear.
Body Measurement App
Such an app can offer the user accurate virtual fitting - since the fitting is the most common problem when it comes to buying clothes or other wearable products online.
The Body Measurement App is revolutionary for eCommerce as it provides the opportunity for users to try a product and see if it fits accurately before deciding to buy.
AR Manual
This solution makes the reading of a manual of appliances interactive through a detailed virtual guide. Users can quickly go through the details of the product, understand the process better, and virtually find all useful instructions. This will reduce the time spent while going through the manual of any appliances and the fear of unknown risks.
Virtual Measurement
Such technology can determine the size of the body or an object depending on the user's needs.
Future of Online Shopping
With the help of augmented reality, customers will have more options to observe and customize products. Providing more options and a wider choice, AR can reduce the return rate and increase the conversion rate.
AR technology is adding value, helping shoppers to stay engaged, and drive in-store traffic. And eCommerce owners will need to adopt new technologies to keep in line with the consumers' expectations.
Untitled Project is the best company in Singapore that offers the development of enticing retail experiences. It pioneers in shopper experience and augmented reality in retail.
The company was founded in 2014 and has been named Experiential Agency of the year for Singapore.
Untitled Project works with international brands and regional clients to create experiences that immerse, dazzle, and seduce. It has worked with mixed AR, developed AR toolkits, platform-agnostic web-based AR, and support Microsoft Hololens, as well as other HMDs.
The company can develop solutions that work on all platforms and bring the apps to market via iOS AR Kit and Facebook AR.
