We have discussed how Augmented Reality (AR) has many use cases in E-commerce and the shopping experience. With buying habits shifting during the pandemic, it’s easy to predict that consumers will continue to prioritize shopping from the comfort of their own homes. Businesses had to keep up with these habits by finding innovative ways to create value for their customers and remain competitive amongst the crowd.
Augmented Reality remains a unique accelerant to deliver new experiences and enhance customer engagement. However, as the landscape continues to change, we pose the question: “Are you ready to add an extra layer?”
With everything eventually becoming a computer-generated input, it is possible for people to be fearful about a world that is so personalized and interactive. This extra ‘layer’ will indeed start in the eCommerce space and then shift to encompass more and more of the world. Just like the rise of any new technology, developers will have to consider users’ expectations in all things–safety, comfort, and environment.
In an article discussing AR design, they focus on the digitalized steps in the analogue world. Essentially, design considerations for immersive technologies. In order for the populations to feel comfortable and ready for an “extra layer”, developers need to focus on these few steps:
Safety–The idea that you cannot distract the user onto a dangerous path. Objects and items in the real world should still take priority.
Hyperreality–Hyperreality is a term that’s been used more frequently as advanced technologies like Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence continue to rise. We define it as the inability to distinguish between reality and a simulation of reality. Developers should take this concept seriously in order to avoid drowning users’ senses.
Environment- Unlike logging onto your desktop, AR happens all around you. Developers must consider public, personal, intimate, and private scenarios. “Whatever their setting, users expect pleasurable, user-friendly experiences.”
Security- It is critical to ensure that users’ data is protected as the AR landscape takes shape.
As AR continues to evolve, developments must continue to be made to improve the quality of output of an experience for the user. There is unlimited potential for AR, as long as changes are made continuously so populations don’t feel overwhelmed and exposed by immersive technology. We’re ready for an extra layer–are you?
