5 Ways Augmented Reality is Changing eCommerce and Dazzling Buyers in 2023

5 Ways Augmented Reality is Changing eCommerce and Dazzling Buyers in 2023

“I do think that a significant portion of the population of developed countries, and eventually all countries, will have AR experiences every day, almost like eating three meals a day. It will become that much a part of you.”Tim Cook, Apple (2016)

 

In 2021, retail eCommerce sales amounted to approx. $5.2 Trillion US dollars worldwide. Over the next 4 years, this number is forecasted to increase by 56%, to almost 8.1 Trillion, by 2026.

More merchants than ever before are investing in online stores as the industry booms. To maintain dominance in the rapidly growing market, leading brands are turning to Augmented Reality.

 

What is Augmented Reality?

 

Augmented Reality is the practice of using an AR-capable device (like a smartphone or smart glasses), to superimpose computer-generated images over real life. This gives users the impression that the superimposed image is in the real world, allowing users to interact with products physically, without ever leaving their homes. Take a look at the images below to get an idea.

 

Augmented Reality Example 1

 

Today, most US consumers already have devices that support AR experiences (yes, even you). This holiday season, expect Augmented Reality’s importance in retail to truly shine, considering in-store shopping is at an all-time low. Even B2B companies are investing in the technology for a variety of applications, from eCommerce to operations. If you don’t keep up with this trend, you could be part of the growing list of organizations falling behind during the pandemic. Continue reading to see a few AR experiences companies are using already, and some you can try yourself.

 

1) A New Standard in At-Home Retail.

Companies like Amazon and Apple are already utilizing AR experiences to bring the in-store experience into consumers’ households. With AR, shoppers can view items like furniture or appliances on their mobile devices, and place 3D product models in their home virtually. Phone and tablet users can view products anywhere, giving them the freedom to see if products fit in the space they are buying it for, prior to purchase. Consumers can ensure items are what they’re looking for, from size to shape and color, all from the comfort and safety of their homes. Check out this Augmented Reality model we built for Jura Coffee machines:

 

 

Jura Coffee Machines

Using augmented reality, we created an at-home shopping experience for Jura. With our AR design, customers can see how Jura’s coffee machines appear on their kitchen counters from home. With in-store traffic at an all time low in 2020, experiences like this help customers see the product without visiting a Jura location. Scan the code with your smartphone to view the model at home!

⬅️   Tap the buttons on the right of the image to see product features and dimensions.

 

 

In this way, AR gives buyers confidence that they are buying the right item and limit returns with Augmented Reality. Shopping for a new couch or coffee machine? Make sure it fits before tapping “buy,” without ever visiting the store.

 

In Home Retail Augmented Reality

 

For Retail, AR’s Future is Clear

 

Redstage’s Global Creative Director, Christopher Yin, had this to say about AR’s role in eCommerce: “Wayfair, Target, Walmart, Ikea, and every other juggernaut of retail has and will invest large sums in Augmented Reality in the near future, as it is the clear trend. To keep up with the largest companies in the world, you must give your customers unique and memorable experiences to retain them.” The stats speak for themselves:

  • 61% of shoppers said they would prefer to shop at stores that offer AR, as opposed to ones that don’t.
  • 40% of shoppers said they’d be willing to pay more for a product if they could experience it in AR.
  • 71% of shoppers would shop at a retailer’s store more often if they offered AR.

 Source: Retail Perceptions

 

2) Unique Experiences in Consumer Goods

 

In Store Augmented Reality

 
Virtual Try-On gives the In-Store Experience At Home

 

While you don’t need a dedicated app to enable AR experiences, these are a few ways top names in CPG are taking the tech to the next level. Augmented Reality is already being used to enhance in-store experiences. Utilizing their branded AR app, shoppers at American Apparel can scan clothing and footwear right on the rack and view information typical of an eCommerce store right from their phone. They can find the right sizes, colors, styles, and even customer reviews all while shopping in the store.

With Sephora’s in-store “magic” mirror, shoppers can try on different kinds of makeup with Augmented Reality. With facial recognition technology, smart mirrors can automatically detect different facial features and apply a wide variety of cosmetic products directly to users’ reflections. Remember, 40% of shoppers said they’d be willing to pay more for a product if they could experience it in AR. This applies to in-store shoppers as well.

 

 

 

AR Try On

We designed this sample model of an AR Eyeglasses to show retailers and manufacturers how popular appliances can be viewed from anywhere.

📲 Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to try it out, wherever you are!

 

 

It’s easy to see how experiences like this increase customer satisfaction by ensuring they get the product they want. This prevents the disappointment of out-of-stock products while reducing returns and increasing sales. Bring the online shopping features your customers love to your physical stores and see in-store sales grow in tandem.

 

3) Augmenting Products and Packaging

 

 

 

 

Recently, the team at Redstage created an AR concept for Panini, one of the largest manufacturers of sports playing cards in the world. The benefits of this AR experience include:

  • Adding an interactive dimension to playing cards.
  • Encourage use of branded apps to experience AR, encouraging up-sells.
  • Provide new experiences to engage and entice customers to purchase.
  • Allow shoppers to check packaging in-store for AR experiences in the aisle.
  • The potential to revolutionize the playing card and collectibles industry.

 

 

 

 

Lidar scanned shoes

We used Lidar scanning to create this model with ultra realistic results. This technique is best suited for clothing and organic objects vs traditional 3D modeling.

📲 Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to try it out, wherever you are!

 

4) Augmented Reality Gives Confidence and Freedom in Fashion

 

Augmented Reality Try It On At Home Luxury Goods

 

There’s nothing worse than buying clothing online that ends up not looking, feeling, or fitting how you hoped. Dodge returns this holiday season by using Augmented Reality to let shoppers virtually try-on clothes. Let them see the fit and cut of clothes in real-time, on their body, or let them walk around apparel items on a virtual model.

Do the earrings match? Is the dress long enough? Most of the time, shoppers don’t know their dimensions off the top of their heads. With AR, 3D product models are based on real dimensions, increasing buyer’s confidence in their purchase. Again, this will undoubtedly lower returns and can grow repeat customers who enjoy the experience.

 

AR for Accessories & Luxury Goods

 

 

Ring

We designed this sample model of an AR Ring to show retailers and manufacturers how popular appliances can be viewed from anywhere.

📲 Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to try it out, wherever you are!

 

 

Continuing in the theme of “bringing the in-store shopping experience to your home,” it’s just as important for consumers to see how accessories look on their body without visiting the store. Imagine seeing rings on your fingers, a watch on your wrist, or a necklace on your neck, without ever stopping by the jewelry store. All this and more is being implemented by top brands today. Sephora and Covergirl are even using AR for new makeup and cosmetics experiences.

So far, we’ve seen the Try-It-On-At-Home (TIOAH) AR experience implemented for:

  • Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Makeup
  • Nail Polish
  • Necklaces
  • Rings
  • Watches
  • And more!

 

5) Using Your eCommerce Platform for Augmented Reality

Apparel designer Rebecca Minkoff has been improving conversion rates consistently with AR and 3D models, here’s how:

 

 

Rebecca Minkoff has been using 3D models on their product pages since the fall of 2019. 3D models give customers a 360-degree view of products, increasing interactivity over stationary photos. Jon Wade, head of Augmented and Virtual Reality at a leading eCommerce platform says, “We’ve found that visitors who interacted with a 3D model were 44% more likely to add a product to their cart and 27% more likely to place an order that visitors who didn’t. Furthermore, when visitors viewed a product in AR, they became 65% more likely to make a purchase.”

 

“Visitors who interacted with a 3D model were 44% more likely to add a product to their cart and 27% more likely to place an order that visitors who didn’t. Furthermore, when visitors viewed a product in AR, they became 65% more likely to make a purchase.”

 

Knitted tie manufacturer Broni and Bo is another merchant utilizing Augmented Reality in their online showroom. Enhanced with facial recognition software, customers can try on knitted bowties and wedding ties before the big day, giving customers confidence that they chose the right look. There’s no limit to the experiences you can give customers with Augmented Reality and 3D models.

 

Bow Tie Facial Recognition

 

 

AR models can bring your product pages to life and automatically display interactive 3D models when viewed on a desktop computer. Increase buyer engagement and make consumers more confident in their purchase from the beginning with AR and 3D models.

 

Misconceptions about Augmented Reality:

 

1) It’s too expensive: FALSE!

Implementing Augmented Reality in your online store is not nearly as expensive as you may think, which is why so many companies are investing in it right now.

 

2) It’s difficult and time-consuming to build AR models: FALSE!

With the right team, who has experience and knowledge, it is both easy and fast to implement Augmented Reality and 3D models into your store.

 

3) Implementation requires additional tech and infrastructure: FALSE!

Most eCommerce platforms are already set up to allow for Augmented experiences. They take no extra implementations or infrastructure to implement!

Jon Wade, head of AR and VR at Shopify, mentioned this about AR’s ease of use, “Any mainstream browser works for AR, you don’t need any additional hardware, software, or expert knowledge to experience it. It works on all new mobile devices, desktops, and tablets.”

 

4) AR will kill the load-time of my product pages: FALSE! 

The right team can implement AR experiences without sacrificing load time or website performance.

 

Want to Learn More About AR Implementation?

To show you how easy it is to make an AR design, send a .EPS file of your company’s logo to info@redstage.com and we’ll send you an AR model of your company logo for free. Test out the technology and see how quick the turn around time can be.

To learn more about how we can bring your AR dreams to life, visit https://www.redstage.com/augmented-reality-design to schedule your free consultation.

 

Four Ways to Easily Upgrade Your Customer Experience

Four Ways to Easily Upgrade Your Customer Experience

Thanks to a global boom that shot eCommerce 10 years into the future, companies around the world are quickly adapting to the new normal. In an ocean of different brands from consumer goods to luxury products and more, all investing in strengthening their eCommerce operations, how does a merchant differentiate themselves from the competition?

 

“Some B2Bs are poised to adapt and take advantage of investments they have made in eCommerce and digital marketing. However, many B2Bs are going to be caught flat-footed, having delayed investments in the past or shying away from eCommerce due to internal channel conflict. The time to act is now.”Brian Walker, CSO at BloomReach

 

Your online shopping experience is your business’ most valuable asset. According to PWC’s research, 73% of customers said that shopping experience is a decision-making factor for them. Another study showed that most buyers believe new technologies improve the purchasing process, on and offline.

We interviewed experts from Redstage, BigCommerce, and Threekit to discover how online merchants can upgrade their customer experience and stand out in a hyper-competitive marketplace. Watch the video interview here.

 

 

Meghan Stabler

Meghan Stabler

VP of Global Product Marketing, BigCommerce

With 20 years of experience in product marketing, Meghan leads Global Product Marketing and Communications for the multinational SaaS juggernaut, BigCommerce.

Christopher Yin

Christopher Yin

Global Creative Director, Fulcrum Digital and Redstage

Since creating award-winning online experiences for Fortune 500’s like Crayola, Pfizer, and Macy’s, Christopher helps ensure Redstage’s customers get the same treatment.

Marc Uible

Marc Uible

VP of Marketing, Threekit

Marc has spent the last decade doing marketing for PayPal and being an entrepreneur, helping companies customize products in 3D, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Photography.

 

 

 

1. 3D Product Models

 

 

Online product experiences are changing. In an ecosystem that prohibits shoppers from going to physical stores (not to mention physical product demos), 3D interactive product models are a must. In 2016, the average customer expected to view 3 pictures of a product before purchasing. By 2019, that number rose to 8. In 2025, it could be 20…

Marc Uible poses the question:

 

“Are you prepared to show your customers 10, 20, even 50 images of a single product? Or could you offer a 3D rendering of a product that can be viewed from every imaginable angle and even placed in a [physical] space?” 

Marc Uible

 

The latter is a frictionless way of providing your customers with the confidence they need to purchase. This is where Augmented Reality comes in.

Imagine you are shopping for a stove on an online appliances marketplace. You don’t know exactly how much space you have, but you know the color and finish you want it to be. What kind of shopping experience do you need to experience to ensure that a stove matches your criteria? Check it out:

 

 

Stove Range

We designed this sample model of an AR stove range to show retailers and manufacturers how popular appliances and machinery can be viewed in a home or business setting from anywhere.

📲 Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to try it out, wherever you are!

 

 

The above 3D model provides shoppers with a way to examine every inch of the product. Unique experiences such as this one provide your customers with not only the confidence to purchase, but the confidence to continue to purchase knowing your online shopping experience is a better one than most.

 

“77% of customers have chosen, recommended, or paid more for a brand that provides a unique or personalized service or experience. Why? Because you’re creating something that feels unique to me. Like I’m in the store or demo, holding the product.”

Meghan Stabler

 

Further, providing interactive 3D renderings for customers to see can help retain customers and cultivate ongoing relationships. Utilizing 3D renderings is great for: 

 

  • Upselling: If extra parts or accessories are available, showing them in tandem with your products so customers can see how and why they should be bought together. Giving customers confidence that you are providing the best service and products keeps them with your brand for life. 
  • Limiting mistakes: When anyone can see what a product looks likes, how it fits in their space, and the parts needed for it there are less mis-orders or mistakes in purchasing. 
  • Service: Make servicing and ordering of new machine parts much easier for customers by utilizing a blown up 3D model that allows them to visualize the part(s) that need servicing.  

 

“Customers are not only going to want these experiences but soon will come to expect that you have them. They will become the standard in eCommerce. If you want to compete with Amazon, you have to provide the same if not better shopping experiences.”

Christopher Yin

 

In conclusion, the main goal of your eCommerce store should be to make customers confident they are making the right decision in their purchase. With 3D models, you can do just that and more. 

 

  

 

2. SaaS eCommerce Platforms for B2B

 

Saas eCommerce Platforms for B2B

  

One of the biggest changes to the B2B buying market has been the change in the buyer demographics. Millennials, the age group of 18-34, are steadily becoming more and more of a percentage of the workforce worldwide. Specifically, becoming B2B buyers and decision-makers more often. In the age of Amazon, this age group is used to and expects great online shopping experiences now. .An eCommerce platform makes making these improvements less complex.

 

As millennials come up in the workforce and start to have buyer decision making power, they’re starting to say: Hey, I’m on Amazon, TikTok, and YouTube all day, spending a majority of my day online. Can I buy this $50,000 machine that I need for my job online as well? You know, as a purchaser, can I buy it online and can I buy it seamlessly? That’s starting to be a real question in the B2B landscape, it’s pretty clear.” 

Marc Uible

 

68% of buyers do not want to talk to a sales rep as their first touchpoint,” says Marc Uible, sourced from this Digital Commerce 360 article. “They want to know for a fact, does this company sell what I need and can I be confident it’s what I’m looking for…” the easiest way to do that is with an eCommerce store.

 

SaaS, or Software as a Solution, eCommerce platforms are in-the-cloud solutions that are automatically updated and maintained by the platform themselves. BigCommerce, for example, is a SaaS eCommerce platform that is utilized by both B2B and B2C enterprises like Avery Dennison, Ben and Jerry’s, and SC Johnson for their eCommerce operations. 

 

“In the B2B world, [millennials] experiences and expectations are still of the B2C world. So, we have to adopt the technologies of the B2C [industry] to enable our B2B buyers. B2B businesses are also beginning to expand their operations and their ability to sell direct to consumers as well. That’s where the experiences are going to delight.”  

Meghan Stabler

 

SaaS platforms are the perfect tool for B2B companies to go direct-to-consumer. A platform like BigCommerce can help implement a wide array of feature sets.

Nationwide distributor The Binding Source launched a direct-to-consumer eCommerce operation on BigCommerce and saw the difference within a month, with conversion rate boosts of 170% and a boost to their transaction volume of 33%. Utilizing the SaaS platform’s out-of-the-box B2B features, such as custom product filters and advanced shipping options, allowed the Binding Source to launch a feature-rich store that is still easy to maintain and customize.

 

Redstage’s mission is to help create digital leaders in eCommerce across industries. We help manufacturers and distributors like The Binding Source sell more and give customers a better online shopping experience.” 

Christopher Yin

 

 

3. Virtual Photography

 

Virtual Photography eCommerce B2B

Visualizing products with multiple customization options can be tricky and expensive. Hours and hours of expensive photography and editing work can be saved by utilizing what’s being called Virtual Photography.

A Virtual Photographer can take a product rendering online and apply all the different customization options to it through CGI and 3D modeling. This saves the time and expense needed for major professional photography by allowing one product file to be customized in an endless amount of ways.

 

“Virtual photography is our ability to take all of those configurations, all of those 3D models, and actually render those out into photorealistic 2D imagery. We created 3 million images for Crate & Barrel in under a month without physical photography, but 3D modeling. So it’s just that amazing, sort of, high-fidelity visual that you can get at a massive scale.” 

Marc Uible

 

 

Virtual Photography Demo for

 

Customers have produced an 80% reduction in online returns and a 20% higher order value on average when Virtual Photography and 3D models are utilized. Why?

In apparel and furniture type applications, textures and fabrics are extremely important in helping customers understand and gain confidence in your product. These photo-realistic 3D models can represent the products more precisely than simple 2D images, thus ensuring customers understand the product they’re getting. 

 

 

4. Augmented Reality for B2B and B2C

 

In Home Retail Augmented Reality

 

3D and photo-realistic models aren’t the only implementations into your product pages that can upgrade your shopping experience. Utilizing Augmented Reality to allow customers to place and view your products in their homes is crucial in a post-COVID eCommerce world. Shoppers in today’s ecosystem are raving about AR, especially in fashion, consumer goods, and even trading cards? The numbers speak for themselves:

 

  • 61% of shoppers said they’d prefer to shop at stores that offer AR 
  • 71% of shoppers would shop at a retailer more often if they offered AR
  • 40% of shoppers said they’d be willing to pay more for a product if they could experience it in AR 

 

Taking 3D models further with Augmented Reality is a powerful way to ensure customers can see the products on them or in their space, like furniture or fashionwear, limiting returns and refunds and increasing customer retention. Retailers have reported that customers who used AR on their sites were 11x more likely to purchase than customers who did not.

 

The current value of the AR market right now stands at $3.5 billion and is forecast to hit $70 to $75 billion by 2023. Especially AR, in this post-COVID world, has the unique ability to engage your customers like never before. Customers can now virtually experience the look and feel of a product that traditional photographs just can’t match, and differentiates from competitors leaning on photos.”

Christopher Yin

 

In the B2B space, manufacturers and distributors are implementing AR features online and wearables offline to massively increase productivity and efficiency in warehouses. Companies like DHL and and General Electric Renewables are implementing AR overlays on assembly lines and in fulfillment centers. They’re seeing huge boosts, like a 34% improvement in assembly time and a 25% increase in efficiency after implementation.

 

B2B AR Planning

 

AR can also be used to share product proofs and machinery details more quickly and easily to buyers and decision-makers at client companies. If you need consistent feedback from prospects, sending them AR proofs in the form of QR codes makes getting revisions and confirmation from multiple parties faster and gives them all the confidence to close on the decision.

 

 

“What we’ve seen is even when you’re buying a super complex piece of machinery, a QR code to that exact piece of machinery can be sent to your decision-makers and throughout an organization to get threaded into that organization. People see something in AR and say ‘Wow, I can actually see this million-dollar machine in my space, and it works!’ It really drives engagement and confidence in your buyers.” 

Marc Uible

 

 

What to do now…

 

These four commerce upgrading technologies are changing the way customers are experiencing products online. The more confidence your customers have in your products the more likely they are to buy and continue to buy. It is 5x cheaper to retain a customer than it is to gain a new one and providing the best shopping experiences is the number 1 way to retain customers. How do you provide today’s buyers with stunning shopping experiences? Allow them to experience your products in new ways!

 

3D models, Virtual Photography, Augmented Reality and open SaaS platforms are changing eCommerce just as COVID is, and the trends are continuously moving further and further, so don’t get left behind! If you’re stuck, contact an eCommerce consultant today and receive a free 1-on-1 demo of our 3D model and Augmented Reality capabilities.

 

You can view the video recording of our interview with Meghan, Marc, and Christopher here, with live demos and insights from Tony Lopez, Solutions Engineer at Threekit. Contact Redstage here to get a demo of any of the technologies mentioned above.

 

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5 Ways M&D Companies Drive Efficiency & eCommerce with Augmented Reality

5 Ways M&D Companies Drive Efficiency & eCommerce with Augmented Reality

With Augmented Reality, manufacturers and distributors can increase:

  • speed of production by 30%
  • speed and accuracy of maintenance by 34% 
  • speed and efficiency of fulfillment by 25%

How are manufacturers and distributors dramatically improving efficiency? Augmented Reality applications for eCommerce allow B2Bs to streamline processes and drive incredible value for buyers. Get the full rundown below or watch the second half of our webinar here.

 

The AR Megatrend: Causes & Effects

 

COVID-19 forced a wave of digital transformation across industry sectors, accelerating the 10-year growth previously projected for the eCommerce market. As B2C companies raced to find new at-home buying experiences, B2B companies jumped on the bandwagon. Companies are realizing the dire need for digital technology.

 

2021 MARKET SURVEY

2021 State of eCommerce Report

Answer 5 quick questions for our 2021 State of eCommerce Report to receive a free usability assessment from Redstage!

Learn More

Emphasizing this point, McKinsey’s “B2B Decision Maker Pulse” states your likelihood of being chosen as the primary supplier for a B2B company increases by 100% when you provide an “outstanding digital experience.” Seeking to meet “New Normal” buyer demands, manufacturers and distributors around the world began investing in 10 key areas, namely Augmented Reality.

Here are the top 5 ways M&D companies are using the technology, not only to increase value for buyers but for employees as well.

 

1. AR for Production

 

B2B AR Production

 

For the biggest B2B brands in the country, Augmented Reality is taking the production cycle to the next level. Shipping leader Cerasis determined that factory workers and engineers utilizing augmented reality in production can increase their accuracy and lower mistakes by up to 96%, and complete work up to 30% faster.

AR allows workers to see blueprints in eye view, shortening the time it takes for quality control. Leaving less room for human error and stopping mistakes before they ever happen. Workers can spot and eliminate defects in manufacturing by scanning products or production machinery from the factory floor or remotely.

Global Creative Director here at Redstage, Christopher Yin, had this to say:

 

“Cut the cost of creating one-off examples for showing customers by utilizing AR. Save money on printing, shipping, and returns while also saving the time wasted waiting for customer approval. Send customers AR [model] links to quickly review and approve orders, netting same-day results, and boosting your bottom line.”

 

2. AR for Maintenance

 

B2B AR Maintenance

 

Shutting down your entire production line to run maintenance on one of your machines can cause huge delays on the assembly line and in production. Household name General Electric Renewables utilized Augmented Reality in their maintenance processes at a wind turbine production plant.

AR allowed engineers to work on wiring on the turbines with an augmented overlay, helping GE Renewables improve assembly time by 34%. They accomplished this by using AR to overlay correct wiring conditions over the current project. Technicians at GER are also using voice recognition to identify wiring and determine correct placements, limiting mistakes and potentially harmful accidents.

Engineers can scan over machinery using AR and view necessary information directly in their eye view. From last maintenance date to specific areas there may be a malfunction, augmented reality is keeping engineers safely out of harm’s way while also massively reducing maintenance time.

 

3. AR for Planning

 

B2B AR Planning

 

For sellers of large machinery like assembly lines or presses, the best way to ensure you have the space planned out correctly is to see the machine through an augmented reality lens. In a scientific research report titled, Virtual Planning, Control, and Machining for a Modular-Based Automated Factory Operation in an Augmented Reality Environment, researcher Yun Suen Pai and colleagues outline the importance of minimal friction and misplacement between machinery in a large production area.

According to the report, “AR was used to aid the planning process of manufacturing systems with the key advantage of modeling 3D objects in the actual factory. By using AR as a form of user interface, any user will be able to freely manipulate the overall layout design on a table-top, which is extremely user-friendly.”

In other words, place the machine virtually in the space you have for it beforehand, without the hassle of measurements or human error. Plan for your warehouse move or upgrade with AR before you do it, and limit headaches if there is a mishap. Hololens by Microsoft is even allowing remote teams to get a hands-free view of factories and warehouses, giving managers the freedom of focusing on their plans.

 

4. AR for Virtual Product Models

 

AR B2B Model

 

Jon Wade, Head of Augmented Reality and VR at Shopify, shed some light on the thoughts of buyers when viewing products in 3D. He said that “…when visitors viewed a product in AR before making a purchase, they were 65% more likely to complete that purchase.”

We’ve also designed AR experiences that allow DTC appliance companies to show off their appliances, like coffee machines and stoves, to buyers from the comfort of their own home. The same way manufacturers would plan where machinery would go in a large production warehouse or factory, homeowners want to plan where a new stove or coffee machine will go in their kitchen before buying. View a new appliance in 3D, place it on your counter, move it around and make sure your buyers are confident in their purchase to avoid buyer’s remorse and increase satisfaction.

 

Stove Range

We designed this sample model of an AR stove range to show retailers and manufacturers how popular appliances and machinery can be viewed in a home or business setting from anywhere.

📲 Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to try it out, wherever you are!

 

 

This is the same for B2B buyers as well. Whether you’re selling large industrial appliances to restaurant chains or construction equipment to job sites, utilizing 3D models and Augmented reality for your products can give your customers confidence in their purchase. 

 

5. AR for Supply Chain and Logistics

 

B2B AR Logistics Shipping Supply Chain

 

Distribution juggernaut DHL is making a staggering $300 million investment in AR technology, accelerating their investment in AR and other technologies. DHL Supply Chain North America CEO Scott Sureddin said, “This investment is about a holistic view of emerging technologies that enable our customers to achieve their growth and profitability goals… Therefore, it is important that our customers can benefit from our experiences and expertise with a variety of emerging technologies.”

DHL successfully carried out a project testing smart glasses and Augmented Reality in one of their warehouses. The technology was used to implement ‘vision picking’ in warehousing operations. Their staff members were guided through the warehouse by graphics displayed on the smart glass to speed up the picking process and reduce errors. The project resulted in a 25% efficiency increase during the picking process.

 

The Fastest Way to Implement AR

Augmented Reality is growing in adoption from buyers and sellers alike. Don’t fall behind your competition, be the first in your space to implement AR in both your warehouses and online buying portals. Watch this on-demand webinar with our Creative Director Christopher Yin and Shopify’s Head of AR and VR Jon Wade for the full story, on how AR is changing eCommerce in B2C and B2B alike.

 

 

SCHEDULE A DEMO

Schedule Your 1-on-1 Augmented Reality Demo

You’ve heard from our AR experts in this article, now connect with them to get a free personalized demo of what Augmented Reality can do for you!

Schedule a call with Anthony

 

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5 Ways Augmented Reality is Changing eCommerce and Dazzling Buyers

5 Ways Augmented Reality is Changing eCommerce and Dazzling Buyers

“I do think that a significant portion of the population of developed countries, and eventually all countries, will have AR experiences every day, almost like eating three meals a day. It will become that much a part of you.”Tim Cook, Apple (2016)

 

According to the Commerce Department, online sales now account for 16% of all U.S. retail sales. In fact, eCommerce sales in the second quarter of 2020 rose by 44.5% compared to the same period of 2019. More merchants than ever before are investing in online stores as the industry booms. To maintain dominance in the rapidly growing market, leading brands are turning to Augmented Reality.

You can watch a free video version of this post, featuring Shopify’s head of AR/VR Jon Wade and Christopher Yin, Redstage’s Global Creative director to see these examples in greater detail and motion and get insights from the experts.

 

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality is the practice of using an AR capable device (like a smartphone or smart glasses), to superimpose computer-generated images over real life. This gives users the impression that the superimposed image is in the real world, allowing users to interact with products physically, without ever leaving their home. Take a look at the images below to get an idea.

 

Augmented Reality Example 1

 

We started talking about the AR eCommerce “arms race” three years ago. Today, most US consumers already have devices that support AR experiences (yes, even you). This holiday season, expect Augmented Reality’s importance in retail to truly shine, considering in-store shopping is at an all-time low. Even B2B companies are investing in the technology for a variety of applications, from eCommerce to operations. If you don’t keep up with this trend, you could be part of the 12% of companies falling behind during the pandemic. Continue reading to see a few AR experiences companies are using already, and some you can try yourself.

 

1) A New Standard in At-Home Retail.

Companies like Amazon and Apple are already utilizing AR experiences to bring the in-store experience into consumers’ households. With AR, shoppers can view items like furniture or appliances on their mobile devices, and place 3D product models in their home virtually. Phone and tablet users can view products anywhere, giving them the freedom to see if products fit in the space they are buying it for, prior to purchase. Consumers can ensure items are what they’re looking for, from size to shape and color, all from the comfort and safety of their homes. Check out this Augmented Reality model we built for Jura Coffee machines:

 

 

Jura Coffee Machines

Using augmented reality, we created an at-home shopping experience for Jura. With our AR design, customers can see how Jura’s coffee machines appear on their kitchen counters from home. With in-store traffic at an all time low in 2020, experiences like this help customers see the product without visiting a Jura location. Scan the code with your smartphone to view the model at home!

⬅️   Tap the buttons on the right of the image to see product features and dimensions.

 

 

In this way, AR gives buyers confidence that they are buying the right item and limit returns with Augmented Reality. Shopping for a new couch or coffee machine? Make sure it fits before tapping “buy,” without ever visiting the store.

 

In Home Retail Augmented Reality

 

For Retail, AR’s Future is Clear

Redstage’s Global Creative Director, Christopher Yin, had this to say about AR’s role in eCommerce: “Wayfair, Target, Walmart, Ikea, and every other juggernaut of retail has and will invest large sums in Augmented Reality in the near future, as it is the clear trend. To keep up with the largest companies in the world, you must give your customers unique and memorable experiences to retain them.” The stats speak for themselves:

  • 61% of shoppers said they would prefer to shop at stores that offer AR, as opposed to ones that don’t.
  • 40% of shoppers said they’d be willing to pay more for a product if they could experience it in AR.
  • 71% of shoppers would shop at a retailer’s store more often if they offered AR.

 Source: Retail Perceptions

 

2) Unique Experiences in Consumer Goods

 

In Store Augmented Reality

 
Augmented Experiences Enhance In-Store Buying

While you don’t need a dedicated app to enable AR experiences, these are a few ways top names in CPG are taking the tech to the next level. Augmented Reality is already being used to enhance in-store experiences. Utilizing their branded AR app, shoppers at American Apparel can scan clothing and footwear right on the rack and view information typical of an eCommerce store right from their phone. They can find the right sizes, colors, styles, and even customer reviews all while shopping in the store.

With Sephora’s in-store “magic” mirror, shoppers can try-on different kinds of makeup with Augmented Reality. With facial recognition technology, smart mirrors can automatically detect different facial features and apply a wide variety of cosmetic products directly onto users’ reflections. Remember, 40% of shoppers said they’d be willing to pay more for a product if they could experience it in AR. This applies to in-store shoppers as well.

 

Sephora's augmented reality mirror

Image Source: Retail Innovation

It’s easy to see how experiences like this increase customer satisfaction by ensuring they get the product they want. This prevents the disappointment of out-of-stock products while reducing returns and increasing sales. Bring the online shopping features your customers love to your physical stores and see in-store sales grow in tandem.

 

3) Augmenting Products and Packaging

You may have heard about 19 Crimes Wines, and how they utilize Augmented Reality to give a unique experience to customers purchasing their AR-activated wine bottles. In doing so they provide:

  • A new dimension to wine bottles with video to tell brand stories.
  • New experiences to engage and entice customers in the aisle.
  • A viral marketing sensation that drives sales.

 

Augmented Reality Consumer Goods Experience 19 Crimes Wine

 

 

 

 

Recently, the team at Redstage created an AR concept for Panini, one of the largest manufacturers of sports playing cards in the world. The benefits of this AR experience include:

  • Adding an interactive dimension to playing cards.
  • Encourage use of branded apps to experience AR, encouraging up-sells.
  • Provide new experiences to engage and entice customers to purchase.
  • Allow shoppers to check packaging in-store for AR experiences in the aisle.
  • The potential to revolutionize the playing card and collectibles industry.

 

 

 

4) Augmented Reality Gives Confidence and Freedom in Fashion

There’s nothing worse than buying clothing online that ends up not looking, feeling, or fitting how you hoped. Dodge returns this holiday season by using Augmented Reality to let shoppers virtually try-on clothes. Let them see the fit and cut of clothes in real-time, on their body, or let them walk around apparel items on a virtual model.

Do the earrings match? Is the dress long enough? Most of the time, shoppers don’t know their dimensions off the top of their heads. With AR, 3D product models are based on real dimensions, increasing buyer’s confidence in their purchase. Again, this will undoubtedly lower returns and can grow repeat customers who enjoy the experience.

 

AR for Accessories & Luxury Goods

 

Augmented Reality Try It On At Home Luxury Goods

Image Source: TryOn.Jewelry

Continuing in the theme of “bringing the in-store shopping experience to your home,” it’s just as important for consumers to see how accessories look on their body without visiting the store. Imagine seeing rings on your fingers, a watch on your wrist, or a necklace on your neck, without ever stopping by the jewelry store. All this and more is being implemented by top brands today. Sephora and Covergirl are even using AR for new makeup and cosmetics experiences.

So far, we’ve seen the Try-It-On-At-Home (TIOAH) AR experience implemented for:

  • Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Makeup
  • Nail Polish
  • Necklaces
  • Rings
  • Watches
  • And more!

 

5) Using Your eCommerce Platform for Augmented Reality

Apparel designer Rebecca Minkoff has been improving conversion rates consistently with AR and 3D models, here’s how:

 

 

Rebecca Minkoff has been using 3D models on their product pages since the fall of 2019. 3D models give customers a 360-degree view of products, increasing interactivity over stationary photos. Jon Wade, head of Augmented and Virtual Reality at a leading eCommerce platform says, “We’ve found that visitors who interacted with a 3D model were 44% more likely to add a product to their cart and 27% more likely to place an order that visitors who didn’t. Furthermore, when visitors viewed a product in AR, they became 65% more likely to make a purchase.”

 

“Visitors who interacted with a 3D model were 44% more likely to add a product to their cart and 27% more likely to place an order that visitors who didn’t. Furthermore, when visitors viewed a product in AR, they became 65% more likely to make a purchase.”

 

Knitted tie manufacturer Broni and Bo is another merchant utilizing Augmented Reality in their online showroom. Enhanced with facial recognition software, customers can try-on knitted bowties and wedding ties before the big day, giving customers confidence that they chose the right look. There’s no limit to the experiences you can give customers with Augmented Reality and 3D models.

 

Bow Tie Facial Recognition

 

 

AR models can bring your product pages to life and automatically display interactive 3D models when viewed on a desktop computer. Increase buyer engagement and make consumers more confident in their purchase from the beginning with AR and 3D models.

 

Misconceptions about Augmented Reality:

 

1) It’s too expensive: FALSE!

Implementing Augmented Reality on your online store is not nearly as expensive as you many think, which is why so many companies are investing in it right now.

 

2) It’s difficult and time-consuming to build AR models: FALSE!

With the right team, who has experience and knowledge, it is both easy and fast to implement Augmented Reality and 3D models into your store.

 

3) Implementation requires additional tech and infrastructure: FALSE!

Most eCommerce platforms, like Shopify Plus, are already set up to allow for Augmented experiences. They take no extra implementations or infrastructure to implement!

Jon Wade, head of AR and VR at Shopify, mentioned this about AR’s ease of use, “Any mainstream browser works for AR, you don’t need any additional hardware, software, or expert knowledge to experience it. It works on all new mobile devices, desktops, and tablets.”

 

4) AR will kill the load-time of my product pages: FALSE! 

The right team can implement AR experiences without sacrificing load time or website performance.

 

Want to Learn More About AR Implementation?

To show you how easy it is to make an AR design, send a .EPS file of your company’s logo to info@redstage.com and we’ll send you an AR model of your company logo for free. Test out the technology and see how quick the turn around time can be.

Watch this on-demand webinar with Shopify’s head of AR/VR Jon Wade and Christopher Yin, Redstage’s Global Creative director to see these examples in greater detail and get insights from the experts.

To learn more about how we can bring your AR dreams to life, visit https://www.redstage.com/augmented-reality-design to schedule your free consultation.

 

What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018?

What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018?

What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018?

Everyone’s asking, “What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018?” Will it be the illustrious AI, the illuminating abilities of augmented reality, or perhaps… chatbots?

With the emergence of all this new tech, marketers are left to base their budget allocation for 2018 on speculation. As a result, I am inclined to believe that without a doubt, 2018 will be somewhat of a plateau for marketing; defined by a knowledge-gap surrounding new avenues for advertising and the deteriorating value of current methods. Here’s why:

Marketing Tech in 2018

What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018?

As we await the true advent of AI, AR, VR and Mixed Reality in the mainstream, contemporary digital advertising is rolling over and dying, with search, social and display ads experiencing a gradual decline in usefulness. Gen-Y and Gen-Z hate ads, and while pervasive multichannel messaging was previously a working strategy, ads are ignored now more than ever… and expansive ad campaigns are annoying customers, damaging brands.

The savior in this scenario was and still is video, which many companies lack the capability or know-how to properly leverage. Many still refuse any attempt to enter the video realm, despite annual marketing reports for the past decade marking video as the most effective channel for sales and brand engagement. Right now, the benefits of video seem to be buffering (pun intended), with numbers stagnating as users look for something new.

As a natural side-effect of the decline in channel efficiency, marketers have turned to big data as the new god to drive vertical engagement. However, many retail marketers lack the experience and/or artificial intelligence applications necessary to make sense of this wealth of data.

Getting a Grip on AI

What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018?
This past year, we’ve seen the launch of some incredible remarketing software in eCommerce, like HiConversion and Rejoiner. Programs so powerful they can replace entire marketing teams that would typically manage the breadth of digital messaging (emails, ads, social, tracking, analytics, etc).

However… because these systems and the technology are so new, we’re combining the adoption curve with a learning curve. While marketers get a grip on machine learning Saas, I expect their true potential will be neither realized, nor their full impact felt in the market this year.

To make matters worse, today’s AI market focuses exclusively on predictive AI, which all-too-soon will be replaced with cognitive AI (Rajesh Sinha, Fulcrum Digital‘s CEO, predicts in the next two years). There’s a chance the change-over could immediately render predictive systems obsolete. On the other hand, retailers and brands can’t sit around waiting for cognitive AI, and those that do could see big-time losses (Hence the dilemma). Overall, what most of the martech world considers “AI” will soon be baked into every major software system available. What matters is how you use them.

Playing the Waiting Game & Winning

What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018?
For now, we have to keep milking the avenues we have available. Optimize performance as much as possible with regard to channel strategy and be diligent. With the current pace of innovation, you might not get a second chance.

Now is the time for companies to start looking into how AR, AI, VR, IoT and other emerging tech can reshape business alongside other digital transformation strategies. While the long-term strategy teams focus on how they will deliver value in 2020 and beyond (when these technologies are expected to have much wider reach), it’s time to bring our websites into the new age. Maximize your site and sales funnels with every possible upgrade, build out content and bulk-up ad spend while we get over this hump. Rethink your strategy for the next four years and think seriously about how you plan to invest all the new martech. If you haven’t already made significant investments in your mobile customer experience, that’s a good place to start.

Some companies will spend a little more on ads to wait this out. Others will buy into expensive (soon-to-be outdated) platforms they’ll be stuck with long after the competition moves on. Unfortunately, the largest group will likely be those who sit on their hands and refuse to innovate. These will be the losers. Instead, find out how much budget you can pack into the time between now and 2020. Focus on your omnichannel experience and unifying your brand strategies with supportive AI products you can afford (for the short term). In addition, bulk up your ad spend, get some videos or podcasts going, and settle in for the long hibernation period ahead.

Final Thoughts

So let’s review. What technology will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2018? You, the human, which should be an empowering, albeit intimidating challenge for marketers. Lastly, remember, there’s no need to be discouraged. Plateaus are part of every high-growth process…

We just happen to be crossing the Rubicon.