Augmented Reality experiences are popping up as virtual dressing rooms, jewelry sampling and even furniture catalogues, allowing shoppers to ‘try it on’ wherever they are. How this experiential design experience gets realized in our commercial future is limited only to one’s creativity and imagination.
Understanding that when buying furniture, scale is an extremely important factor, IKEA removes the worry with an Augmented Reality mobile app that will enable consumers to visualize how IKEA products will look in their homes – and ingenious way to assure that its products are presented at the correct size. The app measures the size of the catalogue in comparison to the surrounding room and its elements to insure that the virtual furnishing are as ‘true to life’ as they can be. Using this app, consumers are able to ‘see’ how the IKEA products will look amidst their own existing furnishings and decor.
Design brand Dezeen hosted an augmented reality experience for its online watch store at London department store and most recently at SXSW in Austin. By putting on a paper wristband and placing it in front of a camera, shoppers were able to see their wrist on a screen ‘wearing’ a watch and try on as many different colors and models they desired.
Select several garments off the rack and the virtual fitting room at Topshop allows you to see yourself onscreen with your clothes. The built-in camera tracks a person’s body and superimposes over it a 3D model of the dress. Perfect for the preliminary ‘wonder what this would look like on?’ shopping stage - No lines, no hassle and no stress for the customer and no clean up and rehanging for the store clerk! Of course, once you found your favorites, you’d need to try on for size before buying. But definitely cuts the time in half!
This post is featured in The Ammonista Report - Spring 2014: quarterly inspiration to help people and companies create brands of significance. Subscribe Here.