Augmented Reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. It is a growing trend among companies involved in mobile computing and business applications in particular.
One of augmented reality’s primary goals is to highlight specific features of the physical world, increase understanding of those features, and derive smart and accessible insight that can be applied to real-world applications. Such big data can help inform companies' decision-making and gain insight into consumer spending habits, among others.
Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is entirely virtual, whereas augmented reality uses a real-world context.
Both virtual and augmented reality are essential technologies to shape and access the Metaverse. Virtual reality is an experience where you can replace current surroundings with a simulated environment.
AR is basically our everyday reality, but with an extra layer of information on top. A great augmented reality example is the tool from beauty brand L’Oréal that allows you to test different makeup types on your face. The important thing about AR is that almost anyone can experience it since all you need is a smartphone.
Augmented Reality in the Metaverse
Augmented reality makes it possible to give your surroundings an extra dimension. By using images, sounds, texts or even GPS data, you can enrich the place you’re in. It is key that these elements are presented spatially to affect your depth perception. The AR technique has a certain degree of power, convincing your brain that those elements really exist in your environment. And, that’s the moment your current world becomes a lot more interesting.
Future of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is still fairly new at the moment, but it will reach maturity in the coming years. It’s an innovative technique that will also add value to everyday life. The global AR market is expected to grow in the coming years, with a projected market capitalization of close to $300 billion in value by 2024.
Multiple brands are working on AR solutions for their customers. For example, Apple is developing an AR/VR headset. At first, the production date was pushed back from 2020 to 2022, but rumors suggest that they finished its key production tests.
Augmented Reality in Learning and Education
Augmented reality is mostly used for e-commerce or gaming purposes, but it is much more than that. Just think of the application in education — the possibilities are endless. Residents and surgeons could use AR technology to perform virtual operations. The professionals are gaining hands-on experience without risking other people’s lives.
Second, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a low point in face-to-face encounters for obvious reasons. Real estate agents found a great way to teach people about the opportunities of properties. When face-to-face interactions are a challenge, AR allows you to explore the options of a property without leaving your home.
Deliver Measurable Results with AR Technology
By implementing AR technology, industrial enterprises are boosting workforce efficiency and safety, improving operational performance, and lowering costs across the factory and the field.
Upto 40% improvement in new hire productivity
Upto 30% improvement in first-time-fix-rate
Upto 30% acceleration in sales cycle
Upto 50% reduction in training costs
Upto 25% reduction in scrap and rework costs
Conclusion
AR and VR need to be easy to use in order to provide users with experiences. Avoiding common usability mistakes and applying the principles of storytelling will help you carefully craft 3D experiences that delight, intrigue, amuse, and most of all evoke the response you intended.
Thus, you will need to engage users in first-person narratives by making use of spatially dynamic UI’s, including gaze, gesture, movement, speech, and sound, often used in combination.
Source: Cointelegraph | Investopedia | Interaction Design Foundation