Are Brands Really Using Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality is one of those buzz-worthy terms that sounds cool but can seem too out-there for many brands. Does it really work? Is it just flashy for flashy sake? The reality is (no pun intended) that many brands are using AR to solve real business challenges and add value to consumers’ lives. We’ve gathered some of our favorite examples to help you understand how AR can be meaningful for you.

Let consumers experience your brand before buying.

Online convenience and pandemic-related changes have increased consumer desire to “try-on” products from home. A number of brands are using AR to help facilitate pre-buying behaviors.

• Warby Parker allows consumers to virtually try on glasses in their app. Easily swap frames, colors and get recommendations based on face width.

• Sherwin Williams lets you see how paint colors look on your wall through their visualizer app. Just point your device at the wall and instantly see it painted.

• IKEA Place (and many others like it) let you see furniture in your home. The 3D true-to-scale products help you make sure they’re the right size, design and functionality for your room.
• Adidas lets you virtually try-on sneakers in the app. Select a shoe, point your camera at your feet and see how the sneakers look on you.

Allow your brand to entertain.

We think the perfect example of this is 19 Crimes Living Labels. Hold your phone up to your favorite wine and watch the labels come alive. From convict confessions to stunning visual experiences, each bottle unlocks a unique source of entertainment.

Solve a consumer need.

Your brand exists to add value in people’s lives. Is there a need you can uniquely solve with AR?

• Hum by Colgate helps parents teach kids how to properly brush their teeth with a gamified AR experience. Through the app, kids can tackle virtual monsters in areas that need more brushing, track progress and earn rewards. Smart toothbrushes even come with a phone stand for a total user-first solution.
• Pepsi and the NFL used AR to give fans new game day recipes. Every week fans could access a new AR experience that brought their favorite players into their home, delivered locally relevant meal ideas and downloadable recipes.

Educate in a memorable way.

The financial world may not seem like the most likely place for AR, but JP Morgan Asset Management found a way to make educational content more immersive. Using a mobile-based AR experience, they allowed investors to engage with thought leader Dr. David Kelly, stay up-to-date on new market trends and explore graphs, graphics and 3D renders.

Augmented reality isn’t a thing of the future. It’s happening now in all kinds of meaningful ways. How can AR set your brand apart? If you haven’t spent time thinking about it, now’s your chance.