Deploy WebAR for a unique shopping experience
23 November 2023
Deploy WebAR for a unique shopping experience
The world of online and physical shopping has undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years, and this revolution is being driven by emerging technologies that are changing the way we shop online. One of the most unique developments in this field is WebAR, or Web Augmented Reality. This emerging technology offers businesses new opportunities to provide customers with an immersive, engaging and personalised shopping experience.
But what is WebAR?
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that integrates digital elements into the real world, and it can be done through various devices such as smartphones and AR glasses. WebAR is a variant of AR that can be accessed through web browsers without the need for special apps or hardware. This means customers can easily access AR experiences through their usual web browser on a smartphone or tablet. Wondering how this works? Test it below.
10 ways to deploy WebAR
WebAR has the potential to change the way people shop. It helps improve marketing and sales. This way, you tie the end customer to your brand, which builds trust. Here are 10 ways WebAR is changing the (online) shopping experience:
- Virtual clothes fitting
Customers can try on clothes virtually via their webcam or their smartphone’s camera, allowing them to see how the clothes fit before making a purchase.
- Augmented reality furniture placement
WebAR can help customers “place” furniture in their own home via their smartphone or tablet, allowing them to see how the furniture fits in their space before placing an order.
- Interactive product demonstrations
WebAR can be used to display products in 3D, allowing customers to rotate and zoom them from all angles. This is useful for electronics, jewellery or cars, for example.
- Virtual make-up try-on
Customers can try out different make-up products and customise their looks using AR to see which colours and styles suit them best.
- AR navigation in shop
In physical shops, customers can use WebAR to find the quickest route to the product they are looking for via their smartphone, making their shopping experience more efficient.
- Product information in AR
By holding a smartphone over a product, customers can instantly access detailed information about the product, such as specifications, prices and reviews.
- Augmented reality packaging
Using AR, customers can unlock interactive packaging with additional content such as videos, instructions or games that enhance the brand experience.
- 3D floor plans for real estate
For estate agents, WebAR floor plans can help clients virtually navigate through homes and commercial properties before scheduling a physical viewing.
- Augmented reality on product labels
Product labels can include AR content that allows customers to learn more about the product, such as recipe ideas for food or styling tips for clothes.
- AR-based gamification
Shops can integrate AR games to engage and reward customers, such as in-store scavenger hunts or prizes for finding hidden AR elements in the physical shop or online shop.
Benefits for shops
Integrating WebAR into the (online) shopping experience offers companies several benefits. It increases customer engagement and improves conversion rates, as customers can view and evaluate products in a more interactive and informative way before making a purchase. It also reduces returns, as customers get a better idea of what products look like in reality.
WebAR can also lead to improved brand perception and customer loyalty, as companies use innovative technology to increase customer satisfaction. It also offers new opportunities for data collection and analytics, giving companies insight into customer behaviour and preferences.
Potential for B2B companies
Is the technology only of interest to companies with consumers as end customers? No, absolutely not. Indeed: as a B2B company, you can distinguish yourself incredibly well from the competition by betting on WebAR. With the technology, you can easily give product demonstrations to provide insight into functionalities and usage scenarios. B2B companies can also link WebAR to a physical or virtual showroom. Using innovation technologies like WebAR gives B2B companies the opportunity to improve the customer experience.
Differentiate yourself with WebAR
Augmented Reality on the web is a gamechanger. It allows people to visualise and experience products in a way that was not possible before. At the same time, it enables businesses to increase customer engagement and improve conversion rates. WebAR is clearly shaping the future of shopping and the potential is far from exhausted. Wondering what opportunities exist for your business? Then contact us and we will show you different expressions in a demo.