4 Ways to Implement AR and VR in eCommerce

Consumer shopping behavior and patterns are constantly evolving with time. The advancement in technology has catapulted the popularity of ecommerce, with more than half preferring to shop online. This shopping behavior will stay even after the pandemic and it has spurred the need for virtual shopping as predicted in this chart from Statista showing the change in market size for XR/AR/VR/MR technology between 2021 and 2028.

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Further research from Statista confirmed there were 1.92 billion global digital buyers in 2019. This is a whopping figure and the expectations of those buyers are hard to meet as they expect merchants to provide them with a seamless and almost real-life shopping experience.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital information on a real-life object or environment. The objective is to combine the physical and digital worlds to produce a clearer, more in-depth view of the object or environment.

AR adds layers of images and sounds to digitalize the physical aspects of the object or environment.

What is virtual reality?

Virtual reality (VR) creates a simulated 3D experience in which users can participate. You feel removed from reality and immersed in a separate and new digital world. To enjoy this new world, you’ll need to wear a VR headset.

Although VR is often used in online gaming, it has proven beneficial in other areas, such as giving a platform for doctors to practice surgery. As such, VR is useful to help with the buyer journey when deciding to make purchases.

4 ways to implement AR and VR in ecommerce

In recent years, retail shopping has seen a strong adoption for both AR and VR technology. While most lean towards using AR since VR requires a headset which can be pricey, there are other cost-effective options. For example, Google Cardboard is a free app where the buyer can build their viewer out of cardboard.

Buying online can sometimes feel disconnected and frustrating for customers who can’t feel or try on the product, such as clothing. As a result, they become less confident in the purchase as they’re unsure if the product is what they want/need, so retailers need to find ways to provide more detailed contextual information.

Here are four ways AR and VR help in ecommerce:

1. Browse and preview items

Put yourself in your buyers’ shoes. Since you’re purchasing online, you run the risk of buying the wrong product, or end up with something that doesn’t fit your requirements. The reality is that you can’t physically check the product, and this is where AR and VR come in.

AR and VR provide greater visibility and versatility to your potential buyers. These technologies can provide clearer and more detailed previews of your products. Your buyers may be shopping online, but it’s as if they’re shopping onsite. Preview placement is a great way for potential customers to see how the product would look in their environment.

Some may even say this approach is better than going in store.

Not only do your buyers get to experience the real deal and be more confident in their purchase, but you’re also increasing the chances of your buyers making the right purchase and avoiding negative reviews or returning the item for a refund.

2. Try on clothing or accessories

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As an ecommerce store, it can be difficult to compete with brick and mortar stores where customers can try on physical items to find the best fit.

AR and VR can remove the guesswork in purchasing by allowing customers to virtually try your products and see if it works for them. This method works particularly well for eyewear, makeup and clothing brands.

3. Social media filters

Social media has long used AR filters for fun. On Snapchat, users can toggle between different AR filters before snapping a picture while other social media platforms have also started using AR filters to enhance video conversations and chats.

Therefore, ecommerce brands can utilize social media filters to enhance their brand identity and promote products. Potential buyers can ‘try on’ different products, take pictures and then share them with their friends, creating a chain reaction.

4. Interactive user manuals

Giving customers an interactive user manual can prove more useful than the usual long-winded and text-heavy document.

An interactive user manual interacts with your customers, giving them the response they need and quickly. Your customers can then access more meaningful on-page contextual support via an interactive user manual, which is much more preferable than sitting down and trying to scan through the entire manual to help solve a specific issue.

Conclusion

The future is online shopping. That said, ecommerce faces a number of challenges moving forward. Both AR and VR can fill these gaps, give buyers confidence and improve the overall customer experience in a more creative way.

As an ecommerce brand, you want to bring your online shopping experience to life for your customers. The main thing is to know your buyers’ pain points and how AR and VR can resolve them.