Augmented Reality is already changing the workplace

Augmented Reality might seem like something that is only suitable to create more immersive games. But the truth is that AR (Augmented Reality) can help companies provide better working environments and improved experiences for their customers. This trend is not confined to one particular industry sector but is an ongoing movement that will continue to grow.

Windpower

General Electric (GE), has made extensive studies on how worker performance improves by using technology. GE found that technicians who were performing maintenance on their wind turbines while viewing their maintenance manual through an augmented reality headset were 34% more productive than the ones using a paper-based manual.

Retail

Imagine what it is like to go shopping in IKEA or for that matter larger food stores. Most stores look like mazes, and that is by choice. Navigating through these mazes is hard and takes a lot of time. There are now ongoing tests in the United States where augmented reality AR apps are used to help shoppers find products on their lists faster. An app guides shoppers throughout the store with text and image overlays on their Smartphones. Imagine not having to worry about getting lost in a store or where to find your item.

Automotive

Ford is working on a system combining AR and VR that can change potential customer’s homes into showrooms. The idea is that it would enable any customer to test drive any car, with any configuration, at any place in the world. If this idea is successful, it could challenge the idea of how car dealerships should operate. Maybe your next car is a car you have never ridden before it gets delivered.

Are you considering developing an AR app?

Here are some things you should be aware of before venturing out on the AR development path:

• First of all, decide how do you want the app to help your customers and how you can measure the effect.
• Use high-quality imagery in your AR app—it should look realistic and not distract the user.
• Make sure that the AR elements are correctly aligned with the real-world environment. Keeping it simple is the key to making the app useful and successful.
• Make sure your development partner has expertise in 3D modelling and computer visualisation. Rendering and Shading is an added advantage.

If you are interested in knowing more about AR and how it can help your business then give us a call or come by for a coffee.