AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) ADELAIDE

What are the benefits of Augmented Reality for your business in Adelaide?

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality blurs the lines between the physical and digital world. It stems from the idea of immersing a user into a digital environment. However, unlike virtual reality which aims for a complete immersive experience, augmented reality only partly overlays virtual objects into the real world. It uses everyday devices like smartphones and tablets with inbuilt sensors to detect the position of objects and then determine where to put the virtual ones. So, you can see your choice or furniture in an empty flat, or how an interior design renovation would improve a building overlooking the River Torrens.

The technology is still in its infancy but the concept of augmented reality has actually been around since the late 90s. Initially, six core uses were identified including medical visualisation, maintenance and repair, annotation, robot path planning, entertainment and military uses. Some of these areas are much further down the path of development than others.

While there is a long way to go before augmented reality reaches its full potential, especially in areas such as medicine, the changes are beginning to happen. It won’t belong before doctors in the Royal Adelaide are using augmented reality to help patients visualise procedures and using it for surgical purposes and training.

However, back in the present day, augmented reality already has multiple uses in South Australia. It is very appealing to businesses because unlike virtual reality it requires no specialist equipment and uses existing devices. It can help the user have a more enjoyable, immersive and memorable experience. Augmented reality is also useful for creating personalised content that enhances an interactive customer journey. These kind of improvements will increase sales and improve customer retention.

How is AR created?

Augmented reality technology works by using existing objects to trigger computer generated enhancements, displayed over the top of reality and in real time. These images typically take the shape of 3D models, as well as videos and animations. It aims to expand the physical world by connecting these digital animations to a special marker, with the help of GPS to pinpoint its exact location.

The main processes are sensory, processing, projecting and reflecting. It can be displayed on various screens and handheld devices, as well as head mounted displays. That’s the real beauty of augmented reality – you don’t have to use expensive equipment in order to make it work. It can be used with existing technologies that most of us already own.

What are the industry use case studies for AR?

Augmented reality has practical applications in a range of industries in South Australia. For example, in retail you can choose between in store and out of store immersive augmented experiences. This means you can allow customers to use augmented reality inside the store such as in the fitting room, or you can allow them to do this from the comfort of their own home.

The Converse Sample app is a great example, allowing customers to see how they would look in a choice of their sneakers. Ikea Place allows you to see what their assembled furniture would look like in your home and it doesn’t matter whether that is in Semaphore, Silver Sands or Sweden! And Dulux Paint use an AR app to allow you to try out paint colours.

Both real estate and interior design can make good use of augmented reality technology. They allow potential buyers to experience property in North Brighton or Henley Beach in a more immersive way. Interior designers can visualise their creations in an interactive space or allow customers to ‘try out’ a design or style throughout Adelaide and South Australia.

There are also applications for augmented reality technology in tourism, in terms of augmented map apps, as well as training and education. If you would like to know more about how augmented reality could benefit your Adelaide or South Australia business, then get in touch with our team here at 3D Walkabout.