Augmented Reality in eCommerce

A lesson us recruiters know all too well is that the ultimate killer of any sale is uncertainty. If the buyer is uncertain about their purchase, they are most likely to withdraw. 

But what if you could remove all of that uncertainty? 

Well, when augmented reality is used in eCommerce, that is the exact point in the purchase cycle where it can change a consumer’s decision.

It is predicted there will be 1.73M global AR users by 2024. 

How can Augmented reality change the eCommerce world?

Augmented reality alters the user’s perception of the world. Whole new worlds can be created through the use of visual elements, sound and other sensory information delivered to a user via a smartphone or similar device.

Any world, space or setting that we can imagine is made up of ‘things’ or ‘objects’.

Let’s try: I want you to envisage driving Route 66 in the United States on a sunny day. 

Did you picture the interior of a car?

Augmented reality in eCommerce has the potential to give users realistic insight into what it might be like to own a product before purchase. 

It has the potential for consumers to not only ‘test’ potential purchases, understanding how they look and feel in 4D but also to experience them in settings they would be in post purchase. 

Imagine a world where you don’t just try on that dress but you wear that dress to the event, you see photos of yourself the next day on Instagram. All before parting with any money.

Augmented reality in 2024

Augmented reality has the potential to reshape eCommerce in 2024.

There are three areas where I think augmented reality could have the biggest impact in eCommerce. 

#1 Augmented reality will reduce the advantages physical commerce has 

eCommerce or online shopping has already become more popular than the high-street. But one advantage the high-street still has, is consumers physically being able to see and feel a product. If it is an item of clothing you can try it on before purchase and if it is a car for example you can take it for a test drive. Augmented reality can mimic this experience. 

#2:  Augmented Reality will increase customer satisfaction

Secondly, it will increase customer satisfaction by reducing the amount of purchases regretted at a later date because consumers will have even more information on a product when making a decision. 

If AR in eCommerce is used to its full potential, consumers will be able to get a feel for the product in their actual lives.

 #3:  Consumers wants and needs to be targeted even more

Finally, if AI uses the data from these AR ‘test drives’ in consumers’ lives, consumers’ wants and needs can be targeted even more, increasing the amount of returning customers through the customisation of advertising. 

If your eCommerce e business would like to find out more about using AR, Trin Clark, our eCommerce specialist would be happy to assist. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for specialists to join your team, Adapt Talent specialises in eCommerce recruitment and can help find the perfect fit for your company please contact us today.