Imagine, you are waiting at a bus stop. Other than checking your phone now and then and waiting for your bus, you pretty much do not have anything else to do. Thus making your ‘waiting for a bus to arrive’ experience extremely dull. But, what if there was something that could make your stay a bit more entertaining? Wouldn’t it make your day a little more fun?
One such brand that has made this imaginary picture come true to life is Pepsi. Back in 2014, Pepsi used augmented reality (AR) in one of its ad campaigns in London. Here, AR was used to turn the bus shelter’s wall into a fake window. On this window, you could spot flying saucers, attacking robots and even loose tigers.
This campaign was not directly related to Pepsi’s products. But, it focused on offering commuters an ‘unbelievable moment in their day’. Watch the video below to see how Pepsi made use of augmented reality to create a fun and memorable experience.
https://youtu.be/Go9rf9GmYpM
It is 2018 and Pepsi’s AR example still remains one of the best so far. This is not the only brand who has made use of this new and ever-evolving technology for marketing. Are you keen on knowing why AR, how, and who all are using this technology? iTMunch’s latest AI blog offers answers to all such questions. From explaining the meaning of augmented reality to offering tips to use it, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to know more.
What is Augmented Reality?
According to Live Science, augmented reality is using technology which to superimpose information. One can use this technology to superimpose sounds, images and texts. In simple terms, it is an enhanced version of reality where physical real-life surroundings are augmented. This augmentation is done with computer-generated images; thus enhancing one’s perception about reality.
Augmented Reality Explained
The word ‘augmented‘ comes from augment, which means to enhance or add something. Here, augmented reality makes use of graphics, sounds and touch and its it to the real world. This amalgamation of technology and real word imagery creates an enhanced user experience.
How is Augmented Reality different from Virtual Reality?
AR and VR are the two terms that are used interchangeably the most. But have a huge difference. Virtual Reality refers to creating an entirely artificial digital world for the users to immerse in. But, AR focuses on overlaying virtual objects into the real world environment.
Augmented Reality Example
Think of Pokemon Go. This is one of the best games that brought augmented reality to public at a large scale. Here, players need to interact with reality to capture a Pokemon. This means bringing a virtual character in to the real world. To know more about how this game has used AR, click here.
Virtual Reality Example
Have you ever noticed a small cardboard icon while watching YouTube videos? This feature enables a 360 degree mode of the video. To watch the video in this mode, you need a VR set which will immerse you in a new virtual world. Here, you leave reality at side, and immerse in a digital world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZNiHI6aN2Y
SEE ALSO: Automation Surge Set to Conquer the Tech World in 2019
Top 5 Companies with Effective Augmented Reality Marketing
1. Ikea: Make your Dream Room a Reality
2. KabaQ: Ordering Food Has Never Been This Interesting
![Crafting a Robust Marketing Strategy with Augmented Reality 2 - Read iTMunch's latest AI blog about augmented reality and marketing.](https://itmunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kabaq.png)
3. Converse: Try Shoes by Just Pointing Your Phone at Your Feet
4. L’Oreal: Find your Perfect Makeup
5. Lacoste: Experiment with Fashion using Augmented Reality
![Crafting a Robust Marketing Strategy with Augmented Reality 3 - Read iTMunch's latest AI blog about augmented reality and marketing.](https://itmunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shopping.png)
How Augmented Reality Influences Marketing?
A. Improving the buying experience with augmented reality
B. Augmented Reality and Interactive Selling
AR is not limited to creating a memorable buying experience for customers. It can make selling interesting too. Before we dive into how, consider this. Before buying a furniture item for your home, don;t you wonder how will it look, feel, will it fit, should you really buy it, etc.
The higher the value of the product, the more you need to keep thinking and questioning. To avoid this dilemma, brands have used AR to make purchasing easy.
Chairish, an online marketplace for vintage furniture started running “Design Challenges” on Instagram. This was done with their app’s “Try Before You Buy” augmented reality feature. Here, they invited design-loving followers to create a space using their furniture items. Chairish would offer a blank space (living rooms, doorways, etc) to their followers. After this, the designers would take a screenshot and create a design new place with vintage products. Based on these suggestions, the brand would announce one winner.
This Instagram-AR contest did not only focus on selling their products, but also creating a fun and interactive experience.