BY: Candice Crear
Are you ready for the future? If you are on the fence, it’s too late to turn back. For years there has been discussion about bringing a distinctive experience to the everyday way of doing business. Retailers need new ways to attract consumers while offering convenience. Medical professionals need interactive training and logistics needs a new way to complete the task fast. With the COVID-19 pandemic expediting the need for options, a virtual experience has raced to the forefront called Augmented Reality. Augmented Reality, or AR, is a system that incorporates three basic features according to Wikipedia: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of real and virtual objects.
Claire Valoti, VP EMEA of Snap Inc. states, “more than 200 million people engage with AR every day on Snapchat. In the next four years, it’s predicted [that] 75% of the world’s population – not just Snapchatters – will be actively and routinely engaging with AR.” This unique experience can help you try on clothes without going into the store, play a virtual reality game that makes you feel like you’re on the scene, highlight important facts when reading a textbook, or help surgeons preserve the lift of patients. The vast opportunities for this technology are causing an increase in demand and awave of enthusiasts.
The ease of AR is one to be admired, but the negative impacts could leave you hesitating. Due to the amount of interaction needed for AR, it increases distractions and could cause physical harm. Like anything else, too much of a good thing can become addictive, not to mention the possible security and identity threats. However, Valoti does not think this will stop consumers, “after the challenging years we’ve had, people will want to spend time with tech that makes them feel good – whether that’s because it’s fun, entertaining or informative. Brands can drive a better return on investment by reaching people when they’re in this positive mindset.”
With AR pushing through the crowd, a better return on investment and a convenient customer experience is a win-win for everyone. This creative positive journey allows for social distancing and can be an exciting getaway for your next ploy, allowing you to get more done right from the comfort of your own home. Taking advantage of this unique technology can move the nation in a positive direction, but as always, let’s be mindful of intentionally creating physical interactions because human touch is priceless.
While many choose to wallow in self-pity when life doesn’t deal them a full deck of cards, Candice Crear chose to convert her life into a greater purpose. She is the CEO of From Fatherless to Fearless®, a nonprofit organization. For more information about Candice Crear, visit FromFatherlesstoFearless.org