Is Artificial Reality the Key to COVID Era Customer Connections?

With Coronavirus numbers once again soaring in many parts of the United States, experts say another round of massive shut-downs could happen in the near future. Unlike before, businesses now have an idea of what to expect and what areas of operation will be most impacted. 

Some of the industries hardest hit by the virus are those that rely most on in-person traffic and experiential services such as travel, entertainment, fitness and, in some cases, retail.

The good news is, there is a way customers can enjoy their favorite things about each of these industries without crowding inside of their in-person locations. Instead of asking customers to come to you, with Artificial Reality, you can go to your customers!

Before we move any further, let’s dive into, what can be, the tricky jargon of the world of artificial intelligence. Artificial Reality adds digital elements to a real-world environment, while Virtual Reality involves complete immersion into a fully digital environment. 

While artificial reality, also called augmented reality, can be activated through commonly used devices like mobile phones and tablets, virtual reality requires the use of a VR headset like the Oculus Rift or the Samsung Gear. 

The simplest and most cost effective option for both businesses and consumers will almost always be Artificial Reality.

Despite how technologically advanced it sounds, artificial reality is already built into many widely-used apps. Have you ever found yourself playing around with filters that give you rabbit ears or place you in the middle of an exotic vacation destination? If so, then you’ve already used artificial reality. 

Instagram and Facebook have already made artificial reality accessible to businesses of all sizes, and all of its users with its recently released Spark AR.

The Spark AR Studio is free of charge and made for every level of design experience. Business owners can use templates and access a library full different 3D objects, textures and patches, and those with more technical design experience can personalize designs even further with scripting and coding.

Brands in the beauty industry, like ModiFace, were among the first to try out artificial intelligence with its make-up try-on app that scans customers’ faces and allows them to see what they look like in the products they are interested in buying. ModiFace now powers several virtual beauty try-on technologies for big brands like MAC and Benefit Cosmetics.

Another industry that uses AR in its marketing is furniture and home goods. Industry giant Ikea allows customers to envision what sofas, lamps, armchairs and more would look like in their homes with its Ikea Place app. 

Home renovation TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines offer a similar experience through their Magnolia Market app by allowing customers who are outside of their store’s Waco, Texas location to virtually place items in their homes to see how they fit with their current decor.

In the apparel industry, UK-based fashion company ASOS has put a unique spin on virtual reality with its highly-rated fashion app which allows customers to virtually bring professional models into their homes and showcase the outfits they are interested in buying. 

All customers have to do is choose an outfit, hit the AR button and then point their devices in the direction of a flat surface. Models can be instructed to stand still, walk or give a 360 degree twirl. 

Luxury brand Dior has also gotten in on the AR action by allowing consumers to try on its famous sunglasses and headbands directly through Instagram. 

No matter your level of technical experience or industry, artificial reality may be just the asset you need to continue connecting with customers during the time of COVID. 

For more information on how Monet Alexus Marketing can help build your business, check out our services!