We all know how digital experiences are reshaping customer expectations, their way of perceiving information and redefining their interaction & engagement with the virtual world. When customers seek for something on the internet these days, they want content that is quick, visually appealing but also that simplifies accessing information. Today's generation is far too smart to grasp new and emerging technology and look out to experience them in their their daily lives.
Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain etc. are some of the new & few technologies that today people are aware about, talk about & look out for them in their experiences.
Here we are going to discuss new technology in the spotlight that is enhancing user experiences worldwide: Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality. Unlike any other technology, AR/VR allows you to create a really unique and immersive experience for your customers. It has the potential to drastically change the way we interact.
You've probably heard of PokemonGo, an Augmented Reality game that transports players into a virtual world that feels more genuine than real life. According to a reports, the first month's revenue for Pokémon Go was $207 million, it was a big hit!! It has indeed set a new standard for businesses to present their customers with something fresh and exciting.
The HOW & WOW Factor of AR/VR
AR/VR certainly is a box of unlimited opportunities. It’s usability is not limited, organizations can expand & use it to maximize their business productivity, brand popularity & revenue. But HOW?
AR and VR bring up a whole new world, allowing us to interact closer with inanimate goods, feel more socially connected and experience things as we want them to be, all virtually.
We've defined new interaction standards with AR and VR, moving away from old methods. We must remember that augmented and virtual reality projects require a separate set of rules and design methods. This depends on business capabilities: the more innovative ideas you put on the table, the more intuitive & spectacular user experience you can build. Giving your customers the WOWstruck!
Know The 5 Different Ways AR/VR Changed User Experience
Improve Business Conversion Rates
AR/VR can improve business conversion rates by immersing potential customers in a product or service before they purchase it. This can help increase sales and encourage customer loyalty.
You've probably heard of the app Snapchat, which is primarily known for its AR-based features. AR is used in a variety of filters that users use on various social media apps today, making it extremely trendy & engaging. However, there are many examples of businesses who have seen significant improvements in conversion rates after implementing AR/VR technology. For example, IKEA saw a 30% increase in conversion rates after implementing an AR app that allowed customers to see how furniture would look in their homes before making a purchase.
Real-time Feedback
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are both technologies that can provide real-time feedback to users. AR is typically used for providing information or feedback about the real world, while VR is used for providing information or feedback about a virtual world. Real time feedback with AR/VR is said to give users a more realistic and immersive experience.
Power of Visualization
AR/VR has definitely given unexpected super power to the users. The power of visualization, the power that lets me explore the product, see it & experience the look of it. Users can now see what a product will actually look like before they buy it, thanks to companies that provide this service. They're using AR and VR to present the product in its finest light.
Just another global brand: Lenskart has already marked their flags using AR/VR. The Lenskart app lets you visualize the look & feel of the specs you wish to buy virtually. Didn’t we all love this virtual-window shopping experience! Yes we did and it was evident with the sales boost they witnessed after adopting this technology.
Cognitive Load Prediction
The goal of AR/VR is to relieve users' memories of the pressure of progressing from one step to the next. It aims to make the contact process as natural as possible. Users will communicate without knowing what has been displayed previously or what will be displayed next. It's all about the present moment for people, and what they can interact with right now. Users can simply check all the minor details & experience it without any hurdles.
For example, Google Maps AR navigation is designed to let users navigate while walking using AR technology. The mapping overlays blend in seamlessly with the real-world environment, with arrows and directions pointing you in the right path.
Customization & Personalization
AR/VR has also improved the customization and personalization of services. The capabilities that allow users to achieve tailored outcomes take user experience to the next level. For example, if you're getting new cabinets for your home, virtual reality may offer you a realistic image of how the cabinet will look in your house. Landscaping and custom dwelling projects are also examples of this. The more visualization the end user or customer has, the more likely they are to continue and complete their order.
Like Converse, a leading shoe brand has its own app that provides customized AR feature which lets users try shoes virtually before they actually buy it. But when we talk about AR/VR changing experiences, there are also a few challenges to implement UX for AR/VR. Let’s take a look at them.
Internet Dependency
People are becoming more dependent on the internet due to the increased use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). However, it is possible that people who use AR and VR technologies may become more reliant on the internet as these technologies become more prevalent. It is speculated that people who use AR/VR devices may be more likely to be internet dependent as they are able to immerse themselves in a digital world. This could lead to people becoming less social and more isolated as they spend more time in AR/VR.
These are the key 5 ways that AR/VR is influencing the User Experience in design; however, there are two additional methods also that we can explore:
Control Spam Advertising
The best way to control spam advertising in AR/VR will vary depending on the specific context and environment in which the AR/VR is being used. However, some tips for controlling spam advertising in AR/VR environments include creating clear and concise rules about what types of advertising are allowed, and enforcing those rules strictly. Some general tips for controlling spam in AR/VR environments include creating a blacklist of known spam advertisers and blocking them from being able to display ads in your environment, as well as using filters to automatically identify and block new spam advertisers as they arise.
Rethinking UX Design Principles
Yes, it is a challenge to rethink UX design principles when designing for AR/VR because the user's experience is significantly different in these virtual environments. The key is to design for the user's needs and objectives, keeping in mind how they will interact with the environment.
Conclusion
AR/VR is here to stay & it is only going to keep evolving. This new digital trend is already spreading through mobile app platforms.The most crucial component in making it the successful superimposing graphic technology is that it must prioritize user experience, putting users and their emotions at the centre of AR/VR. The goal of technology is to make our lives easier, and AR/VR is doing just that and much more!
FAQS
How do I start an AR VR design?
Define your goals and objectives for the AR or VR experience
Identify the key elements of the experience
Sketch out your ideas
Designing 3D flow & interactions
Bringing it all together
How do I become a VR UX designer?
To become a UX UI designer firstly, it is important to have a strong understanding of both user experience design and virtual reality technology. Secondly, it is helpful to have a portfolio of design work that showcases your skills in creating user-friendly and immersive VR development. Finally, networking with other VR designers and industry professionals will give you a better understanding of the field and help you to find opportunities to break into the industry as an AR VR UX designer.
Why is AR UI design important?
AR UI design is important because it allows users to interact with digital content in a more natural and realistic way. With AR UI design, users can intuitively and effortlessly control digital content without having to rely on traditional input methods such as keyboards or mouse. This allows for a more immersive and interactive experience that can greatly enhance the user's experience
