Technology is evolving at a rapid pace and we get to see new gadgets and gizmos hit the stores every day. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are some of the techs that have gained the most attention in the past few years. This is because they have the most potential to change the way we live and do business. One of the best features these things will introduce are new ways for businesses to improve customer experience. So, forget about the shopping as we know it and prepare for AR and VR to dominate almost all industries. But how exactly can these two techs uplift customer experience? Read on to find out.
Fundamental customer experience
Let’s start with the most obvious one. All businesses want to convince customers that their products are effective. Demonstrating product effectiveness isn’t always as easy as it seems. For example, think about companies that sell safety equipment. If they’d want to show customers how their products work, they’d have to simulate an entire emergency. That would take way too much time and money to do. However, with AR and VR, the entire situation can be simulated outside the actual world. The customer can enter a virtual building that is under fire and see how the products perform. The best part of it is that this tech can boost just any industry. Let’s say you’re shopping for clothes online. You can try any clothes in a virtual world and get an idea of how it looks on you.
Intelligent user manuals for better customer experience
How many times did you buy something only to realize reading the user’s manual is more difficult than it seems. For example, things like cars come with bulky booklets that aren’t necessarily easy to interpret. Customers want more help from the manufacturer and that’s where AR and VR come into play. Some of the biggest companies in the world, like Hyundai, have already created AR user manuals for customers. Now, when a driver wants to perform a task, they can point with their device at the car and see all the additional information about that specific part in AR. This is great news for consumers as they’re now able to get more help from the manufacturer. Companies can also use this to their advantage as it allows them to provide support even once the purchase is made. This increases customer satisfaction and builds brand loyalty.
Improved customer interaction
When shopping online, you’re often assisted by a chatbot. While these things can come in handy, customers want more help. Once AR and VR shopping really becomes a thing, AI shop assistants will completely replace chatbots when it comes to customer interaction. Some experts say that these virtual assistants may arrive by 2025. Shopping with a virtual assistant by your side would become both easier and more enjoyable. What’s in it for businesses is that they’ll get customers who’re more satisfied with their service and more likely to spend money. Virtual assistants can be used across all industries as they can help customers with almost anything. Just imagine looking for real estate online and being able to take a virtual tour right away with a virtual agent by your side.
Better graphics
AR and VR are often associated with the gaming industry. It makes a lot of sense since gamers are usually tech-savvy and enjoy hopping in virtual worlds. This is why companies in the gaming industry have to stay on top of the AR and VR trends. Many PC and console games already offer VR games but they’re constantly trying to improve them. Better VR graphics translates means better gaming experience which eventually translates into more customers. The iGaming world is also about to benefit from these techs as they keep designing better-looking VR casinos and more players are showing up. Nowadays, stepping into a VR casino feels the same as visiting a brick-and-mortar casino. VR graphics will improve even more and players will get to enjoy virtual worlds more than ever.
Even more customer feedback
Ever since the internet emerged, customer feedback has been extremely important for businesses across all industries. People want social proof when shopping online and most often, they base their purchase decision on online reviews. With the introduction of AR and VR, customer feedback will become more important than it ever was. When shopping in AR or VR, you’ll be able to see customer reviews right next to the product. This means there will be even more information to base your purchase decision on. Companies will encourage customers to leave reviews and enhance the experience for new customers. In addition, they’ll show current customers that they care about their opinion.
Over to you
It’s impossible to ignore these two techs as they’re about to change the way we shop. Keep an eye on AR and VR trends, and you’ll soon get a chance to buy stuff in a way you never even imagined.