‘Augmented Reality’ is a very recent term in technology. As a matter of fact, it is one of the recent innovations with regard to graphics designing, animation and usage of modern technological interfaces. The technology for Augmented Reality, or AR, in short, is still going through various developments, but it has been used on various occasions, and the results were nothing short of outstanding. Yet, the technology remains underappreciated, and especially in Bangladesh, it is, by and large, an unknown aspect. Despite its “under-development” status. AR offers a vast opportunity in branding and marketing if used properly. A technology similar to it, known as ‘Virtual Reality’ or VR, is already being used on a large scale in various industries. AR is capable of taking the same notion a few notches further.
Augmented Reality (AR) is the real-time integration of digital content with the user’s environment. The fundamental advantage of AR is that it blends virtual and 3D components with a person’s view of the actual environment. Augmented reality offers a wide range of applications, from decision-making to entertainment. Whereas virtual reality (VR), generates a completely created environment, users of augmented reality (AR) encounter a lifelike and real-time environment with produced perceptual information superimposed on top of it.
But how can a technology like AR be used for branding or marketing? 
The usage of technology is not a new idea to be introduced. It has been happening for a long time. Even 3D animation has been a huge influence on modern marketing strategy. Bangladesh has been a growing industry subscribing to this new era of technological marketing and branding systems. This strategy works almost perfectly and better in most cases than conventional means. The great potential of augmented reality extends across a wide range of businesses. AR applications have the potential to increase customer happiness and drive sales. AR can assist customers in purchasing in-store and online, as well as lead conversions. Customers may be tied closely to the product and provide the business and companies with an edge in the market when they are linked to the things the consumers buy in a real, tactile, and visual sense.
Augmented Reality provides a plethora of options for a diverse range of businesses in a variety of sectors. In fact, the advantages of augmented reality in branding are limitless, especially for enterprises that employ this cutting-edge technology to attract and engage their consumers. These solutions may be used to quickly demonstrate to clients how to utilize a specific item or service without requiring them to read lengthy instruction manuals. Because it is now feasible to experience AR with nearly any web browser, consumers do not need to purchase pricey equipment and can simply enjoy the trip with their smartphone’s camera. Additionally, augmented reality technologies may be utilized for marketing objectives such as improving sales presentations and bids.
For example, prominent companies like Ikea are already using augmented reality to allow buyers to view what furniture might appear just as in their homes before purchasing. Companies and businesses in Bangladesh, similarly, can use augmented reality technology to promote sales by allowing buyers to demo the product in a way similar to how one might try on clothing at an outlet shop. Regarding outlet stores, augmented reality is utilized for virtual fitting room technology, allowing shoppers to put on glasses, cosmetics, and even shoes and other goods.
Augmented reality technologies are easy to use, accessible, and promote user-brand interaction. Communication may also be greatly improved in some businesses, like real estate, because purchasers can now conduct virtual tours of homes without having to drive huge distances and spend time. In line with the example of IKEA, it is even more fascinating that AR may instil a sense of ownership in the user before the transaction is completed. The disadvantage of this technology, however, is that it is mostly tech-oriented. For instance, aside from the apparent requirement that the user have at least a smartphone, as with any tech-based solution, it is possible to encounter a fault in the system, a brief problem, or a frozen image. However, as the technology is still developing, it is becoming more dependable
The increase in the usage of AR is pretty significant as well. According to Deloitte, an international professional services network, almost 90% of organizations with yearly revenues ranging from $100 million to $1 billion are currently utilizing AR or VR technologies. In terms of smaller businesses, a study by Purch, an international media company, found that 10% of marketers use AR and 72% plan to do so in the near year.
AR has the potential to alter the way information is presented to users, potentially leading to conversions. AR vehicle manuals are being used by Hyundai and Mercedes to improve customer satisfaction. This can lead to increased customer loyalty, which leads to additional sales and improves the company’s reputation. Similarly, there are vast applications of AR in other industries to modernize the branding process and provide potential customers with easy access.
For instance, Augmented Reality has the potential to significantly enhance both in-person and online shopping. The principle of “try before you buy” is one of the most significant differences between the digital environment and conventional brick-and-mortar retailers. Customers gain a lot of flexibility by being able to purchase from home online, but they lose the chance to try out what those things are like. This may make or break a transaction, and augmented reality can assist drive conversions by providing a useful compromise.
Large retail facilities, such as supermarkets and auto dealerships, can be difficult to navigate. Customers may become disoriented if a particular store has a complicated network of pathways, like Ikea. They may have to spend some time navigating the store in order to locate the desired item. Customers can use augmented reality to traverse these places by offering on-screen guidance.
Moreover, If applied creatively, augmented reality has the ability to spark web trends. This may be a huge help in terms of sales and promotion for retail firms and other industries. AR commercials can pique future customers’ interest while also engaging existing customers, therefore increasing brand confidence and reputation. Pepsi is an illustration of this in action, as they used an AR experience at a bus station to generate a lot of talk about their brand. Pepsi encouraged many customers to study the intriguing feature for themselves by changing the sign into an AR display that could be viewed through a user’s smartphone. As a result, Pepsi was able to pique the attention of numerous people in its products.
Customers want to know what they’re getting when selling items to retail enterprises and other groups. Augmented reality (AR) can boost business-to-business (B2B) sales by altering how customers see and interact with items. This is particularly true for proposals for new inventions. Clients, for example, may find it difficult to imagine a structure that is yet to be built. Augmented reality can allow users to see what the construction will look like before it is completed. Microsoft HoloLens headsets are excellent venues for conveying such information. The headset’s relatively high processing power can aid in visualizing what items will look like before they are produced.
Bangladesh has been a hub for growing industries in a wide variety of sectors. Recent years have seen an explosion in telemarketing and digital branding of mainstream companies along with prominent breakout companies. Attracting potential customers to a product is closely tied to how good the branding is. Bangladesh has a large populace who subscribe to well-known companies. Companies can implement good marketing strategies through AR, which is the greatest possibility to keep up that goodwill. Furthermore, resorting to this method can bolster new and coming companies to stand out from the crowd as well.
Technology in Bangladesh is still progressing, and new ideas are being brought into the picture to boost overall growth through proper branding strategies. AR is a new frontier in this realm with a much larger reach and potential than any has seen. It can engage the mass people efficiently and allow them to experience what they may be subscribing to. This is perhaps the best way to promote a business while making the experience all the more entertaining.
Author- Shiddhartho Zaman
