Introduction to Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is not any longer a rising technology; it’s here and has been an element of our lives for years. We’ve seen it in Snapchat filters, Pokémon Go, and other applications. With over 500 AR firms listed on AngelList and users expected to hit the billion mark by 2020, it’s likely that you will be designing an application for it soon. So, how do you design for an application that uses augmented reality? What are the perfect practices, and how are you going to make sure you’re getting probably the most out of the tech, especially in an ecommerce use case?
Why Use Augmented Reality in Ecommerce?
Augmented reality combines real-life input with computer-generated ones, making a latest experience. In ecommerce, AR is used for distant, real-time product visualization, allowing customers to try on products or see how they might look of their environment without leaving their homes. This functionality plays a big role in the shopper’s purchasing decision, particularly for long-commitment products or personalized items. AR technology also offers increased customer engagement and brand loyalty, with 71% of shoppers preferring a retailer that provides AR over one that does not.
Benefits of AR in Ecommerce
The advantages of using AR in ecommerce are quite a few. It helps shoppers make more informed purchases, boosts customer engagement, and caters to consumers’ wants and expectations. For example, Nike’s AR ecommerce application allows customers to try on shoes virtually, reducing the necessity for physical try-ons and returns. With AR, customers can see how products would look of their environment, making it easier for them to make purchasing decisions.
Designing for Augmented Reality
Designing augmented reality applications might be intimidating, even for seasoned UX designers. The unlimited, unchained viewport might be overwhelming, and it’s essential to take note the three AR design cornerstones: input and output definition, environmental considerations, and user fatigue.
Input and Output Definition
Defining the inputs and outputs of the user experience is crucial in AR design. It answers the query of what elements a user can and can’t interact with within the interface. Inputs can include physical gestures, device inputs, or voice commands, while outputs are typically 3D models of products. Assigning functions to those inputs and outputs is crucial, and designers should consider the fidelity of inputs, or the margin of error when interfacing with them.
Environmental Considerations
AR designers use 4 different signifiers to explain an AR environment: public, social, personal, and intimate. These descriptors signify the areas surrounding the user and the character of the AR app itself. Spatial considerations must be accounted for when designing how users will interact with distant objects in frame. For example, an AR application for a furniture store might use a public environment, where the user’s entire body is involved as a controller, while a virtual try-on application might use a private environment, where the user is seated and interacting with a mobile device.
User Fatigue
User fatigue is a big concern in AR design, particularly when the user’s entire body acts as a controller. Designers have to be cognizant of interaction costs and avoid repeated, high-effort interactions that may tire out the user. Placing often accessed functions in easy-to-reach areas and minimizing the variety of interactable elements on the screen can assist reduce user fatigue.
Essential Design Principles
When designing for AR, it’s essential to recollect the fundamental tenets of user experience design. Users will not be entirely comfortable interacting with this nascent tech, so it’s crucial to implement more hand-holding than you’ll in a normal desktop site or mobile app. This could mean a heavier emphasis on visual and audio cues or feedback, and even an in-depth tutorial.
Conclusion
Designing for augmented reality requires a novel set of skills and considerations. By combining the rules described here along with your existing skillset, you will be crafting AR apps for ecommerce stores very quickly. Remember to take note the three AR design cornerstones, essential design principles, and the advantages of using AR in ecommerce. With the correct approach, you possibly can create engaging and effective AR experiences that enhance the user experience and drive business results.
