Developing Sales-Driving Websites with Extended Reality: 5 Facts

The future belongs to Extended Reality (XR). Are you ready to explore its potential for your projects?

Many of us associate XR solely with the gaming industry and entertainment. However, its potential for business is impressive in its diversity and efficiency. Immersive technologies will soon become as familiar as using a smartphone. The metaverse opens new frontiers for business services.

By 2026, the technology market is expected to reach $125.2 billion with an annual growth rate of 30.6%.

We’ll explain how you can use augmented reality to improve processes, increase productivity, and enhance user experience. Learn how to prepare for the future of XR and act now to avoid being left behind.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

XR includes three main technologies: VR, AR, and MR. Comparing extended reality and virtual reality is incorrect because one is part of the other. Each of these technologies involves different levels of interaction between virtual and real elements.

The fundamental idea of AR is to enrich the perception of the environment by adding information or virtual objects. These can be images, sounds, text, or 3D models. The user sees the real world through the screen of a smartphone/tablet/special glasses or headset, maintaining contact with reality but perceiving it along with virtual elements and digital objects.

How does Augmented Reality work?

The process occurs in real time and includes the following stages:

- Image capture using the device's camera.

- Determination of location and orientation in space through built-in sensors.

- Tracking markers or objects to determine where and how to add virtual elements.

- Environment recognition to analyze spatial characteristics.

- Visualization of virtual elements using specialized libraries and algorithms.

Using AR can evoke various emotional reactions. For example, users may feel joy from virtual animations, anxiety from realistic simulations, or surprise from interacting with augmented objects.

Example of Augmented Reality

The ability to overlay digital objects onto the physical world has revolutionized many industries: education, engineering, e-commerce, and medicine. How is augmented reality used in business?

For example, AR technology and a laser scanner that converts thermal signals increase the likelihood of a successful first injection by 350%. This technology is already used by AccuVein.

Or consider easing the challenges of home improvement. Companies like IKEA and Wayfair allow us to see how furniture will look in our space before purchase.

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Unlike augmented reality, virtual reality completely replaces the physical world with a virtual space. In it, the user can freely move around and interact with objects. Virtual reality is created from scratch using computer graphics and simulations.

For immersion in VR, you need specific components: a headset, headphones, controllers, and motion sensors.

How does Virtual Reality work?

The process includes:

1. Virtualization - computer graphics are rendered in real time.

2. Reaction to head movements - allows free observation.

3. Use of input and control devices for interacting with objects.

4. Creation of acoustic effects (3D sound) for complete immersion.

This process provides a unique user experience that can be used in gaming, education, medicine, and entertainment.

Example of Virtual Reality

For instance, Volvo allows potential buyers to experience all the capabilities of their cars in virtual space. Similarly, UPS trains truck drivers by simulating various road situations to improve safety.

Virtual reality technologies in business enable immersive user experiences, new ways of working, and increased company value.

What is Mixed Reality (MR)?

A symbiosis of virtual and augmented reality, offering an immersive experience by combining the advantages of both technologies.

Virtual objects are integrated into the real space, creating a more complete experience. Mixed reality includes changes in lighting, perspective, shadows, and reflections. Users can interact with "artificial" objects by moving, rotating, and resizing them.

Examples of mixed reality applications include medical training, education, project visualization in architecture and construction, interactive museum exhibits, and entertainment.

How immersive technologies can benefit your business

Implementing immersive technologies into a project can be highly beneficial. Yes, it requires significant investments in development, equipment, and staff training.

However, the demand for XR is growing, and for innovative companies, it becomes a key factor for success. Let’s discuss how exactly immersive technologies can benefit your business.

1. Increasing employee productivity

According to Meta, 59% of employees who transitioned to remote work feel a loss of community. The metaverse can address this issue by allowing employees to participate at all stages of a project, reducing misunderstandings and increasing overall team efficiency.

2. Optimizing production processes

XR can significantly simplify assembly and quality control processes and improve safety.

Examples:

- Airbus employees use AR glasses to view virtual diagrams on the assembly line.

- Lockheed Martin engineers use virtual models and VR simulations to identify issues early.

- Siemens Energy technicians use AR glasses to receive repair instructions for turbines.

- DHL uses mixed reality to optimize warehouse management.

3. Training employees

American companies spend $101.8 billion on training employees. XR technologies improve training effectiveness and reduce costs.

4. Enhanced user interaction

Personalized virtual shopping, gamification, virtual fittings, and product presentations. These are new attributes of wow-marketing, increasing sales and creating a unique user experience.

5. Seamless data access and analysis

AR mechanisms easily gather actionable data during immersive experiences, aiding strategic decisions.

Conclusion

MR, VR, and AR technologies offer significant benefits: increased efficiency, cost reduction, improved customer interaction, and enhanced competitiveness. They find wide applications in education, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, entertainment, marketing, and construction.

If you’re ready for innovation and seek modern solutions for your business, our experts will find them for you. Order a turnkey online store and website promotion.