Top 5 Ways IKEA is Using Augmented Reality to Enhance Your Shopping Experience
Introduction
IKEA has always been at the forefront of innovation in the retail industry. Be it products, in-store experiences or promotions, they have continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and preferences of their customers. Augmented Reality (AR) is one such innovation that IKEA has adopted in a big way to enhance their customer’s shopping experience. In this article, we will dive into the top 5 ways that IKEA is using AR to help you make better shopping decisions.
The IKEA AR App
The IKEA AR App is the best way to experience IKEA in AR. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and is free to download. Once installed, simply point your smartphone camera at any IKEA product, and you can see how it looks in your home. The app uses AR technology to create a 3D model of the product, which appears on your smartphone screen. This way, you can see how the product would look in your home, before making the purchase.
AR Product Demos
One of the most significant benefits of using AR at IKEA is the ability to see how the products work and function in a real-world environment. For example, if you purchase a desk lamp, you can use the app to see how the light would look to read and work while sitting at your desk. This aspect is beneficial in giving customers a more accurate and realistic idea of what the product can actually do.
Room Planning and Design
Every customer planning to build a room or renovate a house will appreciate IKEA’s AR room planning option. The app allows you to design and plan your room, select different furniture and décor styles, and place items in virtual spaces and kind of get a feel for it. With the AR room planner, you can determine factors such as the perfect layout for furniture, size of space, and room decor ideas.
Real-Time Product Availability
One of the most significant concerns when shopping is the availability of an item. Especially for complex items like furniture, you want to know whether that exact item is in stock and can be delivered to your door. Using AR technology, the IKEA app can reveal real-time information about the product’s availability and delivery options without needing you to call the support team or visit the store.
Store Navigation and Wayfinding
Going to the IKEA store can be intimidating, considering the size of the store and the numerous product options. However, with the IKEA AR app, customers can navigate easily through the store while getting the required details about each product. The app will navigate customers through the store to find their desired products, providing them with an enjoyable shopping experience that is informative and fun.
Conclusion
AR technology is one of the most exciting innovations that have taken root in the retail industry. IKEA has fully embraced this technology and made it a core part of the customer experience. With the IKEA AR app, customers have access to numerous benefits like visualizing products in their home space, real-time information about the products, easy-to-use store navigation, and much more. Augmented Reality has the potential to change the way we shop, and IKEA is leading the way.
