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Augmented reality is an incredible tool because of its highly accessible nature. Nowadays, all you need is an Apple or Android smartphone to enter the metaverse, and you’re off to the races. If you love AR experiences as we do, you might be looking for more ways to use the technology.
Good news: you’ve come to the right place.
Follow along as we walk you through our innovative augmented reality methods.
A Quick Reminder
Before we jump into the AR world, let’s talk about augmented reality technology. AR (not to be confused with VR) is a beautiful combination of the physical and digital worlds.
Where virtual reality is a fully immersive experience, AR allows you to stay in the real world with a twist.
Augmented reality lets you see the world in front of you with a little extra pizzazz. Sometimes you need headsets, and other times you just need your mobile phone.
Whether using social media filters, seeing the many holograms and overlays of Pokémon GO, or practicing a medical surgery, AR allows you to make your world whatever you want it to be.
11 Innovative AR Ideas
Technology is all about innovation and functionality. Maybe you have dreams of creating an AR app. Or perhaps you just like to learn about cool tech. Either way, our list has something for everyone.
1. The Military
It’s no surprise that the military is constantly the leader in advanced technology. AR is no exception to this. The Army uses Tactical Augmented Reality technology, which is somewhat akin to night vision goggles — but far more advanced.
These goggles have location capabilities, thermal imaging, and split visual displays that allow soldiers to see more of their surroundings.
This technology will make soldiers more accurate, safe, and adaptable in unfamiliar environments.
2. Acura
Calling all car lovers. Acura is making car racing safer and more accessible through its augmented reality driving events. The AR technology showed professional drivers in the race an image on an HD screen to mix the virtual world and virtual objects with real life.
Even more remarkable, viewers could participate as part of the pit crew and help clear obstacles on the track. Acura gets a gold star in innovation for combining tech and marketing genius.
3. Disney
Disney is known as one of the juggernauts in animation, but they’ve got their hands in some pretty awesome AR too. Disney’s Magic Bench allows users to participate in a shared experience of multi-sensory magic.
Using a color camera, depth sensory, and 3D technology, the Magic Bench transports its participants into a world where you might walk next to elephants or get caught in the rain.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being inside one of your favorite Disney movies, this technology will bring you one step closer.
4. L’Oréal
L’Oréal uses ModiFace technology to bring the makeup counter into your home. Not ready to venture out of your house today? Now you don’t have to.
With this AR technology, you can try on multiple makeup shades from the comfort of your own home.
Using your mobile device’s camera, you can see how your product of choice will look on your face. You’ll never have to worry about choosing the wrong shade of foundation or lipstick again — a whole new way to shop.
5. Professional Development
Professional development no longer has to be filled with boring slideshows and passive listeners. Now, it can be an interactive, visual learning experience. Augmented reality can transform the way professionals complete their training.
Check out platforms like:
- Zappar
- TeamViewer
- MoZeus
- SkillSource
The more interactive professional development can be, the better it is for everyone involved. Take advantage of these innovative apps and get learning.
6. Home Depot
Home Depot’s Project Color takes the pain out of painting. You know what we mean if you’ve ever driven back and forth to the storefront just for the color to turn out wrong.
Project color lets you paint with confidence by browsing paint colors and seeing how they look in any room. It even offers suggestions based on the aesthetic you want. Here it is if you’ve been waiting for a sign to spruce up your living room.
7. IKEA
IKEA is already an innovative company. Easy-to-build furniture (for the most part) and snacks in the store make it a fun place to visit. What isn’t fun, however, is realizing that the piece of furniture you’ve built does not fit in your space the way you’d imagined.
The AR technology of the IKEA Place app has eliminated that problem. It uses 3D models of their furniture and your camera phone, allowing you to see furniture to scale as it would appear in your home. This innovation will enable you to take back your time and design your home confidently.
8. StubHub
Dilemma: you’re in the mood for a concert or sporting event but don’t know what the venue looks like. Well, augmented reality is here to save the day.
StubHub offers AR for many venues so users can see their prospective seats in 3D from multiple angles. The digital imaging is precise and looks as accurate as you can get. Take the guesswork out of seat-buying and get to your venue with confidence.
9. Nike
Nike’s Jordan Brand adopted augmented reality to bring one of the most iconic sports moments back to life. The Nike app brought Jordan’s free-throw line dunk back to life.
Fans could superimpose the image onto their local basketball court and interact with the 3D image. Even further, Nike turned the experience into an eCommerce opportunity to buy Michael Jordan’s shoes right off his feet. Innovation meets eCommerce in this Nike venture.
10. Education
Teachers, parents, and students alike can embed AR into education in many ways. Interactive education is the way of the future, so why not bring AR into learning? Look for AR in education to enhance:
- Engagement
- Learning environments
- Immersive experiences with content
- Collaboration
- Long-term memory and understanding
- Development of senses
11. Medical Advances
There are so many ways to incorporate AR into the medical field. However, one we’d love to use as an example is Dr. Hugh Herr and his story.
Dr. Herr is a double amputee changing how prosthetics are made. A documentary on Arkansas PBS, Augmented, illustrates how Dr. Herr and his team have used augmented reality to examine medical challenges with 3D and alternate digital scenarios.
It’s impressive to see how far medical advances have come and how far they can take us.
How You Can Innovate With AR
Now that we’ve run through those innovative AR examples let’s talk about how you can incorporate AR into your daily life.
Home Design
Take the guessing game out of your room remodel with IKEA’s Place app or Home Depot’s Project color. Innovation also means efficiency, so streamline the back and forth with the 3D capability these apps supply.
Professional Life
Whether you run your own business, teach, or anything in between, AR has a place in your professional life.
As a leader, understand that your team can benefit significantly from using AR in professional development. The more interactive training is, the more likely your team will be able to apply the information to real-life scenarios.
For all you teachers out there, we know kids love technological stimulation these days. Check out these apps to help your class stay engaged:
- Photomath
- Plantale
- Aktiv Learning
- Holo-human
- Exoplanet
Personal Life
If you’re looking for a new hobby to add to your spare time, why not make it AR? Check out games like Pokémon GO, Beer Pong AR, or Ingress Prime. Play around on L’Oréal’s mobile app to see what strikes your fancy.
And who knows? Maybe inspiration from your new hobby will spark an idea for you to innovate the AR community in your way.
Conclusion
With its accessible nature and opportunity for innovation, why wouldn’t you choose an augmented reality experience? You can dive into home shopping, car racing, or world-changing medical advances with your iPhone or Android.
You’ve seen our eleven examples of innovative AR, and there’s no reason for you to wait. Get into the metaverse and see how much augmented reality can enhance your life.
If you’re interested in learning more about the metaverse and AR technologies, check out the rest of our site.
Here at Illumix, we specialize in building dynamic AR experiences that can enhance your brand. We’ve done the heavy lifting already. Contact us to learn how we can help.
Sources:
5 Innovative Examples Of Augmented Reality In Action ⎸ Adobe
4 Weirdly Creative Ways to Use Augmented Reality in Marketing | by Kate Novytska | Medium
