Augmented Reality Communication: How It's Changing Businesses
Communication is one of the key aspects of any successful business. Whether it’s between a CEO and their employees, employees themselves, or the company and their customers, effective communication is critical to a business’ success.
Over the years, we’ve seen how communication has changed with the advent of new technologies, from landlines to cellphones, to emails, and social media. However, another major change is coming and that’s augmented reality communication.
Read on to learn more about AR Communication and how it’s changing businesses.
What is Augmented Reality Communication?
When you read AR Communication, the first thing you’re probably wondering is “what is it?”
When you look at ARC, you’ll find a more apt definition to be tied to augmented communication. This covers not only augmented reality but also other future technologies as well.
According to Intech Microwaves, augmented communication is defined as a new model of communication and process that utilizes the New Technology of Information and Communication (NICT). These include Extended Reality (XR) technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Human Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), and Visual Communication.
Augmented Reality Communication and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
AR Communication is one of the many existing technologies that will play a key part in Industry 4.0.
If you’re not familiar with the term, Industry 4.0 is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). It is considered an extension of the Third Industrial Revolution. It refers to the change in technology, societal patterns, processes, and industries that are a result of interconnectivity and smart automation.
The Third Industrial Revolution is when computers were introduced into the manufacturing process. The Fourth one will be when those computers are connected unlike before which will allow for things such as smart factories and more.
AR Communication will play a role in this and other business processes. These will occur within a business, between businesses, and between businesses and their customer bases.
However, you don’t have to look to the future to see how AR Communication has been changing businesses. This has already begun.
How Are Businesses Employing Augmented Reality Communication?
One of the features of AR is that it allows you to interact with digital content while still viewing the real world. This separates it from virtual reality and allows various industries to employ it in different ways.
Marketing
One of the best examples of AR Communication would undoubtedly have to be marketing. This has been a way for AR Communication to shine throughout the years, even before it blew up.
It offers businesses a way to tell a story that involves the viewer unlike ever before. It also allows them to expand on existing media. A potential customer can view an ad in the paper or on a billboard and then instantly get more information on the product or service.
There are also examples of AR business cards where a scan can lead you to gain a new experience. When it comes to business communication, marketing is undoubtedly where AR Communication is readily applied and experimented with to produce new and interesting experiences for existing and potential customers.
Here’s an example of an AR business card done for entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk:
Data Visualization
Data is critical for mankind’s decisions, understanding trends, and predicting what’s going to happen next. Data visualization is critical for dealing with data sets, especially Big Data, exceptionally large data sets, and allowing them to be analyzed for use.
AR Communication has the potential to play a transformative role in this process. It can allow Data Analysts to present information in a new way. Augmented reality can allow for a more engaging experience, especially as it presents data in a 3D space, allowing for immersion and better understanding.
A lot of data can be overwhelming, especially for those who aren’t trained to deal with it. When you’re working with others, the ability to present data and have it easily understood is a blessing. Data visualization, especially in augmented reality can improve others’ understanding of the data and point out where they may be lost or having trouble.
This is the potential of AR Communication in data visualization.
Here’s an example of data visualization done in augmented reality with tangible globes used as markers:
Training
On the job is a part of any role in any business. This is especially the case for technical roles in industries such as manufacturing and logistics. While there has been an improvement in training, with the use of videos, online tutorials, and manuals, there’s still a bit of disconnect between trainees and the materials they’re using.
This is because it can be somewhat difficult to visualize the processes in the real world. Sure, practice makes perfect, but it’s easier to be able to see exactly what it is you’re doing. That’s where augmented reality comes in.
It allows businesses to elevate their training programs. This means that trainees can better visualize and practice the skills necessary to get the job done. Simulations can also be created to better test their competency and see where they excel as well as fall short.
For more information, here’s a video by The Training and Development Channel which speaks about the different aspects of augmented reality training:
Benefits of Augmented Reality Communication
It’s clear that augmented reality communication is changing the way we do business and will do so even more in the years to come.
This change has brought about a host of benefits for companies, employees, and customers. Here are some of the benefits that augmented reality communication can offer:
Creativity
Augmented reality allows for a whole new dimension of communication. This gives businesses the opportunity to experiment with new concepts, ideas, and methodologies. The untapped potential of augmented reality communication is how many businesses can make their mark in their respective fields and start trends rather than follow them.
No two businesses are the same, and neither are their needs. Utilizing augmented reality communication to find a unique solution for your problems as well as set the framework for others to follow would be a major feat for any business.
Improved Understanding of Complex Information
One of the major benefits of augmented reality in the education sector is that it allows for the visualization of concepts and allows for better comprehension. This benefit can also be applied to businesses, no matter the industry.
As complex information is shared between departments, augmented reality communication can allow presenters to present their information in a whole new way. This immersive experience can allow for improved comprehension, as well as better problem solving, and brainstorming.
Improved Efficiency
As we mentioned before, augmented reality can play a huge role in training, especially for technical roles. One of the benefits of this is improved efficiency in the training process. However, this improved efficiency is not limited to the training process. AR communication can allow businesses to improve communication between employees and departments.
This can help improve employees’ workflow, and productivity and improve the quality of their work. All of these would lead to a company producing higher quality products/services and spending less time correcting mistakes or dealing with subpar work.
Future of AR Communication
Even though it’s still young, augmented reality communication is providing numerous businesses with a host of benefits. And while the present is currently exciting, it’s the future that holds even more promises for augmented reality communication.
In the future when augmented reality devices are even more accessible and a part of everyday life, we’ll see how businesses innovate to capture our attention and deliver unique experiences.
This can look like immersive AR movie trailers, AR product demonstrations, AR concerts, and more.
Let’s take a look at look at how this can also occur in more everyday scenarios as well.
Imagine you need a replacement part for a device in your home. You can use your AR headset to identify the part, look for it online, see if it fits, and order right there.
When it comes you can view an AR tutorial on how to replace it and complete the process yourself. No service professionals are needed.
The future with augmented reality is bright. It’s exciting to see it become a reality.
Conclusion
Augmented reality communication is without a doubt one of the most exciting parts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Its possibilities are vast and the benefits for both businesses and consumers cannot be understated.
No matter the industry, it’ll allow businesses to improve and deliver unique experiences to their consumers.