Augmented Reality – What is it and Why Should I Care

Augmented Reality has lots of definitions:

Oxford Languages “A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.”

Wikipedia “An interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information”

ARC Team “Blurring the line between computer screen and real world, by displaying images and information on top of a device’s camera feed.”

What’s important however, is that Augmented Reality is what we do here at ARC. We founded our business on it and incorporate it into all our products. It enables us to really educate our customers and users about home improvement products, and truly understand the impact on their homes. Have a play.

Where is AR disrupting

Augmented Reality is finding it’s place in huge numbers of industries.

• In medicine, for displaying involved body systems below the skin and as a powerful educational tool for medical professionals.
• In marketing, driving desire for products by improving visualisation. Think Sofas from Ikea, shoes from Wanna Kicks and makeup from L’Oreal.
• In education, creating extraordinary and interactive classrooms for students. Imagine our solar system floating around you or a volcano erupting on your desk.
• In Manufacturing, for deskilling work and reducing mistakes. For example, Boeing overlays 3D wiring diagrams over components to speed up work and improve accuracy.

The list goes on and is likely to grow as technology improves and wearables become commonplace.

AR vs VR

AR and VR are not the same. Augmented Reality Differs from Virtual reality in several ways. Both rely on computing to accurately bring models into the space you are in. AR, however, adds to the outside world as is whereas VR replaces it in its entirety, called a cyber environment. AR is done using smartphones, tablets, and next generation glasses. VR uses VR headsets strapped to your face.

AR in ARC Design

ARC Design captures leads and improves sales speeds with high quality 3D models. All of the millions of combinations a user can create in ARC Design can be viewed instantly on a home in AR. Whether a vast orangery with two gorgeous floodlights or a cosy lean-to we can show it in place, to scale and in lifelike quality.

Either on their own or with you in your showroom or on a house call, we let homeowners explore. Walk around their new virtual space and truly understand the size, shape, and features. Look back from the edge of the garden and see how the chosen design suits their home. Image your usual sales talk but cut out the hand waving and show them exactly what you mean.

Access our optimised AR on the left-hand side of the models in the demo to try it out.

We are always available to discuss how best to use Augmented Reality to supercharge your sales process, just get in touch.

With best wishes,

Andy, Zack and Kris