Hey Startups! Forget Pokemon. “Create meaning” with your Augmented Reality apps.

Augmented Reality Apps should add value:

Yes, it’s tempting for a boat load of Startups to ape the success of Pokemon Go. It’s got it’s fair share of exposure by the press and has become a household name; a perfect formula to copy.

However, I am a big follower of Guy Kawasaki and his approach to doing business and ethics in general. This is why, whenever there is something that has the possibility to “make meaning,” or adds to the value to life, and if it can be done with the creative use of technology, I believe it’s a message worth spreading.

Advertising and Marketing Agencies have gone to town with the latest “toy” in their ever increasing battle to engage consumers. This time its Augmented Reality. Mention about the way AR is currently being used, to university researchers in this field (the ones who have a passion for AR and it’s possibilities) and you will see them wince and cringe at how it’s being abused in it’s current form of aim-the-camera and watch-a-3D object-dance apps.

While there is nothing intrinsically wrong with how AR is being used right now, it is about time we use it in a manner and context that can add value to the masses. Some people had envisioned greater things for AR other than pointless amusement, such as helping professionals in the medical field, Heritage and architecture, civil and public security and if ever for amusement, then it could be in places such as museums and classrooms — Edu-tainment.

Augmented Reality Health Hazard Visualization app:

The video above is what Startups and creative departments in Marketing Agencies should be looking at, as inspiration when developing an app for the App store. The application could show pollution levels, or other geography related health hazard data visualization in real-time. This would allow people to aim their camera at their surroundings and visualize with graphics, the plumes of sulphur smoke and other poisonous gases that are in their vicinity. Maybe if people could constantly see these invisible killers via AR and their smart phone cameras, action will be initiated in the interests of protecting children and future generations, and keep current topics such as Climate change, alive.

Last year, in Singapore, it was not invisible killers, but a very visible haze thatblanketed the city state.

Granted, overnight, such AR initiatives will not lead to the shutdown of the sources of pollution, but just as Pokemon Go became a household name, perhaps millions of people with meaningful AR apps, could put pressure into finding innovation and best practices to curb the output of toxins…

This use of AR is far more beneficial to consumers. It is up to emerging Startups dabbling in commercial exploitation of AR to create meaning via application.

Once such AR apps are downloaded by thousands of everyday life conscious consumers… Sponsorship and Series A funding will follow!