Augmented Reality (AR) in E-commerce: IKEA KREATIV
Augmented Reality (AR) has gained significant Focus in recent years, transforming the way consumers interact with products and brands. One industry that has embraced AR is e-commerce, offering immersive experiences to shoppers from the comfort of their homes. One brand that has successfully implemented AR in its e-commerce strategy is IKEA (Ingka, n.d)
AR in e-commerce allows consumers to visualize and experience products digitally in their real-world environment. This technology revolutionizes the shopping experience by enabling customers to virtually place furniture, decor items, or even entire room setups in their own homes before making a purchase. It provides a sense of scale, and design compatibility, and helps customers make informed decisions.
The integration of AR in e-commerce has a profound impact on consumer behaviour and corporate marketing activities. It enhances the online shopping experience, reducing buyer uncertainty and increasing confidence in purchasing decisions. By eliminating the need for physical showrooms, brands can reach a wider audience, reduce costs, and overcome spatial limitations (Kaplan, 2017).
IKEA KREATIV App
IKEA’s IKEA KREATIV app is an excellent example of leveraging AR in e-commerce. The app allows users to select furniture from IKEA’s catalogue and virtually place it in their homes using their smartphone or tablet. The app utilizes advanced computer vision and 3D modelling to provide accurate sizing and positioning of furniture in real time. This enables customers to see how IKEA products would look and fit in their space, leading to increased customer engagement and conversion rates (IKEA, n.d.).
According to IKEA, since the launch of the IKEA KREATIV app, it has been downloaded over 10 million times globally. The app has significantly improved customer engagement, with users spending an average of 3 minutes per session exploring and visualizing IKEA products in AR. (Ingka, n.d) IKEA has reported a 98% increase in the likelihood of customers purchasing furniture after using the app (IKEA, n.d.).
AR in e-commerce presents a significant opportunity for digital marketers. It allows brands to offer interactive and immersive experiences that bridge the gap between online and offline shopping. By integrating AR technology, marketers can enhance brand perception, create memorable experiences, and ultimately drive sales. Additionally, AR-generated data provides valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviour, enabling personalized marketing strategies. (Kaplan, 2017).
In a post-pandemic world, the adoption of AR in e-commerce is expected to continue growing rapidly. As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and safety, AR provides a contactless and engaging shopping experience. Brands like IKEA will further refine their AR capabilities, expanding their product range and customization options. We can anticipate the integration of social AR features, allowing users to share their virtual home setups and seek recommendations from friends and influencers.
Conclusion
The integration of AR in e-commerce, exemplified by IKEA’s innovative IKEA KREATIV app, demonstrates the transformative power of this technology. AR enhances the online shopping experience, enables visualization of products in real-world settings, and boosts customer confidence in purchasing decisions. For digital marketers, AR presents an opportunity to create interactive and personalized experiences that drive engagement and increase conversions.
REFERENCES:
IKEA. (n.d.). IKEA KREATIV App. Retrieved from
Rendler-Kaplan, L. (2017) UGC is content marketing gold, Social Media Today.
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/smt-influencer/ugc-content-marketing-gold
Ingka (n.d) Exploding Topics.
https://explodingtopics.com/topic/ingka
Ikea (2022) Kreativ design app will clear your room to showcase IKEA furniture, New Atlas.
https://newatlas.com/around-the-home/ikea-kreativ-ai-room-design-app
REFERENCE FOR THE IMAGES
https://newatlas.com/around-the-home/ikea-kreativ-ai-room-design-app
https://www.beyondgames.biz/24084/ikea-takes-its-augmented-reality-app-to-the-next-level/
