We’re always on the lookout for new tech innovations at Arch. That’s why, in the last few months, we’ve been developing our capacity for AR – or augmented reality. For brands and businesses, it’s a great way of engaging your customer base in a different way. AR might just be the next big thing in marketing.
Check out our first AR outing below.
Augmented Reality is, according to a strenuous Google search, the process of superimposing computer-generated imagery onto the user’s view of the world – creating a composite view that mixes the two together. In a nutshell, think Snapchat filters. It’s tough to crack, but if you get it right you can create a shareable piece of marketing that your customers will spread around the internet themselves!
Our first foray into putting AR to use was for Steamin’ Billy. We’ve created a filter which turns the user into the classic Billy mascot – the Jack Russell terrier you can see on the pub chain’s logo. Check out our video above to see how it looks.
You can also have a go with the filter yourself here.
For some – augmented reality is part of marketing’s future. It’s a great tool to add to your arsenal – especially if you’re in a social business. AR works for places people love to go to – cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants – and places where people love taking pictures and sharing their experiences – think gyms or hotels. That’s why it’s ideal for Steamin’ Billy.
A particularly interesting restaurant use for the tech is visualising meals. Augmented menus superimpose images of your meal in front of you so you can see what you’re eating before you’ve even ordered it.
That’s not to say AR shouldn’t or can’t be used in other industries. Marketing and advertising works best when it’s disruptive and contrary. If you create something unexpected, you’ve got more chance of exposure, you’re more shareable and you’ll generate more conversation. People notice disruptions – and you want your business to get noticed, don’t you?
Of course, AR doesn’t stop at marketing. There are plenty of practical uses for it too:
Back to marketing. AR represents a wider thought on the creative industry. It’s a great tool, but it needs to be used in an innovative way. When companies do what everyone else is doing, their marketing is ineffective. It’s risk-taking, interrupting and grabbing people’s attention that gets people involved and invested in a brand.
Augmented Reality might just be the next big thing in marketing, but it’s up to people like us to make it as effective as possible.
Keep your eyes peeled for our Christmas card this year, which may or may not come in the form of an AR filter. It’s anyone’s guess!
Got an AR project in mind? Want some amazing tech to improve your business? Give Arch a call.