Augmented reality (AR) has seen a boost in customer usage and support in the past few years. It has changed how we interact with customer service and new technologies and provides a unique blend of the physical and digital worlds.
It is an advanced technology that is entering the market as a kiosk add-on, which makes certain tasks more approachable. AR has affected how content can be relayed and encourages customers to dive into an interactive experience to complete regular errands.
To find out how Augmented Reality in kiosks can enhance your customer engagement and business objectives, continue reading.
What is Augmented Reality in Kiosks?
Augmented Reality in kiosks refers to the utilization of AR technology to enhance the user experience. AR in kiosks allows customers to interact with branded or specific digital content superimposed onto our surroundings.
They provide information similar to a traditional kiosk, however, they can utilize dynamic and interactive animations that appear in real-time to users.
These kiosks can utilize sensors, cameras, and other technologies to track users’ movements in tandem with the relevant content.
They can provide an immersive experience to all users, whether to teach them new information or provide entertainment.
Key Applications of Augmented Reality in Kiosks
Retail Environments
Augmented Reality in kiosks provides commercial and retail customers with an easier way to try on or experiment with new products.
They provide an interactive space for customers to make a buying decision while also being engaging and efficient.
For example, a clothing store can allow visitors to interact with and try on samples or digital clothing designs. Or it can allow customers to digitally place new furniture into their home environment using the kiosk’s capabilities.
Educational Tools in Museums
Kiosks have been used as interactive tools in education for years. However, Augmented Reality allows them to provide a deeply immersive learning experience.
These kiosks can display information about exhibits or provide virtual tours. AR in kiosks can display 3D renderings of artifacts in their original setting.
Event and Marketing Engagements
Event promoters and marketing professionals can utilize AR in kiosks to create interactive experiences for event attendees.
They can be particularly useful during conferences, trade shows, or exhibits to provide customers with information and access to branded content. It provides a creative way for new products or product demos to be relayed to the attendees.
AR in kiosks can utilize personalized marketing content that recognizes the personal preferences of each customer based on their previous activity. This makes interaction with the kiosk more targeted and effective in achieving business or specific event goals.
Innovative Features of Augmented Reality in Kiosks
Interactive Learning Hub
AR in kiosks can create interactive learning environments to provide educational content in several different formats. It is generally more engaging for visitors to interact with live 3D models, or do a walk-through in different historical timelines.
Immersive Experiences
These kiosks can provide immersive experiences that can handle themed attractions or interactive gaming experiences.
For example, different organizers can utilize kiosks to enable guests to interact with virtual characters or create digital avatars to use while they participate in an event.
Touchless Interaction
Augmented Reality in kiosks also allows for touchless interactions. You can engage with the content on the kiosk using gestures or voice commands without having to worry about additional hygiene concerns.
It enables users to access information while maintaining safety standards, especially after the pandemic.
Advantages of AR in Kiosks
No Additional Equipment or Apps Needed
A benefit of using Augmented Reality in kiosks is that users would not need to download any additional applications or order specific equipment to use the features of the kiosk.
All necessary technologies are built in. This makes it much easier for users to interact with the content and ensure a seamless experience.
Increased Attention
Augmented Reality in kiosks will assist in capturing the attention of new or potential customers.
By offering this immersive experience with the augmented reality kiosk, you can provide visually engaging content to customers, which will boost excitement and foot traffic to the locations of these kiosks.
Enhanced User Engagement
AR in kiosks will actively encourage users to engage with branded and digitized content.
Users will be able to interact with content for a longer period, which enhances their experience with the new product, which can lead to an increase in sales. These kiosks can create a more memorable experience for customers.
Personalized Experiences
Augmented Reality in kiosks allows you to personalize the available content based on past purchase/buying history, general user behavior, and personal preferences.
The settings for the kiosk can take into consideration your target demographic and utilize them to provide product recommendations. This will help you to foster customer loyalty while enhancing the overall user experience.
Efficient Information Delivery
These kiosks also provide customers with quick access to information that can be delivered visually. This level of interaction allows us to access complex information, such as navigation for different locations or exhibits with visual clues.
Challenges of Implementing Augmented Reality in Kiosks
One of the challenges may be the limited user base. Augmented Reality has a relatively small user base. Not all customers will be comfortable utilizing this technology and may feel intimidated.
As a result, you should consider how to educate users or provide alternative options for those who may find it confusing.
Another challenge you may face is the dependency on high-quality AR content. A poorly designed kiosk or low-quality AR can actually frustrate customers rather than help them.
If the hardware is not advanced enough it will lead to customer dissatisfaction and a costly waste of resources for the business.
Future Trends in Kiosks with AR Technology
Integration with Mobile and IoT Devices
Everyone now has a smartphone or device connected to the internet. AR in kiosks provides customers with more interconnectivity and access to specific platforms.
Users can link their phones to a kiosk to customize their experience, for example scanning products to their phone and engaging with AR content to enhance the shopping experience.
Integration with AI and Machine Learning
The future of Augmented Reality in kiosks will include additional integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to create customized dynamic experiences for all users.
AI will allow the system to analyze customer behavior in real-time and adapt content accordingly.
Expansion into New Industries
Augmented Reality in kiosks will continue to expand into new industries outside of promotional, commercial, retail, or educational use.
These kiosks may very well be utilized in healthcare facilities to provide virtual consultations or allow public agencies to complete administrative tasks without having personnel present.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality in kiosks can be a transformative tool to enhance customer engagement and information delivery.
Many industries, such as marketing, retail, and education, can utilize these kiosks to engage customers and provide personalized experiences.
If you are interested in purchasing kiosks with AR technology, contact us for a free quote.
