On February 2, 2023, JigSpace and the VR/AR Association brought together leaders from across the globe to explore how augmented reality (AR) can transform the customer experience.
Here, a panel of experts led by Tom Ffiske – a leading authority on the metaverse and immersive technology – shared key learnings and experiences from early adopters of 3D/AR technology. The panel comprised David Ripert from Poplar Studio, Yannick Boers from Boldly-XR, and our very own Madeleine Clunies-Ross.
Below, we’ve compiled the 5 key learnings from our panel of industry experts.
Lesson 1: People need to see it to believe it
"How do we get a company that’s accustomed to doing things a certain way to come along for the ride?"
Yannick Boers, Boldly-XR
Many companies are still unfamiliar with AR, or are unaware of just how accessible the technology has become. This can make securing buy-in particularly challenging for innovators who are looking to get their leadership team onboard with immersive solutions.
Showing a real example that allows people to see the possibilities of AR for themselves is key to inspiring buy-in. After seeing their own products, ideas, or processes as 3D assets, leaders can experience an ‘oh wow!’ moment where they can begin to see the potential for AR to become a game changer for their organization.
Lesson 2: Create clear goals and metrics for success
Another important step in securing customer buy-in is to quantify the value of immersive technologies by setting goals and having clear metrics to improve upon.
Providing clear facts, figures, and results allows innovators to show their colleagues how much they stand to gain from the technology. Knowing what problem you’re trying to solve and how augmented reality can solve it also enables your team to see exactly where immersive technologies fit into their business strategy.
"Start with the business problem you’re trying to solve. And get clear on the outcome you’re trying to drive."
Madeleine Clunies-Ross, JigSpace
Lesson 3: Seize the opportunity in a challenging economic environment
Early adopters of 3D & AR technology can do more than just survive in a challenging economic environment, they can thrive in it.
Currently faced with high inflation and job uncertainty, many consumers are being forced to limit their spending on non-essential purchases. At the same time, companies are looking to minimize their costs and build greater efficiency into their operations. This creates a unique opportunity for companies to focus on value-driven use cases, not just novelty filters.
"The focus will be on technology that delivers true utility and efficiency while helping companies save money."
David Ripert, Poplar Studio
As tech companies continue to innovate, businesses from all sectors stand to benefit greatly from the opportunities that emerge. Technologies such as JigSpace, offer a low-cost, easy to use, and highly accessible alternative to physical product demonstrations and trade show presentations – particularly for companies experiencing supply chain issues.
Companies who can leverage the inherent flexibility and cost-effectiveness of advanced technologies such as AR will be better positioned to thrive in even the most challenging economic environment.
"Immersive software is more cost effective than transporting heavy machinery around — especially when there’s supply chain challenges."
Madeleine Clunies-Ross, JigSpace
Lesson 4: Prepare for seismic shifts in the technology landscape
With adoption of smartphone technology nearing saturation, there’s tremendous pressure on hardware companies to find the ‘next big thing’. Our panelists predict that immersive technology will be the next leap forward.
"We think there’ll be a massive immersive technology wave, bigger than the one we had when smartphones were first introduced."
Yannick Boers, Boldly-XR
Smartphone and tablet users number in their billions, and with all the latest models boasting powerful AR capabilities, the technology couldn’t be more accessible. This puts AR in a unique position to become the new platform of choice for mobile users across the globe. Developments in new technology, such as VR headsets, also stands to revolutionize the industry. In the future, we hope to see headsets and AR glasses used with the ease and convenience of smartphones – perhaps one day even replacing them entirely.
Businesses who want to thrive in an immersive future will need to be adaptable, and prepare themselves for major changes in the technology landscape by experimenting with these advanced technologies before they become standard practice in the workplace.
Lesson 5: Start prototyping today
"Prototype as fast as you can."
Yannick Boers, Boldly-XR
Leading the charge in an AR-driven future means learning as much as you can as early as you can.
Virtually every modern manufacturing process is CAD-led, meaning 3D models are being produced somewhere along the supply chain. Get your hands on these models and start prototyping now to discover what you can do with the technology. The sooner you familiarize yourself with how it works, the greater advantage you’ll have as adoption increase.
Unlock the power of immersive technologies today
Want to explore the possibilities of 3D & AR technology for yourself? Download the app today to get started with JigSpace.
