COVID-19 Pandemic impact on VR and AR

“Virtual Reality”. Canva

Virtual and Augmented Reality are budding solutions to the global coronavirus pandemic for a variety of industries. COVID-19 has made ‘social distancing’ the norm, limiting any in-person interactions. Could this technology be a way to restore some normalcy in the retail space and beyond?

Difference between Realities: Virtual, Augmented, and everything in between. 

The reality of virtual reality and augmented reality is that many people do not know the differences. To break it down simply, virtual reality (VR) completely immerses the viewer into a new world, usually with a pair of thick goggles fitted with a screen. Once the Virtual Reality device is worn, the physical world disappears from view. Augmented reality (AR) keeps the viewer in the physical world but adds digital elements via the camera on a smart phone. Adding elements of both Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is Mixed Reality (MX). The umbrella term for all these technologies is extended reality (XR).  

Businesses using VR and AR during COVID-19 Pandemic 

COVID-19 has had a large impact on people and businesses. Going to the local mall, a seemingly simple errand, is no longer as simple with ‘stay at home orders’ and non-essential businesses closures. Many customers are hesitant to shop for non-essential items during a pandemic.

In order to stay afloat, many businesses have added a digital platform, converting to an online store. Taking it a step further, the use of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality can enhance the customer shopping experience.

Virtual Stores

Trying to keep the customer in-store experience alive, many retail stores have digitally transformed their physical stores to provide a 360-degree online shopping experience. The customer can explore  the store via their mouse instead of their feet. Little dots are placed throughout the store for more information and purchasing options.

“Try before you buy” (AR)

The perk of in store shopping is to touch and evaluate the products in person. The next best thing is to bring the products to your home, virtually. The “try before you buy” augmented reality experience allows you to see how a painting will look in a certain part of the home or even how a certain shade of eye shadow will look on your eyes. By seeing how a product can fit into a customer’s life has shown a higher likelihood of purchasing and reduced return rates.

Virtual Events and Tours

As we have been forced to limit large gatherings, innovations in Virtual reality have created the closest option to in-person events. The trade show and concert industry benefit from virtual participants with 360-degree live video feeds. People from all around the world can join large-scale events, removing the geographic limitations.

Cooperate Training

Virtual Reality corporate training will allow for new employees to have a hands-on approach to solving problems without in-person training. This practice of VR training has become commonplace for soldiers and even astronauts. With work from home being common, employee training virtually can be helpful.

 These innovations in extended reality are pushing the envelope for businesses and providing positive alternatives during pandemic times. Upstream has worked previously in the virtual reality space found here.