Is the Future of Shopping VR? By Clare Bittourna, Codal Inc
______________________________________________________ Going to a store to shop or even browsing online may soon come to an end. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has the power to transform, and is starting to change consumers shopping experience. Working at an ecommerce mobile app development agency we constantly see new technologies changing the way people shop. Not only does VR let consumers view products in a unique way, in some cases it takes them to another world. These are some examples of how the future of shopping will be changed and transformed by VR, as well as some of the brands that are already testing the new waters. Some car companies like Lexus are now allowing customers to use VR to test drive a car around a race track. Instead of sitting in the actual luxury car behind the wheel, VR lets the customer see how fast the car goes, look at the interior/exterior and learn about features. This is a great, convenient way for customers to see new models, test them out, and see what the car has to offer. Trying on or testing merchandise using VR helps customers see product in context. One area where VR is impacting the eCommerce industry is by helping customers visualize the product their looking at and how much physical space the product will take up. Ecommerce web design in usa like IKEA has a VR app and website that helps shoppers visualize how the
furniture would actually look in their living room, bedroom, office, etc. Through this app shoppers can change products, switch colors and sizes, and see how different pieces of furniture will complement each other. Because of this, VR can help consumers in their product searches and speeds up the purchase process. VR helps customers be able to take creative reign and make custom orders based on their imagination. In past years, creating a custom order used to be a time consuming task. Nike’s Makers’ Experience combines AR, object tracking and AI and IoT as well as digital signage to allow a customized, unique design to appear on a pair of shoes that the customer designed. As soon as an hour later, the customer can even go pick up the finished product and walk away with a totally customizable product. Lastly, Tommy Hilfiger has recently been making headlines in VR through letting customers experience the high end runway show via virtual reality. Not everyone, barely anyone actually can afford a front row seat to a popular fashion show in real life. Through VR, people have been able to explore backstage, see the models up close. This experience is only available in a few Tommy Hilfiger stores for now, but guests can see clothes virtually on the runway before the hassle of trying them on in a fitting room in real life. In a few years, AI tech will completely change the way that people shop for specific items (if it hasn't already). Consumers will virtually be able to "try before they buy" making it easier and more efficient to online shop.
As a ux design company and mobile app development chicago based agency, we have seen many instances of VR and AR coming into play. Virtual reality can be used in so many ways to alter how customers interact with products and brands and its really starting to take off. As technology continues to develop, we’re definitely going to see more and more ways that VR transforms future shopping experiences for consumers. Looking for more insight on UX design services? Are you wanting to develop an app or website and you need to know more information on how this web development agency chicago based company is? Visit Codal’s blog, or come talk to us here! We’d love to hear from you.