We saw the world change in unexpected and significant ways during yet another year of the pandemic. Following the great challenges we’ve all faced since the spread of Covid-19 began, many businesses suffered from a massive drop in industry spending. 2021 was a year of slow recovery.
According to GlobalData, the AR market (worth $7bn in 2020) will generate revenues of $152bn by 2030. Consumers have become accustomed to all-digital brand experiences and lockdowns forced us into our homes and onto our phones.
With brands spending more on immersive digital innovation, we’re expecting to see a lot more businesses leveraging the use of AR and VR technology in 2022.
While companies are moving towards the new quarter with cautious optimism, we are taking a look at some of the augmented reality and virtual reality trends driving innovation in the creative industry. Remember, if you want to burst into augmented digital experiences for your audiences, Talenthouse boasts a community of hundreds of 3D, AR, and VR creators who are waiting to spin up innovative content that you just won’t get anywhere else. Click here to get in touch.
AR/VR practical uses in business today
AR and VR devices appear to be moving in the direction of more realistic business applications. Thanks to the easy access of more complex systems like the Oculus Rift, which is paired with 360 cameras, virtual reality experiences are gradually finding new pathways into our lives. Virtual reality has a variety of commercial applications, ranging from real estate to tourism.
An example of great use of this technology is ASOS - one of the biggest online fashion retailers. ASOS created a feature called ‘See My Fit’ offering customers the option to see how clothes fit on 16 different models sizes 4 to 18, in a realistic-looking setting. The AR models are seen walking and moving around in various outfits, allowing consumers to see how different sizes fit various body types and providing a more realistic impression.
With this, ASOS is aiming to assist buyers in finding the proper fit while also addressing the widespread issue of item returns.
Publishers and broadcasters are also increasing their innovative ways of communicating to their audiences. The New York Times has launched an Instagram-driven augmented reality program that allows users to access and interpret New York Times articles on the social media platform, as part of a newly-announced collaboration between the two companies. Their team has developed augmented reality filters and effects using Facebook’s platform "Spark AR Studio." Instagram users can interact with the filters and effects on the New York Times’ Instagram account profile page, under the effects tab.
Screenshots from the NYT's Instagram filters about pollution
VR gadgets are predicted to become even more comfortable long-wear in 2022, with upgraded optics for improved text clarity. There’s work already in place to create immersive VR experiences for workplaces, displaying avatars that reflect our genuine expressions - allowing you to be yourself in your workspace as many workers remain remote.
Sustainability will be a big trend in the AR and VR space in the coming year. As businesses are trying to reduce their carbon footprint, many will be looking for innovative technologies to try to reach net-zero goals. Companies such as Ford, Adidas, and Volkswagen have already realized this and begun adopting VR within their processes.
Talenthouse Creatives are ready to innovate for your business
The number of Talenthouse creatives specializing in AR/VR and 3D animation has been growing in recent months. There are now more than 1000 creatives in our community who are producing immersive and innovative designs with augmented reality in mind. We’ve seen our creative talent bringing their imagination to life with immersive designs, AR filters, and experiences for companies across various industries.
We’re extremely excited about the future of augmented reality, not only how it’s going to change our everyday lives, but also the impact it will have on the world of art and creativity. Talenthouse creatives have already worked on some really inspiring projects integrating AR. For example, a collaboration between Talenthouse and Snap. Inc. saw creatives submitting visually stunning AR experiences in Lens Studio.
Additionally, Warriors teamed up with Talenthouse and called on our creatives to design an immersive and playful lens inspired by Warrior Cats. The client had over 90 submissions to choose from with some playful and interactive augmented reality filters.
Credit: Santiago Mesa, winner of Coolabi Warrior Cats brief
Now is the perfect time for brands and businesses to make a move into AR. Whether it’s creating a custom filter for your product, spinning up a Snapchat lens, or creating a public AR installation, there are no barriers to what can be created. Start small with Talenthouse, or go as big and bold as you like!
Get on board with AR/VR before your competitors do. Contact us today to discuss your options.
