Augmented Reality Driving the Retail Revolution

Zappar’s Augmented Reality technology platform ZapWorks is enabling innovative WebAR retail experiences for Samsung Mobile customers.

The word’s biggest brands are embracing AR technology to enhance their products and engage users with truly interactive experiences. One interesting example of this was Samsung’s recent launch of its new Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, and the new Watch4 series.

The global telecoms giant chose to leverage these important product launches with in-store AR experiences, where scannable QR codes let customers experience these new devices and what they have to offer while they are making their purchasing decision.

Key to the success of this campaign is a shift away from focusing on the device’s features and onto the experiences and advantages they offer. With the average time spent in the AR clocked at 3.5 minutes, it’s clear customers are really engaging with these Samsung product experiences.

WebAR is the Future of Retail

Belgian Content Marketing agency HeadOffice partnered with AR studio PLAYAR and UK-based Augmented Reality company Zappar, which ran the experience in its WebAR ZapWorks platform. All this immersive tech expertise converged to create an experience that truly puts the user front-and-centre in the discovery of the new foldables.

This is a revolutionary use of Zappar’s WebAR technology, which leverages Augmented Reality storytelling to bring these new Samsung foldables to life. They were created with the company’s AR platform, ZapWorks which actively helps customers visualize how these devices will enhance their lives. And the resulting engagement figures speak for themselves:

“We’re really excited with the in-store responses we’ve gotten,” says Nathan Grotard, retail marketeer at Samsung Belgium. “The average time spent in the experience is over 3 minutes, which means customers really get into the AR experience.”

The scannable QR codes were communicated through screens, wobblers, and spec cards, new in 850 stores spread out over Belgium, Luxemburg, and the Netherlands, as well as newsletters, print advertising, and out-of-home advertising near bus stops.

“The Samsung experience clearly demonstrates how innovative brands are getting ahead in the new retail revolution, driving a more seamless and engaging product experience online and in-store,” says Max Dawes, Managing Director at Zappar.

A Spectrum of Augmented Reality Experiences

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, the multitasking productivity powerhouse, focuses on a seamless unrivalled performance. HeadOffice created three user experiences that show that device owners can watch, work and play in any situation. From the location where the QR code is scanned, they are being transported to a beach, a hotel lounge and their living room.

As for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, the agency embraces the lifestyle of the trendsetter target audience. Capturing their lives on the go, it showcases the advantages of a pocket-size stand-alone smartphone by telling small stories by the pool or in the park with 3D objects.

Last but not least, for the Galaxy Watch4 series (Watch4 and Watch4 Classic), they transport the users to a tennis court or on a bicycle, and demonstrate how the Galaxy Watch4 can check your body composition and blood pressure.

Bas Gezelle, strategy lead at PLAYAR Studio, commented that “The design and user experience of both foldables are excellent and that is brought to life in the AR experience. A seamless high-end experience where the product is discovered through interactive storytelling.”

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G AR experience shows that device owners can watch, work and play in any situation, transporting customers to a beach, a hotel lounge and their own living room. As for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, the AR showcases the advantages of a pocket-size stand-alone smartphone by telling small stories by the pool or in the park with 3D objects. And last but not least, the Galaxy Watch4 series AR transports users to a tennis court and onto a bicycle, and demonstrates how the Galaxy Watch4 can check your body composition and blood pressure.

Alice Bonasio is a technology journalist, communications consultant and Tech Trends’ Editor in Chief. Connect with her on LinkedIn and follow @alicebonasio and @techtrends_tech on Twitter.