The Potential of Augmented Reality in WordPress Development & Design

by Vipe Team in WordPress Development; Published on 22.06.2022 Last updated on 20.12.2022

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When it comes to the future of the web development world as well as its current state, a lot of articles on the Internet will tell you that, in recent years, we have witnessed a dramatic shift in the industry. The dramatic shift that most blog posts are referring to has a lot to do with augmented reality (AR) and its implementation in mobile applications and web development.

Is that really true, though – have we started building websites in an entirely different way than, say, 10 years ago? Well, no. However, we are definitely headed in that direction, but this isn’t a shift that can happen overnight.

Look, our WordPress Agency for Development understands the appeal of adding a dramatic flair when talking about emerging web development trends. Yet, we need to stay grounded in reality.

Tell us – do you employ augmented reality in the majority of your web design projects? Also, how many websites do you visit a day that utilise such immersive technology? While AR certainly made waves in the mobile app industry (especially with games such as Pokemón GO), web developers are still figuring out how to make the best use of AR in their projects.

Now, there is absolutely no question that augmented reality has the potential to truly enhance the user experience on the web. After all, our WordPress development agency believes there’s a reason why AR is considered one of the most important trends in the IT sector.

In fact, we have noticed that people are actively searching for information about how to make WordPress and AR work together. What’s more, according to Goldman Sachs, the AR/VR industry is expected to expand to $95 billion by 2025.

This is why we want to use this article to talk about everything AR-related but in the context of WordPress website development. Our WordPress development agency will explain just what web AR means and we’ll take a look at the obstacles that may be preventing web developers and designers from embracing this technology.

Of course, we’ll also discuss all of the benefits that augmented reality can bring to WordPress websites. Let’s go!

Augmented Reality Explained

Our WordPress Agency for Development reminds you that augmented reality (AR) is a technology that is used to alter the perception of our actual environment. This is achieved by placing a device (like a smartphone) between ourselves and the real world. Then, when we look through the device, we can see an altered environment with things that aren’t really there.

A great example of AR is Snapchat or Instagram filters and, of course, the 2016 Pokemón GO frenzy, when everyone was outside capturing Pokemón. So, AR uses aspects from both the actual and virtual worlds as well as real-time interactions to immerse you in a unique experience.

Our WordPress development agency can tell you that a Boeing researcher named Tom Caudell coined the term “augmented reality”. The phrase was originally used in reference to virtually controlling and steering machines to complete different training duties for Air Force pilots.

Another interesting trivia is that Julie Martin, a writer and producer, developed the first Augmented Reality Theatre Production in 1994. She utilised virtual objects, a graphics computer, and the Polhemus sensing system to project an environment in which the theatre dancers can immerse themselves.

How Does Web AR Work?

Our WordPress Agency for Development is a proponent of implementing AR in web projects because, when compared to wearable technology (that is mostly associated with VR), augmented reality has a lower risk of failures and errors. This makes it perfect for online businesses that wish to enhance the user experience in creative but also reliable ways.

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With web AR, users may use their webcams to view the physical world around them with added fabricated visuals and components placed over the real objects. This makes it possible for users to bridge the gap between the real and virtual worlds and participate in activities depending on their current location.

Our WordPress development agency can tell you that AR-based web applications can be created with the help of compatible solutions, such as React-360. This allows web developers to upload panoramic photos and videos to websites. Of course, with the mobile-first approach that most web development companies are embracing, AR will probably be widely employed in mobile UIs.

AR has proven to be most beneficial for advertisers and digital marketers since it gives them limitless options to showcase products and their benefits to users. Many renowned brands are already using AR to create a simulated web environment that encourages buyers to try out the product for themselves. This, of course, increases engagement.

Our WordPress Agency for Development likes web AR because this technology works with the tools that are already available on the web. Web AR is super convenient because:

You don’t have to download any apps.
You don’t need any special browser extension.
You don’t need a certain browser.

With web AR, all you need is an Internet connection. Contemporary desktop devices support AR capabilities, so you don’t need to invest in extra expensive equipment (we can’t say the same for VR).

Users can think of augmented reality as an in-built function that comes with their device of choice, which makes it logical for brands to invest in developing AR functionality for their websites and mobile apps. Internet users just need to open a link or a QR Code to begin the immersive experience.

Challenges of Implementing AR in Web Development

Now, when it comes to the challenges of implementing AR in web projects, our WordPress development agency wants to clarify that the problem does not lie in the implementation itself, but rather in the lacking awareness of the potential of the technology.

A lot of surveys have shown that there are still people who confuse augmented reality with virtual reality and can’t really tell the difference between the two. This is problematic because, as we already mentioned, AR has one significant benefit over VR and it is that you don’t need any expensive equipment (such as a headset) to enjoy it.

It all comes down to a broad misperception about the technology and what customers and developers can accomplish with it. Our WordPress Agency for Development has noticed that consumers still largely associate AR with gaming, cinema and television, or social media.

Of course, there are also many people who realise just how augmented reality may be useful in marketing and eCommerce. This means that web developers and business owners just need to do a better job at educating people about the potential of AR in web development.

Another challenge that AR is facing has to do with hardware issues. Earlier on, we said that AR has a significantly lower risk of errors when compared to VR, but as with any technology, problems may still arise.

Some of the most common web AR hardware issues that our WordPress development agency has noticed on websites are related to devices malfunctioning or troubles connecting to a local server. Additionally, content glitches may occur. These glitches can be in the form of 3D objects that don’t load properly or don’t work.

Of course, if everything is built and coded properly, the risks of malfunctioning should be kept at a minimum, so we suggest you entrust your web AR project to developers with extensive expertise.

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Benefits of AR in WordPress Development & Design + Use Cases

Our WordPress Agency for Development believes online businesses can benefit greatly from adopting AR on their websites. Here are some of the advantages you can experience when implementing augmented reality on your site:

Increased engagement rate and boost in conversion due to the more immersive and interactive content.
AR provides users with a memorable experience that can help your site stand out from the competition.
Virtually exploring products makes consumers more likely to buy from your website.

With that being said, let’s look at two specific examples of how AR can improve the user experience on your website.

1. Virtual Try-On for Clothing and Beauty Products

You probably wouldn’t be surprised if our WordPress development agency told you that one of the best use cases for augmented reality is the virtual try-on of products it can offer to online customers.

Despite the rise of online shopping in recent years, there are still many people who prefer physical stores where they can actually touch and try on the products before deciding to make a purchase.

So, if you run an online store that sells goods like apparel, cosmetics, or accessories, you risk losing customers if you don’t have a brick-and-mortar location. These issues can be successfully solved by implementing augmented reality on your website.

Our WordPress Agency for Development recommends AR to any business owner who wishes to allow the visitors of their website to be able to try on beauty products or apparel online. Here are some of the best practices you can follow to make the most of AR for your beauty/apparel store:

Include a live mode functionality, with which users can see the products applied to their faces while they move around.
Include a model mode functionality with which users can preview how products look on a model’s photo.
Include an ‘upload photo’ functionality with which users can snap a photo with their device’s camera and then apply products directly to the image.

2. 360-Degree Interactive Product Views for Home Decor and Electrical Appliances

If you sell electrical appliances, furniture and home decorations, then our WordPress development agency suggests you level up your online store by adding AR functionality to it. Interactive 360° views might be particularly handy for websites selling such goods.

Letting customers visually explore a product on their own is way better than simply giving them photos of that product (no matter how many different angles you’ve photographed it from).

eCommerce companies, for example, may employ this technology to assist their customers in getting a better idea of a product’s look and feel.

You can include a 360° view of your products within the standard photo and video gallery. Since this view is interactive, buyers will be able to examine it from all angles by dragging it around. Our WordPress Agency for Development reminds you that this is a way cooler experience than just passively gazing at static photos.

You might even take this further and allow your website’s visitors to explore both the exterior and interior of the products you’re selling (this can be done with cars, wardrobes, etc.).

Augmented Reality for WordPress

Now that you know just what augmented reality is, what are some of the technology’s biggest benefits and what are some of its use cases, you might be wondering how you can implement AR in your WordPress website. Thankfully, the CMS does not fall behind in terms of its readiness to embrace innovative trends, such as AR.

Our WordPress development agency can assure you that the platform is perfectly suitable for online stores that want to offer AR product visualisation through 3D models. There are some pretty good WordPress themes and plugins that are specifically created to cater to the needs of those who wish to use AR on their websites.

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*Check out our expert picks for some of the best WordPress plugins for augmented reality!

When choosing ready-made themes and plugins we advise you to always make sure that the developers behind them are doing regular updates. This will ensure the themes and plugins will continue to work hassle-free and will stay compatible with WordPress’ latest versions.

Of course, our WordPress Agency for Development is a proponent of custom-made solutions when it comes to integrating AR technology into your website. You should know that ready-made options usually have more limited functionality and they likely won’t be able to provide the highly specific features you require for your site.

So, it is always preferable to trust professional WordPress developers who can code everything from scratch or, alternatively, can modify ready-made themes and plugins to make them more in line with your unique vision.

If you’re wondering how AR and WordPress work together from a technological standpoint, our WordPress development agency should note that as AR becomes more and more used on the web (and not only on mobile devices), JavaScript will reign supreme.

JavaScript comes with a handy set of features that enable web developers to construct new augmented reality applications or add augmented reality views to existing ones.

Should You Add AR Functionality to Your WordPress Website?

With all that being said, the last question we need to answer is should you enhance your WordPress website with AR features? Is it really necessary, is this really the future?

Well, we don’t have a crystal ball with which we can peer into the future. However, our WordPress Agency for Development certainly believes that augmented reality has the amazing potential to add that little extra something to your website that will set you apart from everyone else on the market.

After all, many big companies have already included AR in their online stores, and the positive results from that are reflected in their increased sales and engagement. This proves that AR is far more than an overhyped trend.

Actually, augmented reality isn’t getting nearly enough attention simply because it isn’t pushed in the right way and to the right audience. Although web developers and designers are aware of the technology’s potential, it seems like business owners don’t know how to utilise AR to improve their websites.

Our WordPress development agency believes that if the context is right for your online business and you have the budget, you should definitely consider creating a more immersive and interactive experience for your customers.

The Future of AR for WordPress Website Development: The Bottom Line

And so, WordPress developers can use augmented reality to make the content on your site more immersive and interactive. This can increase the overall engagement and revenue you earn from your online store.

AR experiences are a great option for any business that wishes to present its brand story in a unique way. Alternatively, companies can use augmented reality to help their customers virtually explore a product in real-time.

Our WordPress Agency for Development believes it’s important for businesses to understand the value of AR now. The push toward Web 3.0 and the Metaverse has already begun and companies that become early adopters of the innovative technologies associated with the new web have the highest chance of making a splash and staying ahead of the competition.