Sign in to view
member only content

Brick and mortar stores still have a few benefits over web retailers, with the biggest being the ability for customers to try out products in a way they can't online. But they can't even offer that bonus if the items aren't currently in stock. We've already seen Poland's A+D use augmented reality to trial store designs through lifesize projections. Now Vizera is leveraging AR to enable customers to virtually visualize products in a range of different designs.

The company has developed a system that is able to detect objects and project various designs and textures onto their surface, and is initially applying it to upholstery. By pre-scanning furniture pieces, the Vizera projector can instantly identify them and configure itself to realistically project the digital designs. Using a tablet, customers or store clerks can simply choose from a range of different materials they'd like to try out. The material is then projected onto the product, creating a lifelike visualization of how it would look upholstered in the fabric.

The service enables retailers to demonstrate different styles for a single product without having to keep each variation in store. Customers also get a better idea of what the furniture will look like in their chosen material than if they are forced to use sample swatches.

Watch the video below to see a demonstration of the Vizera technology:

Vizera believes the system could also be applied in car and home showrooms to enable customers to preview other large products. Retailers can currently request a demo of the technology by contacting the company directly. How else can AR help to visualize products and spaces that don't actually exist?