As a veteran of the immersive technology industry, I’ve seen firsthand how AR and VR have evolved from niche to mainstream. In the early days the biggest hurdle to getting users to experience your AR or VR creation was to get people to download apps. Thankfully as time passed some great strides were made and web-based AR/VR went from proof of concept to ready for business and commercial use.
It’s been a game-changer in the immersive space, offering benefits that native applications can’t match. From frictionless entry for end users to reducing the barriers for creators, and overall making XR more affordable for businesses to launch immersive activations. Web-based AR/VR enables creators to take their audiences on new immersive journeys.
In this post, I want to share my thoughts on why web-based AR/VR is the future of immersive experiences, and how it’s changing the way creators approach building these experiences.
The Benefits of Web-Based AR/VR
When it comes to AR/VR, web-based immersive experiences have several advantages over native applications. Beyond the obvious of not having to download an app, webXR is much more budget friendly for creators and brands as it does not require knowledge of advanced software like Unity and Unreal, or require reviews and approvals from 3rd parties like on App Stores and Social Media.
WebXR also offers greater flexibility in terms of content delivery and scalability. Unlike native apps, web-based AR/VR is not tied to specific devices or operating systems. This means creators can deliver their experiences to a wider audience without having to worry about compatibility issues. It also means that they can scale their experiences more easily without having to develop separate versions for different platforms.
Within the webXR space, there are quite a few great no-code tools for creators and brands to launch AR/VR experiences easier and faster than before. One great example is webXR.tools, a no-code AR/VR platform for 3D creators. With webXR.tools, creators can build a variety of AR/VR experiences without the need for technical expertise. This platform democratizes the creation of AR/VR content and makes it accessible to a wider range of creators.
A Changing Approach to Building Experiences
Web-based AR/VR is not just changing the way audiences experience immersive content, it’s also revolutionizing the way creators approach building these experiences.
One of the key benefits of web-based AR/VR is its flexibility and agility. allows creators to be more nimble and responsive to changing market conditions. They can quickly iterate on their experiences and make changes without having to go through the lengthy app store review process. This agility also means that smaller teams who have design and web developers but may not have the resources to build native apps can still create immersive experiences that rival those of larger brands.
Platforms such as webXR.tools are democratizing the creation of AR/VR content by offering no-code tools for creators and small teams to build immersive experiences without the deep technical expertise. This is a game-changer for businesses looking to create innovative experiences but were previously unable.
Examples of webXR campaigns
Nestle: AR Web Banner
Nestle launched an AR web banner in 2020 to promote its KitKat chocolate bar. The banner used AR technology to allow users to interact with a virtual KitKat bar, creating a fun and engaging experience.
The campaign was successful in driving brand engagement and awareness, with a 20% increase in click-through rates compared to traditional web banners. It was also successful in driving sales, with a 50% increase in online purchases of KitKat bars.
Toyota: WebVR Experience
Toyota launched a WebVR experience in 2019 to promote its Corolla model. The experience allowed users to explore the car in virtual reality, and provided a unique and immersive way to learn about its features.
The campaign was successful in generating interest and buzz around the Corolla model, with over 60,000 views of the WebVR experience. It was also successful in driving sales, with a 370% increase in dealership visits compared to traditional advertising.
Christian Louboutin: XR Product Visualization
Christian Louboutin launched a virtual try-out experience in 2022 using webXR.tools. The experience allowed users to explore a 3D version of the shoe in their browser with a button to view in AR.
The campaign ran in Italy and helped solidify AR as a core channel for Teads, the ad network that delivered the campaign. The View in Store button received a 3% CTR, which was a 3x increase as compared to their traditional advertisements.
Coach webXR
Coach has launched multiple XR activations over the years. In late 2020 they launched a their first web based virtual reality pop-up shop for their collaboration with Disney & the Keith Haring Foundation. Visitors could move through a 3D wonderland, with a mix of shoppable products and more information about the campaign.
The campaign ran in 7 countries and with localization for each geography, and sold out within the first few days. Customers who visited the experience spent an average of 16% more per order, with a 20% lower return rate vs customers of only the e-commerce store.
Web is XR’s Future
As the world continues to shift towards more immersive digital experiences, it’s clear that web-based AR/VR is the future. Whether you’re a business looking to engage with your customers in new and exciting ways or an individual interested in exploring the possibilities of immersive technology, now is the opportune time to explore and utilize web-based AR/VR tools such as webXR.tools.
Start exploring the world of web-based AR/VR and unlock the full potential of immersive experiences!