Pokemon Go has taken over many people's day-to-day reality, creating what I coin "the new digital sense". This AR effect within Pokemon Go adds whole new layers to the world around us. Now, our phones become a sort of lens that uncovers another digital realm of possibilitoes that can become either a shared experience or unique to ourselves (and our mobile device).
Augmented reality has become the next great purveyor of the magical user experience and soon to be the greatest medium within brand engagement.
Here are the the top 10-ways AR will change how we interact with brands:
# 10.) The Virtual History and Museum: We tend to gather and collected history into shared spaces like museums and books. These spaces make it easier for everyone to experience and learn about major events that have shaped and molded our humanity.
“Suddenly, our phones become lenses into our past”
However, we all know that our historical events did not occurred within a museum - they took place elsewhere. Museums and books simply lack the appropriate visual context to truly relate to the event. The museum's displays, images, artifacts and remnants pale in comparison to a simulation of the actual event.
Furthermore, history unfolds all around us. We may not all live around Gettysburg, Philadelphia, San Antonio, or Washington DC, but every place has a story that should be told. AR virtual experiences of lesser known historical events would be easier and more cost effective to produce than erecting a new museum or display. Not to mention historical artifacts wouldn't be a necessity.
Artistic Portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg
Enter Augmented Reality - Instead of finding a Snorlax - Imagine a phone application that allows you to experience a virtual rendition of the Battle of Gettysburg while you walk around the battle fields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Suddenly, our phones become virtual lenses into our past.
This sort of experience would take history to a completely different realm, while providing opportunities to learn and experience the key events that have shaped our communities.
History would not be bound to a central building, but instead is opened up to the actual location of the event - context in history is everything. With this level of learning opportunity, we can better appreciate and experience our past and perhaps, even experience the stories of lesser known events of the area around us.
How could this become a business model for museums? Simply, charge per AR experience download. Passive income without the need to build and maintain a physical space.
What do you think? Leave a comment concerning your idea about how VR can create a better brand engagement.
Next Week #9...
-DBR
