Augmented Reality Strategy Guide 2024

+ Step-by-step AR strategy

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Today's insights include a step-by-step guide to implementing augmented reality in your organization, from conceptualization to evaluation. We'll also explore how engaging employees early on and utilizing effective change management methods can smooth the transition and maximize the benefits of this innovative technology.

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Insights πŸ‘€

  • Main Phases of implementation

  • Secondary Phases of implementation

  • Bits and Peaces

Read time: under 5 minutes

β€Ž INTRODUCTION β€Ž

Flowchart of an Implementation Process with five main phases: Requirements and Benefit Analysis, Conceptualization, Development, Deployment, and Evaluation. Includes secondary phases: Creating Experiences and Involving Employees, and Applying Change Management Methods.

Inserting the augmented reality tool within an organization requires a structured process characterized by the following primary and secondary phases: requirement analysis and benefits, conceptualization, development, deployment, and evaluation. Secondary to the first are the following phases: experience building, engaging the workforce, and using change management techniques. Other considerations may include essential roles and responsibilities in the process and costs attributed to the AR projects. This paper further elaborates on all the factors mentioned earlier, thereby giving clear guidelines to companies for the successful implementation of AR technology.

Flowchart depicting the five main phases of a project: Requirements and Benefit Analysis, Conceptualization, Development, Deployment, and Evaluation.

β€Ž STEP-BY-STEPβ€Ž β€Ž

1. Requirements and Benefit Analysis

Objective: Understanding and Interpreting the Value of AR

First, there is discovering the value AR can unlock in your business. It starts by getting insights into AR and looking inside its capabilities. See research on how other companies are using AR and the results they achieve. Additionally, look at the future trends in knowing whether AR matches the needs and challenges of a company. Reduce a program of works to deliver key objectives only should there be budget constraints. Seek potential benefits and present them to stakeholders - including those people who may sponsor the project in discussion. This stage is vitally essential for defining a clear vision and getting the support necessary to proceed further.

2. Conceptualization

Project plan flowchart with sections for Budget, Timeline, Scope, Success Criteria and Metrics, Deployment Model, Resource Allocation, and Data Collection Methods.

Objective: Plan Every Element of the Solution

As soon as stakeholders see and understand AR potential, the next step is to work out more detailed project planning. That must include:

  • Budget: Know precisely how much the start-up will cost and in which places exactly those financial resources can be allocated.

  • Timeline: Propose sensible milestones and deadlines.

  • Scope: Define what shall be included precisely according to the type of content and functionalities of the AR solution, and what means are considered successful-about how one's success can be measured for each of them.

  • Data Collection Methods: Plan how relevant data shall be collected that will be used for analyzing the performance of the solution.

  • Resource Allocation: Identify the human resources required and technical resources needed.

  • Hardware Selection: Select devices suitable for AR.

  • Deployment Model: Decide the number of hardware devices and their placement.

One is not aiming at producing final, polished documentation, but to think about every aspect related to its implementation to predict, and hence avoid, any possible pitfalls.

3. Development

Objective: Software Design and Testing

It is the phase of the actual creation of the AR solution in which programming, testing, debugging, and reprogramming are executed. The development also creates, animates, and refines assets such as 3D models and 360Β° videos. Output from this stage is functional software for AR-enabled devices and the media to be used.

4. Deployment

Objective: Introduce the Program to the Users

In this stage, the actual developed AR solution is released to the users. It includes the hardware setup and other necessary arrangements that will give the user an enabling experience. Make sure that the deployment plan, which was developed during the conceptualization stage, is referred to. Collect the respective data as feedback to evaluate the performance of the solution.

5. Evaluation

Objective: Analyzing the Data

On the contrary, after the deployment stage, the collected data are analyzed to understand the impact being done by the AR solution. Therefore, through this stage, it can understand what exactly would be identified as the outcomes for enhancing and making decisions based on the insight of how to proceed. Some problems are likely to be solved, but for some, the plan may have to shift, or the project may even have to end to tackle the problems. The assessment must be compatible with the intended goal and help to determine the significance of the problems and the appropriate solution to go for.

The five phases will guide the companies to adopt AR systematically, handle the challenges accordingly, and reap as many benefits as possible from this innovative technology.

Flowchart illustrating the main and secondary phases of AR project development. Main phases include Requirements and Benefit Analysis, Conceptualization, Development, Deployment, and Evaluation. Secondary phases involve Creating Experiences and Involving Employees, and Applying Change Management Methods.

β€Ž PARALLEL PHASES β€Ž

Creating Experiences and Involving Employees (Parallel to Phases 1-3)

Transparency Over Perfection 

Many companies wait until the idea has fully materialized before sharing with a team how to use new technologies. It might be the case that such behavior prevents valuable feedback or early ideas from employees. The success of AR and VR depends on its acceptance and use by the employees. Early and participative communication is essential.

Experience Days 

These are an excellent way to introduce AR and VR to your company. They allow employees to explore these technologies in a hands-on, playful manner. It’s important to involve a diverse group from different departments to get a wide range of perspectives.

  • Format: Experience Days can be held on-site or remotely (with necessary hardware shipped to participants beforehand).

  • Objective: The goal is to let participants experience AR and VR firsthand to understand their potential.

  • Activities: Provide a variety of applications to explore, such as games, productivity tools, 3D walkthroughs, or 360-degree videos.

Feedback and Participation

The feedback from Experience Day will help the company to identify potential problems and collect new ideas for AR and VR applications. Such feedback can identify possible early adopters and champions that will help in the deployment of the technology.

Applying Change Management Methods (Parallel to Phases 1-5)

Flowchart illustrating various change management methods.

Introducing AR and VR can significantly alter existing work processes and environments. Effective change management is essential for a smooth transition and employee acceptance. Here are some recommended methods:

  1. Consistent Communication: Transparent communication about the benefits and potential of AR and VR is crucial. Address employee concerns openly. If AR and VR are used in customer-facing roles, such as service, ensure that the value is clearly communicated to both employees and customers.

  2. Participation and Involvement: Actively involve employees in the implementation process through workshops, feedback sessions, and surveys. Co-creation workshops are particularly effective for developing new applications collaboratively. 

  3. Pilot Projects and Test Phases: Use pilot projects to test the impact of AR and VR on existing processes and environments. This allows employees to gain hands-on experience and provides valuable insights for larger-scale implementation.

  4. Training and Education: Provide training to equip employees with the necessary skills to use AR and VR effectively. This can include workshops, e-learning courses, and on-the-job training. 

  5. Gamification: Incorporate game-like elements to make learning and using AR and VR fun and engaging. Providing VR headsets for employees and their families to explore can also foster interest and acceptance.

  6. Change Agents and Key Users: Identify and train a group of key users or change agents who can champion the technology and assist their colleagues. These individuals can serve as first points of contact for questions and help spread success stories within the company. 

  7.  Specific Change Management Models: Utilize established models such as Kotter's 8-Step Change Model or the ADKAR Model (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) to guide the implementation process. These models provide structured approaches to managing change.

Flowchart illustrating the key roles, responsibilities, and costs of AR projects.

β€Ž THE ROLES β€Ž

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The introduction of AR and VR requires careful planning and coordination. Depending on whether you choose a standardized solution or a custom development, different roles will be necessary. Below is an overview of essential roles for a successful implementation:

  • Decision Makers/Sponsors: Define project goals, allocate resources, and approve changes.

  • Product Owner: Represents stakeholder interests, prioritizes requirements, and ensures the team delivers a valuable product.

  • Key Users: Provide domain expertise, validate solutions, and act as liaisons between the project team and end-users.

  • Project Manager: Plans, coordinates, and monitors the project, manages risks and resources, and ensures timely delivery.

  • PMO/Controlling: Supports project planning and control, monitors budget and timeline compliance.

  • Concept Designers: Create concepts and designs for the software product, including UI/UX and user interactions.

  • 3D Artists: Develop 3D models, textures, and animations for the VR/AR environment.

  • Architects: Design the technical structure and system architecture.

  • Developers: Program and implement software functionalities.

  • Testers: Conduct tests to ensure functionality, performance, and security.

  • Internal/External Communication: Facilitate communication within the project team and with external stakeholders.

  • Maintenance: Manage the ongoing operation and updates of the software.

β€Ž HOW EXPENSIVE β€Ž

Costs of AR Projects

The costs of implementing AR and VR can vary significantly based on the complexity and scope of the project. Here are some general cost considerations:

Software: 

  • Off-the-Shelf Solution*: Typically range from €25 to €50 per user per month. Some providers offer fixed pricing models or freemium versions.

  • Custom Developments: Simple custom solutions start around €50,000, while more complex applications can exceed €100,000. Integration with existing systems may incur additional costs. 

Content Creation:

  • In-House Development: Invest in training or hiring skilled content creators.

  • Outsourcing: Partner with agencies that provide the necessary expertise.

Hardware: 

  • Consumer Hardware: Prices are comparable to traditional IT equipment.

  • Business Editions: Offer better integration with IT infrastructure and meet industry-specific certifications, but are typically more expensive.

By carefully planning and managing the implementation process, involving employees from the start, and leveraging effective change management practices, companies can successfully introduce AR and VR technologies, unlocking their full potential and enhancing business operations.

β€Ž THAT’S A WRAP β€Ž

Implementing augmented reality in a company involves a series of structured phases: assessing needs and benefits, conceptualizing the project, developing and testing the software, deploying the solution, and evaluating its impact. Parallel to these stages, secondary phases focus on engaging employees and applying change management strategies to ensure seamless integration and acceptance. The process requires careful planning, from budgeting and resource allocation to training and feedback collection, highlighting the importance of communication and adaptation throughout the implementation.

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