Crucial Considerations Before Implementing AR Wayfinding

Despite the enormous benefits, implementing an AR wayfinding solution is not a simple task. Businesses must carefully evaluate technical, operational, and user-centric aspects to ensure success.

Below are the key considerations to address before adopting this innovative technology.

1. Define Clear Objectives
2. Understand Your Space and Audience
3. Evaluate Technology Options
4. Prioritize User Experience
5. Integration with Existing Systems
6. Plan for Maintenance and Updates
7. Address Privacy and Security
8. Budget and ROI Considerations
9. Test and Iterate
10. Plan for the Future

1. Define Clear Objectives

AR wayfinding solutions can serve multiple purposes—improving user experience, reducing reliance on staff for directions, or enhancing operational efficiency. Identifying the primary goal helps tailor the solution to meet specific needs. For example:

• Airports may focus on reducing passenger stress and ensuring timely gate arrivals.
• Industrial Facilities can face daily challenges with new employees or visitors. 
• Malls may prioritize data collection on their visitors, to generate insights about shopper behaviour.
• Museums which cycle their exhibits may place more emphasis on ensuring the system is readily editable.

Whatever your objectives, make sure they are clearly defined and prioritized before configuring your indoor navigation system.

2. Understand Your Space and Audience

Space Analysis

Different environments present unique challenges for AR wayfinding. The right technology depends on several factors. Key questions include:

• Considerations of space
  • How large and complex is the environment?
  • Are there multiple floors or similar-looking areas that might confuse users?
  • What is the foot traffic density, and does it vary by time or location?
• Considerations of audience
  • What are the demographics/psychographics?
  • What is their purpose in the space?
  • How tech-savvy are they?

Only once you have clear documentation on your space and its audience will you be able to write a suitable specification for your indoor navigation needs.

3. Evaluate Technology Options

Implementing AR wayfinding requires a combination of hardware and software. Businesses should consider the following components:

Positioning Technology. Since GPS is ineffective indoors, you'll choose from alternative methods like:

• Beacon-based systems: Use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for accurate positioning but require physical installation and maintenance.
• Wi-Fi Positioning: Relatively low cost but less accurate compared to other methods.
• Visual Positioning Systems (VPS): The most advanced option, offering camera-based navigation. Requires high-quality mapping.

AR Platform. Evaluate whether to use an existing AR platform (e.g., ARKit for iOS or ARCore for Android) or custom-built software. Factors to weigh include:

• Scalability
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Integration with existing apps or systems
• Bespoke needs

Hardware Requirements - Will the system be used on smartphones, tablets, or AR wearables like smart glasses? Each option has implications for user experience and cost.

Choosing the right technological foundation for your AR Wayfinding solution is key. For a deeper dive on the available tech, check out The 5 Best AR Wayfinding Technologies On The Market Right Now.

4. Prioritize User Experience

For AR wayfinding to be effective, users must find it intuitive and reliable. Key aspects to consider include:

• Ease of Use: The system should require minimal learning. Simple gestures or voice commands can reduce friction.
• Accuracy: Directions and positioning must be precise to build trust in the system.
• Visual Design: The interface should clearly display paths, landmarks, and transitions without overwhelming users.
• Accessibility: Ensure the system meets the needs of diverse users, including multilingual or visual communications.

Ultimately, your solution will not create any ROI if users don't adopt it after deployment. See also: 5 Steps to Maximize the Benefits of AR Wayfinding After Deployment

5. Integration with Existing Systems

AR wayfinding works best when integrated into broader digital ecosystems. Businesses should ensure compatibility with:

• Building management systems for up-to-date floor plans.
• Event scheduling platforms to guide attendees to meetings or events.
• Customer apps to offer a seamless experience, from navigation to additional services like notifications or feedback collection.

Having these systems in mind from the start will allow easier integration later.

6. Plan for Maintenance and Updates

AR wayfinding solutions require regular updates to remain effective. These include:

• Map Updates: Changes in the layout or use of space should be reflected promptly.
• Hardware Maintenance: Beacons, cameras, or other devices need periodic checks and servicing.
• Software Updates: Ensure compatibility with evolving operating systems and user devices.

A dedicated team or reliable vendor partnership is crucial for ongoing support. Make sure you factor these post-deployment activities into your plan, to avoid nasty surprises further down the line.

7. Address Privacy and Security

AR wayfinding systems often collect user data, including location and navigation behavior. Businesses must prioritize:

• Data Privacy: Comply with regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Ensure that data collection is transparent and user-consent-driven.
• System Security: Safeguard against cyber threats that could disrupt services or compromise user data.

This data can be very valuable for businesses seeking deeper insights on their customers, so handling it correctly will be key.

8. Budget and ROI

The cost of AR wayfinding includes upfront investments in hardware, software development, and deployment, as well as ongoing maintenance. To justify the expense, businesses should calculate potential returns, such as:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Reduced staffing costs for providing directions and other operational support
• Increased efficiency in operations (e.g., improved traffic flow)

Pilot programs or case studies can help evaluate or estimate ROI. Of course, having a solid plan to maximize the value of your solution is key. See also: 5 Steps to Maximize the Benefits of AR Wayfinding After Deployment.

9. Test and Iterate

Don't expect perfection from the moment of inception. AR wayfinding solutions are complex and may require fine-tuning post-launch.

Choose a product with demonstrated success in similar contexts, or conduct thorough testing in real-world conditions to identify issues with accuracy, user interface, and system performance. Collect feedback from early users and make improvements. Be prepared to iterate over these steps until things work as you envisioned them.

10. Plan for the Future

AR technology is evolving rapidly, and businesses should implement solutions with scalability and adaptability in mind. Future advancements might include:

• AI-enhanced navigation: Personalized routes based on user behavior.
• Multi-user functionality: Shared navigation for groups.
• Integration with IoT: Real-time updates from sensors (e.g., detecting room availability or traffic).

Choosing a solutions partner with a passion for staying on the cutting-edge of technological advancements should help businesses to leverage any new breakthroughs in augmented reality or indoor navigation.

Bringing It All Together

While AR wayfinding has immense potential for many contexts, its implementation requires strategic planning, a clear understanding of user needs, and meticulous attention to technical and operational details.

By addressing these crucial considerations correctly, we can be confident to unlock the full potential of AR wayfinding.

Still unsure which type of AR Wayfinding solution is best for you? Take our quiz.