Nothing worth having comes easily. This also holds true for AR wayfinding. With a reliable partner doing your implementation, however, you can rest assured that all the necessary work will be taken care of. Still, you’ll want to know what to expect during implementation.
This article explores what businesses should expect during the AR wayfinding implementation process, from initial deployment to post-launch operations.
- Initial Mapping Challenges
- Integration of Positioning Systems
- Software Development and Testing
- User Experience Design
- Training and Change Management
- Budget Adjustments
- User Adoption Rates
- Operational Adjustments
- Measuring ROI and Success
- Long-Term Scaling Opportunities
1. Initial Mapping Challenges
Creating a digital map of the venue is the first step in implementing AR wayfinding. This phase is critical but can also be complex. Expect the following:
- Comprehensive Space Analysis: Businesses must provide detailed floor plans, including measurements, floor transitions, and key landmarks. Spaces with irregular layouts or frequent changes may require iterative mapping.
- Mapping Technology: Technologies like LiDAR, 3D scanning, or manual data input are used to create detailed models. These tools can introduce costs and time commitments based on the venue’s size and intricacy.
2. Integration of Positioning Systems
Unlike outdoor GPS systems, indoor AR navigation requires specialized positioning technologies. Businesses should expect:
- Calibration Efforts: Beacons, Wi-Fi routers, or Visual Positioning Systems (VPS) need precise placement and fine-tuning to ensure accurate positioning.
- Maintenance Needs: Hardware like Bluetooth beacons may need regular power checks or replacements, especially in high-traffic or expansive venues.
- Initial Positioning Issues: Signal interference from walls, metallic objects, or crowd density can disrupt accuracy. Teams may need to address these problems dynamically.
3. Software Development and Testing
Building or integrating an AR wayfinding application involves significant software development. Expect:
- Customization: Applications must be tailored to specific environments, incorporating unique routes, emergency pathways, and branding elements.
- Iterative Testing: Testing AR positioning, content alignment, and user interface (UI) across various devices is critical. Bugs and misalignments may surface during this stage, requiring refinements.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensuring the solution works seamlessly on iOS, Android, and potentially AR wearables can extend development timelines.
4. User Experience Design
An intuitive user interface is essential for adoption. Businesses should expect:
- Design Cycles: Multiple iterations may be necessary to create an interface that is visually clear and easy to navigate.
- Accessibility Testing: Features like voice navigation, color contrast, and adjustable text size must be evaluated to accommodate diverse users.
- User Feedback: Early users will highlight pain points, guiding improvements before a full rollout.
5. Training and Change Management
Implementing AR wayfinding often requires training for staff and informing users about the new system. Expect:
- Employee Training: Staff must be familiar with the system to assist users and address common issues.
- User Education: Clear instructions, onboarding guides, and promotional materials are needed to encourage adoption.
- Resistance to Change: Some users may prefer traditional methods of navigation, necessitating a phased approach that combines AR with physical signage.
6. Budget Adjustments
While AR wayfinding can deliver long-term ROI, businesses should expect initial costs that may fluctuate. Common expenses include:
- Hardware Costs: Beacons, scanners, or AR-compatible devices might increase the budget beyond initial projections.
- Software Licensing: AR platforms like ARKit or ARCore may require licensing fees, along with potential custom software costs.
- Maintenance and Updates: Ongoing expenses for hardware upkeep, software updates, and re-mapping need to be factored in.
7. User Adoption Rates
It’s natural for user adoption to vary in the early phases. Businesses can expect:
- Initial Curiosity: Many users may try the system out of novelty, providing valuable early feedback.
- Learning Curve: Some users may find AR interactions unfamiliar or unintuitive at first, necessitating UI tweaks or additional tutorials.
- Gradual Adoption Growth: As users gain trust in the system’s reliability and accuracy, adoption is likely to increase.
8. Operational Adjustments
Once implemented, the AR system may require operational adjustments. Expect:
- Routing Updates: Changes in room layouts, temporary closures, or events will necessitate real-time updates to navigation paths.
- Data Management: Systems collecting user data must comply with privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). Regular audits and transparent policies are essential.
- Support Systems: Businesses may need a dedicated team or vendor support for troubleshooting and updates.
9. Measuring ROI and Success
Evaluating the effectiveness of the AR wayfinding solution involves tracking key metrics. Expect:
- User Engagement Data: Analytics on usage patterns, popular routes, and average time spent navigating can inform system improvements.
- Customer Satisfaction: Surveys and feedback forms can gauge the impact on user experience.
- Operational Efficiency Gains: Track reductions in staff workload, improved traffic flow, or other measurable benefits.
10. Long-Term Scaling Opportunities
Once an AR wayfinding solution is operational, businesses may discover opportunities for expansion and enhancement. Expect:
- Multi-Location Deployment: Success in one venue can lead to implementation across additional locations.
- Advanced Features: Integration with IoT devices, real-time crowd tracking, or predictive routing can enhance the system.
- Partnership Potential: Collaborating with other businesses or vendors to offer value-added services like promotions or guided tours.
To conclude…
By understanding these challenges before confronting them, businesses can better prepare for and navigate through the journey of AR Wayfinding deployment.
By choosing a great partner with a portfolio of successful deployments, you can trust all these considerations will be taken care of, leaving you to focus on your business.