6 use cases of brands applying VR to their business strategies

Brands are applying VR to their business strategies, here are six examples, from training to test driving a new car. 

Brands are applying VR to their business strategies, for example, Immersive Education's Apollo 11 but in VR

Virtual reality has made a significant impact on the business landscape. The introduction, adoption and advancement of VR technologies has changed the dynamic between the buyer and seller in fascinating ways, creating the need for applying VR to business strategies.

With VR, a company can connect with their consumers more directly, whether they’re showcasing a product or service, or even training an existing employee. VR has a broad spectrum of applications.

If a company has yet to invest in VR, they might fall behind their competition in the coming years. Many companies are beginning to view VR as a powerful business tool and are getting involved with the next generation of technology. Those that haven’t need to reevaluate their current plans, and apply VR to their business strategies.

Even if consumers don’t use the technology as often as their smartphone or laptop, having VR available can give a business owner a boost to their credibility and reputation. It reflects a progressive mindset and a willingness to embrace technology.

So what else can VR do, and how have companies employed it?

AR vs VR: it’s not a competition, the two are complimentary

AR vs VR? It shouldn’t be a competition. Both technologies have their own merits and should be worked in unison to create new customer and business experiences

1. Walmart – customer service training

Walmart employees need to handle a diverse variety of situations on a daily basis. Preparing them for high-stress situations in the virtual world can facilitate their training in an engaging way without any risk.

They’re able to learn more about their position without directly interacting with a customer, an attractive model for any company that has a focus on customer service.

2. Natuzzi – furniture showcase

Natuzzi is an Italian furniture brand that has blended virtual and augmented reality to display their products. A customer can visit their showroom in Madison Avenue to see what the furniture would look like in their own home without the need for movers or heavy lifting. They can mix, match and decorate to their satisfaction with very little input.

By providing this VR/AR experience, Natuzzi shows confidence and pride in their products while respecting a customer’s choices.

3. TopShop – fashion runway show

TopShop has provided another example of VR innovation through the Oculus. They’ve given a viewer front row tickets to their exclusive London Fashion Week runway show at their flagship store in London, a premier experience the customer can enjoy without ever leaving their home.
With a 360-degree panorama view and behind-the-scenes footage, TopShop has created something interesting, buzz-worthy and memorable.

4. Volvo – test drive

If a customer doesn’t have a car dealer nearby, but they’re still in the market for a vehicle, they can search online for attractive options from their brand of choice. That said, technology has afforded them new opportunities through the use of a virtual reality headset, enabling them to test drive a vehicle before they take it home.

Volvo created an app that allows the user to drive their XC90 SUV through the countryside. More than just a marketing tactic, the app is both a game and point of reference for consumers.

5. Mariott – travel & tourism

Marriott has found a new, tech-driven way to showcase their service for potential guests. They now have the option of engaging with the brand’s own virtual experience.

Consumers begin in a Mariott Hotel, leaving from that location to visit nearby landmarks, like a beach in Hawaii. The app itself is called The Teleporter, in reference to the user’s ability to teleport wherever they’d like to go. Marriot’s main idea is to convince more people to travel and stay at their hotels, using The Teleporter to generate interest in various locales.

6. Immersive Education – Apollo 11

The rising popularity of Immersive VR Education speaks to the true potential of VR and its lasting cultural significance. Through Immersive VR Education, a consumer is able to view the entire 1969 Apollo 11 Mission and moon landing through their choice of headset.

It’s a way to take the technology beyond conventional branding opportunities. Whether the viewer wants to take a tour of a new building design or ride a roller coaster at a theme park, it’s clear that VR has a wide range of applications.

The significance of VR to a business strategy

Companies in the entertainment industry can host a live VR show of a concert. Factory managers can conduct real-time safety training for employees.BProfessors can teach their students in the field without leaving the classroom, and even a B2B company can benefit through the many applications of VR technology. Executives can pitch new ideas and show renderings of their designs to clients on the other side of the globe as if they were in the same room.

Written Bt: Kayla Matthews