How can augmented reality improve communication in the workplace?

1 Boost collaboration and creativity

One of the main advantages of AR is that it can facilitate collaboration and creativity among employees, regardless of their location or time zone. AR can enable real-time sharing of visual data, feedback, and annotations, as well as immersive simulations and scenarios. For example, AR can help engineers, designers, and architects to collaborate on projects, visualize concepts, and test prototypes. AR can also help trainers, mentors, and coaches to provide guidance, support, and feedback to learners and employees, using interactive and engaging methods. AR can foster a culture of innovation and problem-solving, by allowing employees to experiment with different ideas and solutions, and to learn from each other.

2 Enhance learning and performance

Another benefit of AR is that it can enhance learning and performance of employees, by providing them with relevant and contextual information, as well as personalized and adaptive content. AR can help employees to access information and instructions on demand, without interrupting their workflow or requiring additional devices. For example, AR can help technicians, mechanics, and operators to perform complex tasks, by displaying step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and warnings on their AR glasses or helmets. AR can also help employees to improve their skills and knowledge, by offering them interactive and gamified learning experiences, that adapt to their level, pace, and preferences. AR can increase the retention and transfer of learning, by providing employees with realistic and practical scenarios, that mimic their work environment and challenges.

4 Overcome barriers and challenges

Despite the advantages of AR, there are some obstacles and difficulties that need to be addressed before it can be utilized effectively for workplace communication. Cost and availability are a major consideration, as AR technology is still expensive and not widely available, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. Usability and accessibility are also issues, as AR technology is still developing and not very user-friendly. Privacy and security risks must be taken into account, as well as potential resistance from employees or customers who may view it as intrusive or distracting. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to have compatible devices, software, and infrastructure that can be easily acquired and maintained. Adequate training and support must be provided to ensure that employees can use the technology properly and safely. Clear policies and guidelines must also be established to protect the privacy of employees and customers. Finally, effective communication and change management strategies must be implemented to ensure that employees understand the value of using AR.

5 Implement AR effectively

To leverage AR for workplace communication and increase employee engagement and productivity, you need to identify your goals and needs, choose the most suitable AR solution, design an effective and engaging experience, test and evaluate it, and improve and update it. Before investing in AR, you should assess your current situation and resources to see how it fits into your existing processes and systems. When deciding on the type, format, content, device, platform, and software of the AR experience, you should also consider the user, context, and purpose of the communication. After launching the AR experience, you must monitor its performance, usage, satisfaction level, as well as changes in AR technology and market. With these tips in mind, you can make sure that AR delivers the desired results and value.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?