Accenture Interactive reports Immersive Technology to reimagine online shopping experience

Accenture has announced a report revealing immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality and 3D content can enhance consumer purchasing confidence and increase online sales.

Produced by Accenture Interactive and based on a survey of more than 3,000 consumers across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, the report - “Try It. Trust It. Buy It.” - notes that the recent impact of COVID-19 has drastically shifted consumer behavior, with shoppers now embracing new immersive technologies related to online shopping. In fact, 47% of consumers said these technologies make them feel connected with products.

The report suggests that as companies increase their focus on these technologies - 64% of leading consumer brands are starting to invest in augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D content and 360-degree video - they should shift their thinking from investing in one-off experiences to driving scale and efficiency to these experiences. In fact, the research found that immersive experiences can boost consumer confidence in an online purchase by 4% globally.

Anurag Gupta, Managing Director and Lead - Strategy & Consulting, Accenture in India says, “The uptake of digital commerce in India has been accelerated by the pandemic and Indian consumers are now buying products across more categories online, providing brands a unique opportunity. Digital technologies such as conversational artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), 3D content and virtual reality (VR) can help brands create immersive experiences throughout the customer’s digital journey from awareness to engagement and finally commerce, driving online sales in innovative and affordable ways.”

The research found that consumers are ready for a revamped online shopping experience, with nearly half (47%) saying they would pay extra for a product if they could customize it or personalize it using immersive technologies. The study also found that consumers are open to purchasing more big-ticket items, such as cars and luxury goods, online.

Consumers also see immersive technologies as foundational for online shopping experiences in the future. For instance, three in five consumers (61%) said they would be more likely to buy from a brand that uses immersive technologies.

Among some of the report’s other findings:

More than half (48%) of consumers would better remember brands that regularly engage them with immersive technologies.

More than half (47%) of consumers said they are likely to engage with a product using immersive technologies if it provides personalized recommendations to suit their needs.

Methodology

Accenture Interactive surveyed 3,087 consumers across North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region who relied on immersive technologies to evaluate and/or purchase a product and/or service online over the previous six months.