Learn how AR and VR can help or hinder retail workers in different scenarios. Compare the benefits and drawbacks of using these technologies for employee development and teamwork.

There is no doubt that augmented reality is very useful in the training sector because it allows for much more versatile and eye-catching learning. It is true that until recently AR also had some drawbacks, such as the cost and complexity of developing and maintaining augmented reality content. But technology is advancing at breakneck speed. That's why right now anyone without programming skills can create professional AR experiences thanks to low-code or even no-code tools at affordable prices. About compatible devices and software, nowadays almost everyone has a smartphone that allows us to enjoy AR experiences seamlessly thanks to Web AR technology.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using AR and VR for employee training and collaboration in retail?

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are technologies that can create immersive and interactive experiences for users. In retail, they can be used for various purposes, such as enhancing customer engagement, showcasing products, and providing personalized recommendations. But what about the benefits and drawbacks of using AR and VR for employee training and collaboration in retail? In this article, we will explore how these technologies can help or hinder retail workers in different scenarios.

1 AR for employee training

AR can overlay digital information and guidance on top of the real-world environment, making it a useful tool for employee training. For example, AR can help new hires learn how to operate equipment, navigate the store layout, or perform tasks such as inventory management or customer service. AR can also provide feedback and assessment to help employees improve their skills and performance. However, AR also has some drawbacks, such as the cost and complexity of developing and maintaining AR content, the need for compatible devices and software, and the potential for technical glitches or user errors.

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Inés Cibrián Barredo

Product Marketing Manager – Realidad Aumentada (Web AR)
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There is no doubt that augmented reality is very useful in the training sector because it allows for much more versatile and eye-catching learning. It is true that until recently AR also had some drawbacks, such as the cost and complexity of developing and maintaining augmented reality content. But technology is advancing at breakneck speed. That's why right now anyone without programming skills can create professional AR experiences thanks to low-code or even no-code tools at affordable prices. About compatible devices and software, nowadays almost everyone has a smartphone that allows us to enjoy AR experiences seamlessly thanks to Web AR technology.

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2 VR for employee training

VR can create a simulated environment that can mimic real-world situations or scenarios, making it a powerful tool for employee training. For example, VR can help employees practice dealing with difficult customers, handling emergencies, or collaborating with remote teams. VR can also offer a safe and controlled space for employees to learn from their mistakes and experiment with different solutions. However, VR also has some challenges, such as the high initial investment and maintenance costs, the possible side effects such as motion sickness or eye strain, and the lack of social and physical cues that can affect communication and engagement.

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3 AR for employee collaboration

AR can enable employee collaboration by allowing them to share and access digital information and resources in real time, regardless of their location. For example, AR can help employees communicate with each other or with experts, access product or customer data, or visualize and modify designs or plans. AR can also enhance employee creativity and innovation by enabling them to co-create and test new ideas or concepts. However, AR also has some limitations, such as the dependency on internet connectivity and bandwidth, the privacy and security risks of data sharing, and the possible distraction or disruption of the real-world environment.

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Carlos González González

Co-founder & Head of Partnerships @ Onirix | Strategy, Growth & Innovation | Improving efficiency in operations and training with AR
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Another use related to this topic with respect to AR, and which is becoming more and more trendy, would be the use of experiences to promote valuable information in the first stages of a new employee in a company. Especially for the facilities, offices, meeting rooms, or even security training, are often a common denominator in employee onboardings. Thanks to AR experiences, it is possible to create not only training processes for this set of activities, where the new employee can freely explore his or her environment, but also to offer interaction and reward dynamics, to promote the rapprochement between employees and the company's values. Undoubtedly a tool to be taken into account by the human resources staff of tomorrow.

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4 VR for employee collaboration

VR can facilitate employee collaboration by creating a shared virtual space where they can interact and work together, regardless of their location. For example, VR can help employees conduct meetings, presentations, or workshops, participate in brainstorming or problem-solving sessions, or experience different perspectives or cultures. VR can also foster employee engagement and trust by creating a sense of presence and immersion, as well as providing feedback and recognition. However, VR also has some drawbacks, such as the need for compatible and comfortable devices and software, the difficulty of replicating the nuances and emotions of human communication, and the possible isolation or detachment from the real-world environment.

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5 AR vs VR for retail

Both AR and VR have their advantages and disadvantages for employee training and collaboration in retail. The choice of which technology to use depends on various factors, such as the learning objectives, the content, the audience, the budget, the infrastructure, and the evaluation methods. In general, AR can be more suitable for providing contextual and practical guidance and support, while VR can be more suitable for providing immersive and experiential learning and interaction. However, both technologies can also complement each other, as well as other traditional or digital methods, to create a blended and holistic approach to employee development and teamwork.

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Carlos González González

Co-founder & Head of Partnerships @ Onirix | Strategy, Growth & Innovation | Improving efficiency in operations and training with AR
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What is clear is that it depends very much on the objective pursued with a dynamic, to make the decision on the type of technology to implement. In AR, even Web AR (AR for browsers) based solutions can be more effective. They help to access accessible information more immediately (a simple link or QR) and remove the friction of an app for each experience or trade. They also allow scaling the reach of a product or brand to a large audience, as with Web GL-based solutions almost any phone on the market would be compatible to access their content.

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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?

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What are the benefits and drawbacks of using AR and VR for employee training and collaboration in retail?

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1 AR for employee training

2 VR for employee training

3 AR for employee collaboration

4 VR for employee collaboration

5 AR vs VR for retail

6 Here’s what else to consider

Multi-channel Retail

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