Elevating Realities Beyond the Screen: Augmented Reality's Significant Leap in Tech Innovation
Tags: augmentedreality, tech
Published: 2024-02-19 23:00:58

This article was co-authored by @jcell (Jeycel Ann Tabon).

**Introduction**
The growing trend of Augmented Reality (AR) drastically changed the playing field in the tech industry through the altercation of interactions with both the digital and physical worlds ([Hayes, 2024](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-reality.asp)). However, this technology has not attained widespread adoption ([Agrawal, 2018](https://thenextweb.com/news/3-reasons-augmented-reality-hasnt-achieved-widespread-adoption)) and attention ([Baran, 2023](https://dostawcy-internetu.pl/news/why-is-augmented-reality-not-popular/ )) from the people due to some reasons which will be discussed later on. This article will investigate and discover the essence of AR in modern society by examining its definition, application, benefits, and range of uses. In addition, we ought to provide comprehensive knowledge of this innovative technology and its relevance in today's society by describing the applications, associated advantages and disadvantages, and different industries wherein this technology is utilized. Furthermore, we aim to educate readers on the fundamentals of AR while also offering a thoughtful analysis of its applicability in modern culture. By analyzing its benefits and drawbacks, we hope to provide a fair assessment of the chances and difficulties that this technology presents. In addition, by clarifying the several fields in which AR finds application, we aim to demonstrate its broad scope and significant influence on a multitude of facets of human existence. With this, it will serve as a valuable resource for readers seeking to understand the complexity of this innovative technology. Furthermore, the article's emphasis on providing a balanced assessment of AR's potentials and challenges offers insights into its integration into modern culture. By illustrating the diverse fields where AR finds application, from business to entertainment, the article highlights its transformative impact on human interaction with the world.

**What is Augmented Reality?**
![What is Augmented Reality?](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/tgof0wj94o2uqpcdunpe.jpeg)_(image from SmartTek Solutions)_

From the word “augmented” which means to be made greater, larger, or more complete ([Merriam-Webster, n.d.](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/augmented)), Augmented Reality (AR) is an enhanced version of reality through the combination of computer-generated information and real world content ([Hayes, 2024](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-reality.asp)). AR works with the help of camera-equipped devices with AR software. Through the camera-equipped devices such as phones, tablets, and smart glasses, users can point and look at a specific object and AR presents information by superimposing on that object ([Porter & Heppelmann, 2017](https://hbr.org/2017/11/how-does-augmented-reality-work#:~:text=Augmented%20reality%20starts%20with%20a,which%20analyzes%20the%20video%20stream.)). In short, AR experience allows users to control real-time data from the digital world to the physical world. As Porter and Heppelmann ([2017](https://hbr.org/2017/11/how-does-augmented-reality-work#:~:text=Augmented%20reality%20starts%20with%20a,which%20analyzes%20the%20video%20stream.)) stated in their article entitled “How Does Augmented Reality Work?,” in AR, the user can see partly real and partly digital. Aside from these, AR improves haptic, somatosensory, and auditory inputs ([Warren, n.d.](https://www.bairesdev.com/blog/ar-for-navigation-what-you-should-know/)). Despite the prevalence of AR, it still has not attained a widespread adoption due to various reasons such as ergonomics wherein no user prefer to wear tech goggles as their daily routine ([Agrawal, 2018](https://thenextweb.com/news/3-reasons-augmented-reality-hasnt-achieved-widespread-adoption)) and lack of awareness as AR has not received much attention as other technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) or Artificial Intelligence ([Baran, 2023](https://dostawcy-internetu.pl/news/why-is-augmented-reality-not-popular/)).

**Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality**
![AR vs. VR](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0ha00qylpmk6degyti9f.jpg)_(image from medium.com)_

As AR integrates digital data to the real world by using it as a setting, VR generates a complete artificial environment with scenes and objects making it immersive for users ([Iberdrola, n.d.](https://www.iberdrola.com/innovation/virtual-reality#:~:text=Virtual%20Reality%20(VR)%20is%20a,Virtual%20Reality%20headset%20or%20helmet.)). VR offers a fully simulated environment by creating a fictional reality ([What is VR?, n.d.](https://sopa.tulane.edu/blog/whats-difference-between-ar-and-vr#:~:text=AR%20uses%20a%20real%2Dworld,only%20enhances%20a%20fictional%20reality)). On the other hand, AR enhances not only the digital world but also the real world by seamlessly providing a partially immersive experience through the combination and interaction of digital elements to the user’s surroundings. VR’s immersive experience requires headset devices and headphones to isolate users from the real world ([Microsoft, n.d.](https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/mixed-reality/guides/what-is-augmented-reality-ar/ )) while AR is accessible with smartphones or camera-equipped devices.

**Relevance of AR nowadays**
With AR’s versatility and potential to improve various facets of life and industries, it makes it highly significant in the modern technology landscape. AR has become more prevalent for these reasons:

**1. Business and Marketing Applications**
![AR in Business and Marketing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/tcqhwp0kg0fbh8z8smou.jpg)_(image from Upskill, Inc.)_

In the business industry, managers can benefit this technology as it helps entertain and educate customers about a certain product through the AR interface ([Chandukala et al., 2022](https://hbr.org/2022/03/how-augmented-reality-can-and-cant-help-your-brand)). Furthermore, this technology elevates the product sampling game as customers can try products virtually rather than physically applying it. According to Tan ([2021](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0022242921995449)), the use of AR in online settings affects customer engagements, behavior, and sales as it makes product sampling a more convenient option for customers. 

**2. Industrial and Manufacturing**
![AR in Industrial and Manufacturing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nw0iqbl9xfl0ea6fnx8l.jpeg)_(image from SmartTek Solutions)_

With the use of AR to provide real-time information and instructions to workers, errors can be reduced thus, improving efficiency. Additionally, through the partial-immersive experience of AR technology, trainers can offer real-time feedback, correcting mistakes and enforcing proper procedures. This real-time feedback contributes to improved skill retention as employees or trainees can also adjust and improve their performance in real-time, ultimately improving the effectiveness and significance of training and manufacturing ([Microsoft, n.d.](https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/mixed-reality/guides/what-is-augmented-reality-ar/ )).

**3. Navigation and Location-Based Services**
![AR in Navigation](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/afjn45c9x763n53mu9n1.png)_(image from ResearchGate)_

As explained by Gardner ([2020](https://thetius.com/how-do-augmented-reality-navigation-systems-work/ )) in her article entitled “How do augmented reality navigation systems work?,” AR navigation systems provide easy access to relevant digital information on a single screen which improves situational awareness, decreases cognitive load, and makes validating and cross-checking data easier. Through AR, businesses can acquire and present comprehensive real-time information to users, consequently saving users’ time and improving their experience ([Warren, n.d.](https://www.bairesdev.com/blog/ar-for-navigation-what-you-should-know/))

**4. Healthcare**
![AR in Healthcare](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/a33hgoq59mim99h9mjgm.jpg)_(image from medium.com)_

Andrieiev ([2023](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/augmented-reality-healthcare-multifaceted-you-need-know-andrieiev#:~:text=AR%20technology%20allows%20surgeons%20to,to%20make%20more%20precise%20incisions.)) mentions the usage of AR in the healthcare domain can be traced back to 1992 when the US Air Force developed and used it to enhance performance during medical operations and surgeries. In addition, AR technology is also utilized by surgeons to superimpose digital information such as CT scans and X-rays on the patient’s body in real time. MeVis Liver Suite is an example of AR Software that allows surgeons and radiologists to create professional and detailed visualizations in order to come up with a thorough treatment plan and avoid dangerous operations in identifying liver tumors ([MeVis, n.d.](https://www.mevis.de/en/solutions/professional/mevis-liver-suite )).

**5. Education**
![AR in Education](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/h6opgxuwkz83iq6jy70g.jpeg)_(image from Deccan Chronicle)_

AR can create an interesting and interactive classroom atmosphere, as teachers are able to provide virtual examples to concepts of various courses ([Sinha, 2021](https://elearningindustry.com/augmented-reality-in-education-staggering-insight-into-future)). The use of AR for educational purposes can help students learn faster and memorize concepts or information. Element 4D is an AR application that can illustrate chemical elements and reactions such as presenting the atomic weight and names making learning chemistry easier and fun ([Paslawski, 2020](https://blogs.ubc.ca/etec523/2020/05/20/elements-4d-augmented-reality-applied-to-chemistry/)).

**Advantages and Disadvantages of AR**
Ranging from realistic applications that boost efficiency and effectiveness to partial immersive experiences blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds, the advantages of AR are numerous and broad, setting it apart from other technologies. By having the capacity to bridge the gap between digital and real world, users can interact smoothly and consistently with digital information within the real-world setting which results in **enhancing user experience** ([Engine Creative, n.d.](https://www.enginecreative.co.uk/blog/unlocking-potential-augmented-reality/)). Subsequently, enhanced user experience is greatly beneficial for those in the business industry as it can increase buyer trust and confidence. Aside from enhanced user experience, Amedei ([2022](https://kiber.tech/five-benefits-augmented-reality/)) explains that AR allows the **improvement of production process quality** as it accelerates productivity safely with minimal errors. AR also plays a significant role in education and training as it **provides partially immersive simulations for hands-on learning** ([Sinha, 2021](https://elearningindustry.com/augmented-reality-in-education-staggering-insight-into-future)). In addition, AR positively affects mental workload and task performance due to **real-time delivery of information** ([Jeffri & Rambli, 2021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844021003820)). **AR’s accessibility** contributes to its widespread adoption and advantage as it is available through common devices such as smartphones and tablets ([Porter & Heppelmann, 2017](https://hbr.org/2017/11/how-does-augmented-reality-work#:~:text=Augmented%20reality%20starts%20with%20a,which%20analyzes%20the%20video%20stream.)). 
	
Despite these advantages, AR also comes with challenges and drawbacks. One of which is its **physical and psychological effects on users** due to prolonged usage. Knowing that AR stimulates the senses, it can also lead to cognitive overload and impairment affecting concentration and memory ([Nowacki, 2023](https://ts2.com.pl/en/what-are-3-disadvantages-of-augmented-reality/)). Another disadvantage is the **potential for information overload** ([Capsule Sight, 2023](https://capsulesight.com/arglasses/disadvantages-of-augmented-reality-ar/)). As AR has the ability to impose numerous amounts of information onto the real world in real time, it may create User Interface issues. AR also raises **concerns about privacy and security** as it utilizes not only digital information but also uses real-world settings. Additionally, some AR applications or services (e.g., IKEA, amazon, and Snapchat) acquire personal information from the users ([Ivankov, 2023](https://www.profolus.com/topics/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-augmented-reality/)).

**Impact of AR to Society and Culture**
AR technologies are highly advantageous for digital heritage, but their recent widespread acceptance also poses a significant problem. Important research aimed at solving the demands of museums, archives, and historical institutions has been prompted by the emergence of augmented reality. Created apps show how AR may enhance a number of digital heritage jobs, including documentation, contextual comprehension, and the presentation of rebuilt artifacts. Furthermore, by utilizing AR technology, digital heritage integrates the output of the creative industries with the digitization of objects and artifacts to enhance the visitor experience through animated digital archives that blend digital media while preserving real-world relics ([Boboc et al., 2022](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/19/9859)).

Globally, by promoting cultural exchange through partially immersive experiences, AR changes the dynamics of the world by enabling users anywhere to engage with a variety of cultural content and historical tales. Beyond national boundaries, AR shapes consumer behavior through virtual shopping experiences, impacts the travel sector with AR-enhanced travel guides, facilitating the development of a more globally integrated and culturally conscious society, offering more ways for collaboration and working together ([PwC, 2023](https://www.pwc.com/id/en/media-centre/press-release/2020/english/virtual-and-augmented-reality-could-deliver-a-p1-4trillion-boost.html)). The use of AR significantly impacts society in the field of entertainment as it offers unparalleled sense of presence and interaction but still not being fully disconnected from the real world ([Goel, 2023](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-virtual-augmented-reality-society-atul-goel/)).
	
Here in the Philippines, the emergence of AR technology can both have a positive and negative impact on its society and culture. It can significantly affect Filipino culture as it contributes to the possibility of preserving its value digitally and widening the promotion of the culture to not just locals but also other users regardless of where they live. However, the culture being digitally preserved can lose authenticity. Despite its negative impact on Filipino culture, AR can still step up the game in the field of culture and society. Knowing that the Philippines has a diverse society, with the use of AR technology, interactions and exchange of information with fellow citizens will be easier thus, enhancing not just the individual user experience but also improving the relationship among the Filipino society.

**Conclusion**
In a nutshell, this article has explored the multifaceted world of AR, exploring its potential, relevance, applications, benefits, and drawbacks. AR holds promise to revolutionize how we interact with both the digital and physical worlds, yet its full potential remains largely untapped due to the overshadowing presence of new technologies. However, through a comprehensive investigation into its definition, application, and range of uses, this article has shed light on the essence of AR in modern society. By offering a balanced analysis of AR's advantages and disadvantages, readers gain an understanding of the opportunities and challenges it presents. Additionally, by clarifying the diverse fields where AR finds application, from healthcare to entertainment, this article highlights its transformative impact across various phases of human existence. In essence, this article serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to comprehend the complexities and significance of AR in shaping the landscape of modern society. As technology continues to evolve, understanding the role of AR becomes increasingly vital, and this article stands as a crucial tool in fostering knowledge and awareness of this innovative technology's potential and impact.

The way it seamlessly blends digital information with the real world, overlaying virtual objects onto our physical environment, is nothing short of extraordinary. AR has the incredible ability to enhance our perception of reality, offering limitless possibilities for entertainment, education, and practical applications across various industries. Its innovative potential continues to expand, promising a future where the boundaries between the digital and physical realms blur even further, leaving me continually amazed by its capabilities. While AR undoubtedly offers a lot of benefits and exciting opportunities, it's important to approach its use with responsibility and awareness of the potential dangers that can arise when the technology is misused or abused. As with any powerful tool, AR can be both a force for good and a potential source of harm if not handled appropriately. Expanding your knowledge through research can ensure that AR continues to be a transformative and beneficial force in our lives.