What is an AR card? Detailed explanations from the benefits of implementation to the latest usage methods

Do you know about the "AR cards" that are attracting a lot of attention now?
Some people may have heard of it, but don't know what it is, or would like to know if it can be used in their own products or services.

In this article, we will introduce a wide range of information, including an overview of AR cards, types of AR cards, and specific examples of installation.
In addition, we will explain in detail the wide range of ways to use AR cards, from promotion to new people to improving engagement.

What is an AR card?

An AR card is a way to display 3D content, 2D image animations, videos, etc. on the smartphone by holding your smartphone over the code printed on the card or the card itself.
Users can simply launch a camera on their smartphone or a dedicated app, load AR markers and specific images (such as logos and characters), and enjoy a variety of content on their web browsers.

AR cards do not require special equipment, and you can enjoy AR content relatively easily on your smartphone or tablet.
Therefore, it is currently attracting attention as a marketing measure to approach a wide range of users.

Types of AR Cards

There are many different types of AR cards.

In scenes such as games and sightseeing, the "3D model display" type is often used, in which characters and tourist attractions are displayed as 3D models.
In fan marketing in the sports scene, there is a "AR video" type in which players' messages and behind-the-scenes stories of the club are distributed as videos.
In business situations, there are increasing numbers of cases where business cards are used as AR cards. The "2D animation" type is often used, which animates company logos and employee introductions.

AR cards, which are easy to create, are also widely used by individuals. In that case, you can also use an AR card as a message card to the other party.

Furthermore, in recent years, new "Touch AR" has been created, in which AR is activated by simply touching a smartphone to a card.
Since no code is required and the design of the cards is not compromised, it is attracting attention as an item that increases the added value of goods.

▼For more information on Touch AR, click here:
https://promotion.ar-works.jp/touch-ar/

In this way, there is a wide range of AR cards, from those that simply display 3D models, to those that display 3D animations, and those that distribute AR videos.
Using different options according to your purpose will lead to effective promotion.

Specific examples of AR cards produced by companies

AR cards can easily deliver 3D content to many people, and are also a wide variety of AR cards, making them widely available in a wide range of situations.
Here we will introduce examples of companies actually using AR cards.

Giant Maze Maze Gururi Forest Great Adventure x AR Card

Source: https://promotion.ar-works.jp/20241107-2/

AR Works has provided AR to the card maze attraction "Card maze Gururimori Great Adventure."
"Card Maze Gururi Forest Great Adventure" is an attraction where you can complete hidden games and puzzles while continuing through the maze and collect cards called Gururi Cards.
The AR in this case is an AR version of the "Gururi Card" collected in-game, with characters pop out of the card.

Movements vary depending on the character, giving the game's worldview a reality.

▼Click here for details

Nintendo 3DS x AR Card

Source: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/hardware/3dsseries/ar/index.html

When you hear the word "AR card games," the AR cards that come with the Nintendo 3DS are very well known.
With AR Games, you can enjoy a variety of mini-games by reading an AR card with the camera on the 3DS itself.

The mini-game includes "Toto Aiming" where you search for targets that appear on the screen, where you fire them with arrows, and "Photo Take" for the original user-specific character "Mii."
User-participatory AR Games, which is more than just viewing 3D content, can be said to be an example of giving users new value.

ZOZOTOWN x AR voice postcard

Source: https://www.pashplus.jp/goods/253247/

ZOZOTOWN collaborated with the six-member singer group Ireisu and held a campaign to distribute novelties of members' postcards with AR voices.

Specifically, this is a campaign where you can receive one AR card when you purchase one collaboration item.
By holding the camera on your smartphone, members will be displayed in 3D, allowing you to listen to exclusive situation voices.

MLB Mets & Coca-Cola x AR Card

Source: https://www.sports-sponsorship.jp/2017/11/10-1/

There are examples of using AR cards in the sports scene and having great success in promoting them.
This is a novelty AR card for match visitors, created in collaboration between Coca-Cola and the MLB Mets.

You can watch a collection of home run videos by holding the card using the AR scanner within the official app.
In addition, we are also working to regularly add new content, including short films featuring popular former Mets players.
By introducing sponsor Coca-Cola in this short film, it is a policy that has both benefits, increasing user satisfaction and creating sponsorship benefits.

By implementing a project using this AR function, the number of visitors to the game increased, and the number of downloads of official apps increased by 66%.

AR cards use situations

AR cards are used in a variety of industries and fields, including entertainment, fashion, and sports.
AR cards can be used for a wide range of purposes, and can be used in a wide range of applications, but we will introduce what situations and purposes it can be used effectively.

Promotion of awareness expansion

The most commonly used product is in "promotion."
By utilizing AR technology, it can lead to news and topics, and attract new customers.

There are a variety of promotions that utilize AR technology, but the most common promotions are used at events.
Specifically, AR markers are placed at event venues for products and services, and some people may read and take photos with their smartphones, or direct them to special pages.
Furthermore, by making the policy conscious of social media, it will be possible to contact new people who have not been able to approach them up until now.

By utilizing AR, you can connect to new customer experiences and attract new people.

Creating interest in business situations

Source: https://promotion.ar-works.jp/column/augmented-reality/

AR cards are also used in business.
A typical example is a business card with AR function.

In the case of traditional business cards, once the contents of the business cards are converted into data and saved, the contact time with the business cards was not long after much.
However, by adding an AR function to your business cards, you can expect to see a lot of attention when exchanging business cards and promote interest in the company.

Develop connections with fans and improve loyalty

AR cards can also be used to "foster customers" to develop light layers into core layers.
In the entertainment industry such as sports, it is often used in particular for the purpose of improving engagement.

In the sports scene, fans can only interact with players at events such as "matches", "practice", and "Fan Appreciation Day."
However, by distributing AR cards to visitors and implementing measures that allow players to receive messages, we can provide an emotional experience to fans, leading to increased loyalty for fans.

By using AR cards to train customers, you can maximize the customer attraction and sales promotion effect.

Advantages and disadvantages of AR cards

"AR cards" can be used in a variety of situations.
The biggest advantages of such "AR cards" are their "easy" and "extensive collection-like effect" that are unique to cards, and their "increasing the amount of information".

When AR technology is used, there are many promotions at events, and
you cannot enjoy AR content unless you go to the event venue and load the code.
However, by using an AR card, you can easily deliver AR content at any time or place.
The "card" characteristic makes it easy to stimulate the collector's spirit and creates a limited feel.

Another major advantage of AR cards is that by introducing AR technology, you can increase the amount of information.
The card itself has a simple design, and by adding detailed information and stories in AR, you can combine design and content provision.

On the other hand, if you are unable to use cameras, networks, or Web AR, there is also the disadvantage that you cannot launch AR content.
You also need to hold your smartphone up every time to activate the AR, which may seem like a hassle in some cases.

AR Card Summary

"AR Cards" require no special equipment or preparation, and anyone can easily enjoy AR technology by simply loading the card with their smartphone.
However, the use of these can range from "promotion" to "improving engagement."

By incorporating AR technology, it will make an impact on users, create new value, and achieve customer satisfaction.
If you are thinking of differentiating yourself through promotions, events, or marketing policies, why not try using an AR card?

Introducing AR use scenes and examples

Below is a list of materials for those who want to use AR for promotion.
We will introduce methods and examples of how to use the latest technology to attract customers' interest and make it a product or service of choice.
Please feel free to download it.

This is a collection of AR case studies that can be used in a variety of situations, from business, entertainment to World Heritage Sites.

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