What are AR cards? A detailed explanation from the benefits of introducing them to the latest ways to use them

Have you heard of "AR cards," which are currently attracting a lot of attention? Some of you may be wondering,
"I've heard of them, but I don't know what they are specifically," or "I want to know if I can use them in my company's products or services."

This article will provide a wide range of information, from an overview of AR cards to the different types and specific examples of their use.
We will also provide detailed information on the wide range of ways to utilize AR cards, from promoting to new demographics to increasing engagement.

What are AR cards?

AR cards display 3D content, 2D image animations, videos, and more on a smartphone by holding the smartphone over a code printed on the card or the card itself.
Users can enjoy a variety of content on their web browser by simply opening their smartphone's camera or a dedicated app and scanning an AR marker or a specific image (such as a logo or character).

AR cards do not require any special equipment and allow users to enjoy AR content relatively easily on their smartphones or tablets.
For this reason, they are currently attracting attention as a marketing strategy for reaching a wide range of users.

Types of AR cards

Although they are all called AR cards, there are many different types

In scenes such as games and sightseeing, the "3D model display" type is often used, where characters and tourist attractions are displayed as 3D models.
In sports fan marketing, there is the "AR video" type, which distributes messages from players and behind-the-scenes footage of clubs as videos.
In business, there are an increasing number of cases where business cards are used as AR cards. The "2D animation" type is often used, where company logos and employee introductions are animated.

AR cards are easy to create, and are increasingly being created and used by individuals. In such cases, AR cards can be used as message cards for other people

In recent years, a new type of "touch AR" has also been developed, which allows you to activate AR by simply touching a card with your smartphone.
Since it does not require a code and does not compromise the design of the card, it is gaining attention as an item that adds value to goods.

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

As you can see, there is a wide variety of AR cards available, from those that simply display 3D models to those that display 3D animations and deliver AR videos.
Using the right card for your purpose can lead to effective promotions.

Examples of AR cards created by companies

AR cards, which can easily deliver 3D content to many people and come in a wide variety of types, are being used in a wide range of situations.
Here we will introduce some examples of companies that have actually used AR cards.

Giant maze game "Card Maze: Great Adventure in the Forest" x AR Cards

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

AR Works provided AR for the card maze attraction "Card Maze: Great Adventure in the Spinning Forest.
" "Card Maze: Great Adventure in the Spinning Forest" is an attraction where you collect cards called "Spinning Cards" by clearing hidden games and puzzles as you progress through the maze.
The AR in this example is an AR version of the "Spinning Cards" you collect in the game, and features characters popping out of the cards.

Each character moves differently, adding realism to the game's world

▼More details here

Nintendo 3DS x AR Card

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

When it comes to "AR card games," the AR cards that come with the Nintendo 3DS are extremely popular.
In "AR Games," you can enjoy a variety of mini-games by reading the AR card with the 3DS's camera.

Mini-games include "target shooting," where you search for and shoot arrows at targets that appear on the screen, and "photography" of user-created characters called "Mii."
User-participatory AR games go beyond viewing 3D content and are an example of providing new value to users.

ZOZOTOWN x AR voice postcards

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

ZOZOTOWN collaborated with the six-member singing group "Ireise" to hold a campaign in which postcards featuring the members' AR voices were distributed as novelty items

Specifically, this campaign will give you one AR card for every collaboration item you purchase.
By holding your smartphone camera over the card, you can see the members in 3D and hear their exclusive situational voices.

MLB Mets & Coca-Cola x AR Card

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

There is a great example of a successful promotion using AR cards in the sports scene:
the novelty AR cards produced in collaboration between Coca-Cola and the MLB Mets for game attendees.

By holding the card over the AR scanner in the official app, users can watch a collection of home run videos.
Furthermore, the app is also working to regularly add new content, including short films featuring popular former Mets players.
By having sponsor Coca-Cola appear in the short films, it is a win-win initiative that increases user satisfaction while also generating benefits for the sponsor.

By implementing such AR-based projects, the number of attendees at matches increased, and the number of downloads of the official app increased by 66%, which became a hot topic

AR card usage scenarios

AR cards are used in a variety of industries and fields, including entertainment, fashion, and sports.
AR cards can be adapted to suit various purposes and can be used for a wide range of purposes, but we will introduce some situations and purposes in which they can be used effectively.

Promotion to increase awareness

The most common use is for promotions.
Utilizing AR technology can lead to news and buzz, which can lead to new customer acquisition.

There are various promotions that utilize AR technology, but it is most commonly used for promotions at events.
Specifically, AR markers are placed at product or service event venues, and users can scan them with their smartphones to take photos and be directed to special pages.
Furthermore, by taking measures that take social media into consideration, it is possible to reach new demographics that could not be reached before.

Utilizing AR can lead to new customer experiences and attract new customers

Creating interest in business situations

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

AR cards are also being used in business.
A typical example is "AR business cards."

With traditional business cards, once the information on the card is digitized and saved, people don't spend much time with the card afterwards.
However, by adding AR functionality to business cards, it can become a topic of conversation when exchanging cards, and is expected to increase interest in the company.

Deepen fan connections and increase loyalty

AR cards can also be used to great effect for the purpose of "customer development," which aims to turn casual viewers into core viewers. They
are often used in the entertainment industry, particularly in sports, to increase engagement.

In sports, the only times fans can interact with players are during events such as games, practices, and fan appreciation days.
However, by distributing AR cards to attendees and allowing them to receive messages from players, fans can be provided with an inspiring experience, which can lead to increased fan loyalty.

By using AR cards to develop customers, you can maximize the effectiveness of attracting customers and promoting sales

Advantages and disadvantages of AR cards

AR cards can be used in a variety of situations.
The biggest advantages of AR cards are their ease of use, their limited edition and collectible nature, and the ability to increase the amount of information they contain.

AR technology is often used in promotions at events, where
you cannot enjoy the AR content unless you go to the event venue and scan a code.
However, by using AR cards, you can easily deliver AR content to people at any time and place.
In addition, the characteristics of "cards" make it easy to stimulate collectors' spirit and create a sense of exclusivity.

Another major benefit of AR cards is that the amount of information can be increased by incorporating AR technology.
The card itself has a simple design, but by adding detailed information and stories using AR, it is possible to achieve both design and content provision.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks, such as not being able to launch AR content in environments where cameras, networks, or Web AR are unavailable.
Also, you have to hold your smartphone over the device every time you want to launch AR, which can be a hassle in some cases.

AR Card Summary

AR cards allow anyone to easily enjoy AR technology by simply scanning the card with a smartphone, without the need for any special equipment or preparation.
However, they can be used in a wide range of situations, from promotions to increasing engagement.

Incorporating AR technology will have an impact on users, leading to the creation of new value and achieving customer satisfaction.
If you are looking to differentiate your promotions, events, or marketing initiatives, why not try using "AR Cards"?

Introducing AR use scenes and examples

We provide the following materials for those who want to use AR in their promotions.
We will introduce examples and methods for using the latest technology to attract customer interest and make products and services the ones they choose.
Please feel free to download them.

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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