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Who Does AR Better? Disney, National Geographic or Lynx?

This year we’ve seen some pretty cool “out of home” branded augmented reality executions.  Below are videos from Disney, National Geographic and Lynx showcasing their work.  As you’ll see, they are pretty similar in concept, and yet subtly different in execution.

It’s always fun to watch people’s reactions in these videos. Part amazement, part wonder and part pure joy.  I like all three executions, but personally, the National Geographic’s one is my favorite.  Admittedly, I’m a bit of a nerd about NatGeo (among other things).  I love that channel.  But I also love that they used some gesture controls to make the AR experience more interactive.

So what do you think?  Which one do you like best?  I’d love to get your thoughts below…

DISNEY

Highlight: According to Mashable “many of the character interactions are done live. That means that the characters can respond directly to how guests are moving and reactions from the crowds.”

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Highlight: Appears to include gesture controls, so people can interact and engage with the experience.

LYNX

Highlight: They did it first, before Disney or National Geographic.

Augmented Reality Examples For Storefront Displays, Event Marketing, Point Of Purchase And More…

About a month ago, I wrote an op-ed for Adweek entitled “2010: The Year of Augmented Reality“.  What I was trying to convey in the op-ed is that while Mobile will be the key component of AR in the future, right now there are many different advertising and marketing channels that can actually utilize AR in creative and innovative ways.  Though I won’t republish the article here (you can read it on Adweek’s site), I did want to include embedded video examples below of how channels such as Interactive Storefront Displays, Digital Billboards, Event Marketing and Point Of Purchase are currently using AR.  Web, Mobile and Print get all the press but these examples show how brands should think of AR as being adaptable to pretty much any marketing or advertising channel.  If interested in even more examples than below, check out the Facebook Augmented Reality Page which has just about every recent AR example out there.  So, without further adieu…

POINT OF PURCHASE

POP might be the most advantageous channel for AR given that a well-planned and executed AR initiative can easily turn consumer purchase interest to intent in a matter of seconds.  Kiosk format provides little to no barrier of entry for consumer.

Developed by Metaio

INTERACTIVE DIGITAL BILLBOARDS

Numerous brands could leverage the unique participatory interaction of an interactive billboard.

Developed by Chris O’Shea

EVENT MARKETING

Event Marketing, like point of purchase, is also a great channel for AR, given most consumers will likely already have interest in your brand. Though most of these executions are gimmicks, this channel is maturing.

Developed by Total Immersion

Developed by Metaio

INTERACTIVE STOREFRONT DISPLAYS

AR-based storefront displays can be used in myriad ways to help drive consumers into your store.

Developed by Simon & John

Developed by Jim George & Karolina Sobecka

MUSEUM / PUBLIC WORKS

The binoculars or viewing mechanism mimic how optical AR can function in the future.  For now though, AR helps museums become interactive by making history come alive.

Developed by Mindpsace Solutions