Guest post by Charlie Waters, Editor Vista Projects

Digital transformation is revolutionizing how we work and live. It has already had a profound impact on how businesses operate and how they interact with consumers. But its potential to disrupt every aspect of our lives is only just beginning to be realized.

One of the most transformative technologies of our time is augmented reality (AR). AR overlays digital information on the real world, providing users with contextual data and making everyday objects interactive.

It is already being used in a number of industries, from retail and gaming to healthcare and manufacturing. And its potential applications are virtually limitless. AR will have a profound impact on how we live, work and play. Here are just a few of the ways it is likely to change our world:

Augmented Reality in…

1. Manufacturing 

Augmented Reality will change the way products are designed and assembled, making the manufacturing process more efficient and less wasteful.

AR will also allow companies to create virtual prototypes of new products, which can be tested and tweaked before a physical product is ever produced. Car manufacturer BMW is currently saving up to one year in prototype development.

2. Healthcare 

AR will have a huge impact on healthcare, from the way medical procedures are performed to the way drugs are developed and tested.

AR will make it possible for surgeons to “see inside” patients before they operate, allowing them to plan procedures more accurately and minimize the risk of complications.

AR will also enable pharmaceutical companies to test new drugs on virtual patients, reducing the need for animal testing.

3. Workplace 

Augmented Reality will change the way we work, making it possible for us to access information and collaborate with colleagues remotely.

AR will also make it possible for us to create virtual workspaces, where we can work from anywhere in the world.

4. Education 

AR will change the way we learn, making it possible for students to visualize concepts and get real-time feedback on their progress.

AR will also make it possible for teachers to create interactive, immersive experiences that bring lessons to life.

5. Shopping 

Augmented Reality will change the way we shop in a number of ways. It will make it possible for us to “try before we buy”, by allowing us to see how products would look in our homes or on our bodies before we purchase them.

AR will also enable us to shop from anywhere at any time. We’ll be able to use our smartphones to scan products in a store and find out instantly whether we can get them cheaper online.

6. Gaming

AR will change the way we play video games, making them more immersive and interactive.

AR will also make it possible for us to play games in new environments, such as our living rooms or even public spaces.

7. Transportation 

Augmented Reality will change the way we get around, making it possible for us to see real-time traffic data and find the quickest route to our destination.

AR will also make it possible for us to “virtual test drive” new cars, without ever having to leave the comfort of our homes.

8. Communication 

AR will change the way we communicate with each other, making it possible for us to have face-to-face conversations with people who are not in the same room.

AR will also make it possible for us to share digital content, such as photos and videos, in a more immersive way.

9. Entertainment 

Augmented Reality will change the way we consume entertainment, making it more interactive and personalized.

AR will also make it possible for us to create our own entertainment, such as customized video games and movies.

10. Sports 

AR will change the way we watch and play sports, making it possible for us to get real-time statistics and analysis of the action.

AR will also make it possible for us to “virtually experience” events, such as match replays and player interviews.These are just a few of the ways that AR is likely to change our world in the years to come. As the technology develops, we can expect even more radical changes to the way we live, work and play.