Augmented reality

Our world seems inundated by video. Witness viral TikTok moments and the shocking hours of human productivity they waste. It can be difficult for printed material to rise above the noise.

It is possible, though, to take print to a level that bridges the gap with video by using applications like Augmented Reality (AR). AR technology has been around for some time, but like all things digital, the techniques become more sophisticated and easier to use as time goes by.

Augmented Reality is about creating a link between print and digital. To activate AR, printers embed triggers in printed documents. Images come alive on the screens when a smart phone or tablet reads the triggers via an app. The AR software animates the content or renders objects in 3D. AR presentations can include visuals and sounds, creating an interactive user experience that is immersive and fun.

Remember when having your head in the clouds wasn’t a flattering comment? Times change. Today, being in the cloud is a good thing and we’re all attempting to stake out a spot up there so we can be more productive down here.

Cloud computing has been around for some time. We’re all familiar with our own personal software programs and operating systems that update automatically. Or with our photos and files being stored somewhere in the ether. But like any structural transformation, cloud computing takes time to fully permeate into businesses and market sectors.

It should come as no surprise that video content is king, providing endless entertainment and learning through lively visuals and animations. But what about print? Should you just concede the attractive and absorbing aspects of video and animation to the digital channels and concentrate on selling flat printed images?

Don't leave any opportunity behind!

Motion graphics aren't appropriate for every project, but helping your clients dive into the realm of motion can be a differentiating factor for your printing business that helps retain current customers and attracts new ones. Motion graphics can transform flat sheets into mesmerizing 3D objects, capturing the reader's attention and even bridging the gap between the tangible and digital worlds for an unforgettable interactive experience.  

Mobile technology is revolutionizing entire industries. Sometimes it even creates something new, like ride-sharing services. Uber wouldn’t be possible without mobile phones. The printing business can take advantage of what mobile has to offer as well. Mobile  technology isn’t the only factor causing changes in the printing business, but it creates possibilities for printers to create new billable services and deepen relationships with clients.

Smart phones and tablets enable exciting developments happening in the printing business. Mobile barcodes (QR codes), near-field-communi-cations (NFC), and augmented reality (AR) all take individuals into the digital realm from a point that  starts with a printed document.

These technologies offer far-ranging possibilities. Printers have barely begun exploiting the capabilities and more importantly, to sell the concepts of mobile-enabled print to their customers.