Virtual Try On
About Virtual Try On
Virtual Try On is a technology trend where customers digitally preview products such as cosmetics, eyewear, fashion, and footwear using augmented reality (AR) and computer vision before purchasing.
Trend Decomposition
Trigger: Advancements in AR, AI driven image analysis, and mobile hardware enable realistic real time try ons.
Behavior change: Consumers increasingly expect online shopping to offer interactive, try before you buy experiences.
Enabler: Improved AR/AI accuracy, smartphone camera quality, and accessible SDKs from players like YouCam and ModiFace.
Constraint removed: Reduced friction of uncertainty in fit and appearance, lowering hesitation to purchase online.
PESTLE Analysis
Political: Regulatory scrutiny around data privacy and biometric data usage in AR applications.
Economic: Potential increases in conversion rates and average order value due to lower return rates.
Social: Consumers demand personalized shopping experiences and socially shareable try on results.
Technological: Surge in AR clarity, real time rendering, and on device AI enabling instant feedback.
Legal: Compliance burdens around consumer data protection and consent for biometric data collection.
Environmental: Reduced product returns contribute to lower waste and packaging impact.
Jobs to be done framework
What problem does this trend help solve?
It helps customers assess fit, color, and authenticity without physical try ons.What workaround existed before?
Generic product images, size charts, reviews, and returns after purchase.What outcome matters most?
Certainty in fit and appearance, leading to faster purchasing decisions and fewer returns.Consumer Trend canvas
Basic Need: Confidence in product choice before purchase.
Drivers of Change: Digital commerce competition, rising return costs, and demand for seamless online experiences.
Emerging Consumer Needs: Realistic visual representation, personalization, and instant feedback.
New Consumer Expectations: Try before you buy capabilities across categories and devices.
Inspirations / Signals: Brand adoption of AR try ons, influencer demonstrations, and AR enabled apps.
Innovations Emerging: Real time garment and accessory fitting, skin tone adaptive cosmetics previews, and 3D asset libraries.
Companies to watch
- Sephora - Uses ModiFace/YouCam tech for virtual makeup try ons and shade matching.
- Warby Parker - AR try on for glasses to visualize frames on the face.
- Lenskart - AR eyewear try ons and home try on programs in multiple markets.
- GlassesUSA - Virtual try on for eyewear to compare styles and fits.
- Perfect Corp - Provider of YouCam Makeup and AR try on technology for cosmetics.
- IKEA - AR/VR tools for furniture visualization in real spaces (try before you buy in a sense).