A Comparative Case Study on Augmented Reality and AI Chatbots

This research assesses the possible uses of integrating AI chatbots with augmented reality (AR) in the future, considering two creative applications as a guide: Sephora Virtual Artist and IKEA Place. With immersive, engaging, and customized solutions, these applications show tremendous potential for enhancing customer interactions in the retail and beauty areas. This study incorporates mixed approaches for data from both applications. IKEA's AR application allows customers to envision furniture in their areas, which significantly increases customer satisfaction and intent to purchase. Sephora's AR, which emphasizes virtual makeup tests, intrigues users, particularly in younger demographics, and helps them in purchase decisions. Both applications use AI chatbots for customer assistance, but Sephora's chatbot provides higher customization and interactivity, which leads to greater user engagement. In this paper, we compare both applications on different parameters that shows that Sephora emphasizes beauty try-ons, while IKEA emphasizes furniture visuals. The juxtaposition brings prominence to how both applications employ AR and AI chatbot technology. The findings highlight that both applications successfully combine AR and AI technology to enhance the user experience, their execution, and customer reception. The study indicates the liberty for additional innovation and modification in both applications to better meet user requirements and preferences, which enhances customer loyalty and revenue.