Why IKEA decided to build an AR app

IKEA has been using 3D graphics for a long time. Instead of taking photos of their inventory and furniture for catalogs, they have been using the popular Autodesk software called 3ds Max for rendering photo-realistic images.

Most of the furniture images in their catalogs are 3d models rather than photos.

IKEA Place AR app is a part of IKEA’s digital marketing strategy along with their stores, catalogs, and website. Apple’s ARKit, a tool that significantly facilitates the augmented reality app development, was a primary booster of building the IKEA Place app.

In fact, IKEA is a partner of Apple and was among the clients of Metaio, an augmented reality startup acquired by Apple two years ago.

People often hesitate to buy certain furniture or just return it to the store right after the purchase because they are afraid of making the wrong decision. They may like a particular sofa, but it’s hard to determine how it will fit their interior.

IKEA augmented reality app allows customers to see what their room will look like if they had already bought the item.

IKEA Place overview