AR typically captures imaginations when applied to gaming, art, or even leaving behind secret messages for others, but one company saw more practical possibilities.
“We look at the world around us and ask, ‘How is consumer behavior changing?’ We really think AR is going to change everything that we know today,” says the former leader of digital transformation for a furniture manufacturer and retailer. His team developed the Place app which allows users to virtually test drive furniture in their homes. They can see how each piece looks and fits in their space, even walk around it to see how the fabric, color and texture respond to different lighting from every angle.
In developing the app, this retailer’s digital team approached consumers’ challenges with creativity, seeking to understand how emerging technology could ease their concerns. And it paid off. In the first nine months, Place was the second most-downloaded app built on ARKit. Not only did the company enjoy strong news coverage and a spike in Google searches, but it’s new app further secured its position as an innovator and early adopter.
Creativity certainly goes far in helping people dream up new ideas, but what exactly is it’s play in today’s organizations?
What is creativity’s place in the modern workforce?
Defined as the “use of imagination or original ideas to create something” or simply “inventiveness,” creativity is essential in the modern workplace—and not just in marketing departments. When teams apply creative thinking at work, they become better problem solvers and collaborators, building upon one another’s ideas. They’re more comfortable asking questions, taking risks and considering new ways to meet their goals. In short, creativity helps people achieve inspiring outcomes.
“Creativity can drive better results, and as things are changing more rapidly, we need to be creative to solve challenges,” says Leif Einar Feiring, Badenoch + Clark’s Regional Head of the Nordics. “Companies are looking for creative people who can find new ways of doing things and explore hidden gems that can become competitive advantages.” He notes that creativity is such an important trait that some employers hoping to identify the creative thinkers ask candidates to give presentations about themselves. The stand-out candidates use photos, videos and story-telling techniques in their presentations to prove their creative prowess.
How to be more creative at work
Having trouble sparking inspiration? The most important form of creativity for business is solution-oriented, says Feiring. Start with your own day-to-day tasks and responsibilities to excite your creative side and then move on to the bigger picture, asking questions and seeking new answers along the way. Try the following to further boost your creativity:
- Read articles about new technologies, creative people and other cultures.
- Curiosity feeds creativity, so ask questions and seek to learn new and different methods for improving your own productivity
- Consider current challenges facing your team, your organization or your customers. Write down a list and then talk to others about forming a brainstorming group to discuss potential solutions.
Every career is in constant development, and creativity will help keep yours exciting and fulfilling. We believe you should always seek more, demand better and look for the next step. That’s what we’re doing. You may have noticed that Badenoch + Clark has a new look and feel, and with it comes a renewed commitment toward helping candidates match with employers that will not only further their career but appreciate and use their creativity. If you’d like to work with us to find your next opportunity, don’t hesitate to speak with someone at Badenoch + Clark.
Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ikea-place-augmented-reality-app-success-saul-delage/
https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/12/ikea-place-the-retailers-first-arkit-app-creates-lifelike-pictures-of-furniture-in-your-home/
https://www.wired.com/story/ikea-place-ar-kit-augmented-reality/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-augmented-reality-apps/2/
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/creativity
