Tech at Work: The Tomorrow of Spatial Computing

28 Jun 2026 · 3 min · 2 chapters

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In short

How spatial computing (AR/VR) is changing retail “try before you buy,” and whether the cost is worth it.

Guest backgrounds

Srini Basredi, visiting professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Key claims

Virtual try-ons reduce uncertainty and enable consumers to experiment with unusual products (e.g., atypical lipstick shades) because they can see clear results; consumers may also pay more for brands they previously wouldn’t.

Notable examples

Warby Parker’s virtual glasses try-on; furniture apps that render items in a user’s home. Takeaway: Trying virtually from home may become the new normal, replacing in-store testing.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

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The Rise of AR and VR in Retail

0:30 to 0:56

Exploring how AR and VR technologies enhance shopping experiences.

“With SUVs made to move with your rhythm.”

The Rise of AR and VR in Retail

2:11 to 3:09

Exploring how AR and VR technologies enhance shopping experiences.

“Queen Carvania stood haloed by the morning sun.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:28This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. of America for a reason. With SUVs made to move with your rhythm. The versatile Equinox tackles your entire day. The spacious Traverse fits your crew and your whole weekend. And tracks bring style with value you can count on. All infused with tech that has your back. So your drive always hits the right chord. Chevrolet. Together let's drive. From Snapchat face filters to virtual reality headsets, AR and VR have been around for a while. But these technologies aren't just for fun. More recently, companies have been exploring how AR and VR can be used to let consumers try their products virtually.

1:10Think of the Warby Parker app, which allows you to try on glasses virtually through the screen. Or furniture companies that allow you to render images of items in your home. At the same time, the cost of implementing this kind of experience can be pretty high. So for retailers, is it worth it? Srini Basredi, a visiting professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, gives us his take. Now, the consumers are using or testing on buying shades which are unusual. For example, typically you would not see a woman buying a green lipstick or a green shade or a blue shade. So people are willing to experiment because they can see clearly what it looks like on their lips.

1:49And so they're trying that out. And they're also willing to spend on brands which are a little bit more expensive so that normally they would not have done, right? Because now they're able to learn from the experience what it looks like. The big takeaway? Trying before buying used to be a thing of the past. But trying virtually before buying without ever having to leave your home might just be the new normal. If you're interested in learning more, listen to the latest episode of Tech at Work wherever you get your podcasts. Queen Carvania stood haloed by the morning sun. An army hung on her every word.

2:24My champions, I have sold my chariot on Carvana. It was a lovely SUV, an inexplicably queenly offer. They're even coming to the castle to collect it. Tonight, we feast. An offer you can feast on. Sell your car today on Carvana. pickup fees may apply. Hey there, it's Wayfair here, where delivery and setup are as easy as a few taps on your phone. You're relaxing in an old hammock, scrolling Wayfair's app when you spot it, a brand new patio set. Next thing you know, Wayfair delivers it right to your patio and sets it up. Oh, you need a new grill too? All right, Wayfair's got you covered. With Wayfair's room of choice delivery and fast experts set up on qualifying orders, life gets a little easier.

3:09Visit Wayfair.com or the Wayfair app. Wayfair, every style, every home. Athletic Brewing Company crafts award-winning non-alcoholic beers for those who want to be part of every round. With over 185 flavor awards, they're exceptional NA beers that fit your lifestyle and any social occasion. Summer's full of good times, and athletic fits right in. Go to athleticbrewing.com to have brews delivered to your door or find them at a bar, restaurant, or store near you. Near Beer, Athletic Brewing Company, fit for all times.

From the publisher

Tech at Work: The Future of Spatial Computing

14 Jun 2024

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Companies are getting creative with spatial computing, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), using these technologies to give consumers “virtual” access to their products. To stay competitive, organizational leaders need to get comfortable exploring these new technologies.

To learn more, listen to the latest episode of our new IdeaCast series “Tech at Work” wherever you get your podcasts. #tech #augmentedreality #virtualreality

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