I recently joined a networking event at the Walton Institute in SETU, hosted by Waterford Chamber, and it turned out to be one of the most inspiring mornings I’ve had in a long time.
Part of the tour brought us into the Precision Imaging and 3D Modelling Lab, where we were introduced to the BotScan Neo. At first glance, it looks like a sleek piece of photographic equipment. In reality, it captures a full 360-degree image of an object, creating a detailed 3D scan in just moments. We then watched as that scan was pulled into AR and VR headsets, where it came to life in front of our eyes. Putting on the headset felt like stepping forward in time.
I walked away not just impressed by the technology itself, but with my head buzzing about the possibilities for creativity and storytelling.
AR is already part of daily life
Augmented Reality often sounds futuristic, but in many ways it has already slipped into our everyday lives. Snapchat lenses, Instagram filters, and retail apps that let you see furniture in your living room are all examples of AR at work. The technology is no longer reserved for tech giants; it is becoming more accessible and affordable, which means more brands can start thinking about how to use it in fresh and imaginative ways.
For anyone working in branding or campaigns, that raises a big opportunity. AR is no longer about novelty. It is about deepening connection and making interactions memorable.
Rethinking the Advent campaign
Advent campaigns have always been about building anticipation and sparking small moments of delight. Traditionally that meant calendars filled with chocolate, or a series of daily offers and social media posts. The format is familiar and loved, but AR could take that idea and make it feel truly immersive.
Imagine:
- Packaging that comes alive when scanned, revealing a daily animation or hidden message.
- Interactive filters where customers unlock a different experience each day in December.
- Product try-ons that build excitement ahead of Christmas, whether it is jewellery, clothing, or home décor.
It is the same concept of Advent, but instead of a static countdown it becomes an experience people can play with, talk about, and share.
Why it matters for brands
We are in a world where audiences want more than messages. They want experiences. They want stories they can step into.
AR is not just a way to entertain. It is a way to make a brand memorable, to turn a campaign into a moment people remember long after the season has passed. And for brands willing to experiment, it can be the difference between being part of the noise and being the one that stands out.
Inspiration close to home
What struck me most during the Walton Institute visit was that this level of innovation is happening right here in Waterford. The BotScan Neo was just one example, yet seeing it in action made me think about how quickly research and creativity can cross over. One sparks the other, and that spark can lead to ideas that change the way we work and connect.
At Frission Creative, we talk about innovation, collaboration, and elevation. Exploring ideas like AR in campaigns is part of that belief. It is about looking at technology not as something distant, but as a tool to bring stories to life in ways that surprise and resonate.
The future of branding will not only be written in words or shown in pictures. It will be experienced. And the exciting part is that the future is already here, quietly developing all around us. The real question is how we will choose to use it.
