As the technological landscape evolves and the Earth shimmers like a giant silicon chip, the clock is ticking on our old friend, the user manual.

If you're like us, you have a cupboard somewhere in your house, stuffed full of thick, multilingual paper manuals that have rarely seen the light of day. 

More than likely, you've needed at least one of them at some point, but drawn a blank on their whereabouts. Yes – they take up space. And they're easily misplaced.

Fear not. A revolution in operator manuals is here. Augmented reality (AR) user manuals are the practical solution you didn't know you needed in your life or your business.

Join us as we give you the lowdown on these virtual troubleshooters.

What exactly is an AR instruction manual?

If you're reading this, you probably understand the basic principles behind AR.

In short, AR devices allow users to map virtual information over real life – a little like Robocop.

An AR instruction manual is still an instruction manual at its core. However, what marks it apart from its physical analogue is its ability to guide you through immersive instructions overlaid on the task at hand. Users benefit from a step-by-step walkthrough that's seamlessly mapped onto the object.

Imagine you're putting together an Ikea bed or a large hadron collider. You're stuck – or the dog ate your manual.

You pop on a pair of AR glasses or whip out your smartphone. You bring up the AR manual and – before your eyes – you're guided to completion in stunning, intuitive 3D.

What can AR manuals be used for?

Practically anything. 

In theory, anything that requires assembly or maintenance could support an AR instruction manual.

As long as the manufacturer has a supporting app or webpage that offers AR user manuals, you're sorted. Otherwise, you might be stuck with a paper or digital manual. 

What are the benefits of AR instruction manuals?

1. Overcoming language and accessibility barriers

For many of us, even if the manual is in our native tongue, learning through demonstration is a more effective way of translating the information. But those with limited literacy comprehension – as well as non-speakers of the language – find written manuals especially tough.

A visual demonstration is the perfect way to overcome those barriers. Visualisation creates a more interactive and inclusive learning experience for all. 

2. Improving user engagement and understanding

AR manuals often tie into the wider trend of gamification.

At some point, someone realised that games are more fun than instructions. (A Nobel prize-worthy revelation or a truism?)

Either way, creating more interaction with the world around us is not trivial.

Gamification has been proven to improve information retention by stimulating the part of our brain that rewards us with tingly, uplifting chemicals when we achieve a goal. It's as if we're tricking ourselves into remembering things by hacking our brain receptors through cunning (and some very smart technology). 

Regular instruction manuals don't effect the same result, because – frankly – they're instructions.

AR manuals make users feel in control by allowing them to interact with the demo and observe and learn in their own time. This results in a kind of mini "eureka moment" for the user – as if they, alone, had solved the puzzle. 

3. Boosting brand loyalty

AR manuals are not simply aimed at consumers. They can be used effectively by enterprises too.

A good example of this is Mercedes Benz, which leveraged AR manuals to provide its customers with a closer look at its classy vehicles. Using their smartphone or tablet, a customer could get to know the inside of their vehicle with demos of all the dashboard functionality.

But it didn't stop there. Mercedes even went so far as to provide basic maintenance information and repair demonstrations, so their customers could feel more in charge of their vehicles.

As Mercedes demonstrated, introducing product transparency and customer care through AR manuals can help incentivise brand loyalty. 

4. Enhancing remote training and onboarding

For onboarding and training, the AR manual has very clear advantages over regular old paper  manuals. It even trumps its digital forebears.

With AR glasses, employees can access schematics and instruction manuals for complex machinery, hands-free. What's more, they can do it without the need for specialists or technicians to be present.

Empowering trainees with vital information at their fingertips improves confidence and reduces errors, improving workflow and removing timely and expensive call-outs. 

5. Delivering customer support

Let's face it – in today's hyper-competitive economy, customers have exceptionally high standards.

Bad customer support can have negative consequences for your business. If a customer can't get the support they need, there are countless competitors eager to please.

With so much competition, it's important to differentiate your service from your competitors. With AR manuals, you can offer real-time, tailored support to your customers.

For example, a customer can scan a QR code (discreetly placed on their product) with their phone, taking them straight to an AR manual. From there they can troubleshoot their product, with the information intelligently overlaid on their glasses or screen.

6. Accelerating sustainability efforts

AR user manuals are well-aligned with the push for sustainable lifestyles.

Reducing paper consumption by moving to digital and AR manuals is a surefire way to cut waste and free up space in those clogged filing cabinets.

Additionally, showing that your business is environmentally conscious helps build trust and loyalty with an increasingly eco-minded consumer market.

It's a no-brainer, really. Save money and waste – and save the world while you're at it!

Interested in moving from paper documentation to cutting-edge industrial wearable technology? Browse our online shop and make the change today.