The pandemic has not only changed the way we live, it’s changed the way we shop. While it’s made us appreciate the digital aspect of purchasing products online, it’s also underscored the need we have as human beings for a physical experience as well. That’s where a newly coined term, ‘phygital’ comes in. The hybrid moniker is a slick new name for pairing both physical and digital experiences together. Consumers were already traversing digital and physical shopping channels, but the global pandemic accelerated the shift. ‘Phygital’ experiences that are well-designed and blended into customers' actual lives and needs are the ones most likely to stick around long after the pandemic has passed. This kind of blending can take the form of digital coupons offered for online or in-person grocery shopping, or augmented reality (AR) experiences that give customers a way to literally size-up a product in the comfort of their own homes, before making a purchase. Unsure how that couch is going to fit in your living room? Drop in a 1-to-1 scale 3D model of it in your home and see for yourself before you checkout. Does the color of the couch match your carpet and paint? AR allows you to visualize how something will look before it's in your space, making it feel tangible and real. The key to successful ‘phygital’ shopping will be making sure that the connections drawn between the physical and digital worlds make sense and are seamless for consumers. So, let’s get phygital!
