After we released Gebraucht’s mobile commerce app, we used data analytics to identify improvement opportunities in the selling process. The data showed that users spent a lot of time measuring their packages. We used augmented reality to cut the measurement time and make the process more efficient.
The owners of Gebraucht wanted to streamline how customers purchased and sold used and vintage items. Gebraucht.de, available for iOS and Android, quickly picked up traction after release. Stefan and Oliver, Gebraucht’s owners, were eager from the start to find ways how to improve the selling process for the customers.
By analyzing the analytics generated from in-app use, we found that the process for sending packages was problematic at the sender-courier service stage for an average user. Measuring and picking the right size of the box generated several problems and inconveniences:
The process of measuring packages had to be streamlined to maximize efficiency. We came up with an AR-based component: an intuitive overlay allowing users to preview and select an optimal box size for shipment.
The AR component would let the user quickly measure the package through augmented reality algorithms. The overlay would make it possible to preview and select the optimal box size for shipping the desired contents.
AR Smart Packaging scans the package using the phone's cameras and sensors.
The depth scanner ensures the package is accurately measured.
The feature outputs correct package measurements that can be exported to a selected delivery service.
In-app analytics helped us spot inefficiencies in the selling process, which was the first step to developing a solution. Feature ideation and implementation was focused on the user experience — user-centered feature development is essential to fixing a real-life user problem.
The augmented reality component helps users cut the time necessary to measure the package — from 15 minutes to 15 seconds. The AR overlay with various packaging options allows users to preview and select the optimal box size for shipment.
AR Smart Packaging automatically inputs measurement data to a defined parcel service, decreasing the time it takes to prepare a package for shipment.
