The whitepaper titled “A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality” by Michael E. Porter and James E. Heppelmann, published in the Harvard Business Review (November-December 2017), discusses the potential of augmented reality (AR) and its implications for businesses²³⁴⁵.

The authors argue that there is a disconnect between the wealth of digital data available to us and the physical world in which we apply it. While reality is three-dimensional, the rich data we now have to inform our decisions and actions remains trapped on two-dimensional pages and screens. This gulf between the real and digital worlds limits our ability to take advantage of the torrent of information and insights.

AR, a set of technologies that superimposes digital data and images on physical objects, is closing this gap. By putting information directly into the context in which we’ll apply it, AR increases our ability to absorb and act on it. AR will become the new interface between humans and machines.

Many people are familiar with AR’s entertainment applications, but it is being used in far more consequential ways in business. Pioneering organizations are implementing it in product development, manufacturing, logistics, marketing, service, and training–and making major gains in quality and productivity. AR improves how users visualize information, receive instructions, and interact with products.

For instance, AccuVein converts the heat signature of veins into an image superimposed on the skin, making them much easier to locate. Boeing uses AR to show trainees how to assemble an aircraft wing–and has cut the time it takes them to do that task by 35%. At GE, factory workers performing complex wiring have achieved a similar gain in efficiency by using voice commands in AR experiences.

The authors believe that AR interfaces will replace the screens in consumers’ pockets and people will use hand gestures and voice commands to access information about and interact with the machines and devices around them. They also predict that smart glasses will guide people through the world, allowing them to summon instructions, directions, and even tourist information on a virtual screen that hovers before them whenever and wherever needed.

The paper concludes by walking readers through the questions firms need to ask when integrating AR into their strategies and operations².

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/3/2024
(1) A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality – Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2017/11/a-managers-guide-to-augmented-reality%E2%80%8B.
(2) A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality | Harvard Business Publishing …. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/R1706B-PDF-ENG.
(3) ARTICLE COLLECTION A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality – 3 HTi. https://3hti.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/HBR-harvard-business-review-MANAGERS-GUIDE-TO-AUGMENTED-REALITY-AR.pdf.
(4) Why Every Organization Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy. https://hbr.org/2017/11/why-every-organization-needs-an-augmented-reality-strategy.
(5) . https://bilgehanbaykal.com/2017/10/18/third-hbr-article-by-ptc-why-every-organization-needs-an-augmented-reality-strategy/.

The image you sent is from a whitepaper published in the Harvard Business Review (November-December 2017) titled “Why Every Organization Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy.” It discusses the potential benefits of augmented reality (AR) for businesses.

The whitepaper argues that AR can help businesses to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. AR does this by superimposing digital information on top of the physical world. This can be used to provide workers with information about the tasks they are doing, to help customers visualize products, and to train employees.

The whitepaper cites several examples of how businesses are using AR. For example, Boeing uses AR to help workers assemble airplanes. Ikea uses AR to help customers visualize how furniture would look in their homes. And John Deere uses AR to help farmers troubleshoot problems with their tractors.

The whitepaper concludes that AR is a powerful tool that can be used to improve business efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. It encourages businesses to develop an AR strategy to stay ahead of the competition.

The image you sent is an illustration of one of the whitepaper’s key points. The illustration shows how AR can be used to superimpose digital information on top of the physical world. In this case, the AR app is being used to display the assembly process of a paper rocket.

The image you sent is indeed from the Harvard Business Review whitepaper titled “A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality,” published in November-December 2017. The paper uses the example of an augmented reality (AR) app called HBR-AR to illustrate how AR can be used to dynamically display the assembly process of a paper rocket.

The whitepaper argues that AR has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate by bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds. AR can be used to overlay digital information onto the real world, which can provide workers with valuable insights and instructions in real-time.

In the example of the paper rocket, the HBR-AR app would superimpose a 3D model of the rocket onto the paper sheets as they come out of the pulping machine. This would allow workers to see how the different parts of the rocket fit together and ensure that they are assembled correctly. The app could also provide workers with instructions on how to assemble the rocket, as well as troubleshooting tips.

The whitepaper goes on to discuss other potential applications of AR in business, such as:

• Training: AR can be used to create immersive training simulations that allow workers to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
• Maintenance: AR can be used to provide technicians with real-time instructions on how to repair equipment.
• Marketing: AR can be used to create interactive marketing campaigns that engage customers and promote products.
• Sales: AR can be used to help salespeople demonstrate products and services to customers.

The whitepaper concludes that AR is a powerful tool that has the potential to transform businesses of all sizes. Businesses that are able to adopt AR early will be at a competitive advantage.

Overall, the whitepaper provides a compelling overview of the potential of AR in business. It is a valuable resource for any manager who is interested in learning more about how AR can be used to improve their business.

The image you sent is from a whitepaper titled “Why Every Organization Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy” by Michael E. Porter and James E. Heppelmann, published in the November-December 2017 issue of Harvard Business Review. The whitepaper argues that augmented reality (AR) is a transformative technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way organizations operate.

AR overlays digital information on the physical world, and the whitepaper discusses how AR can be used to improve a variety of business processes, including:

• Product design and development: AR can be used to create prototypes and simulations of products, which can help to reduce development costs and time.
• Manufacturing: AR can be used to provide workers with real-time instructions and guidance, which can improve quality and efficiency.
• Sales and marketing: AR can be used to create interactive product demonstrations and marketing materials, which can help to increase sales.
• Customer service: AR can be used to provide remote assistance to customers, which can help to improve customer satisfaction.

The whitepaper also discusses the challenges of implementing AR, such as the need for specialized hardware and software, and the need to develop new skills and workflows. However, the whitepaper concludes that the benefits of AR outweigh the challenges, and that organizations that are willing to invest in AR will be at a competitive advantage.

The specific example you mentioned of using AR to display the assembly process of a paper rocket is just one of many ways that AR can be used in manufacturing. AR can be used to provide workers with step-by-step instructions, highlight potential errors, and track the progress of work in real time. This can help to improve the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Overall, the whitepaper makes a compelling case for why organizations should consider investing in AR. AR is a powerful technology that has the potential to transform the way we work, and organizations that are willing to embrace it will be at a competitive advantage.

The HBR whitepaper “A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality” discusses how augmented reality (AR) can be a powerful technology for visualizing information, providing instructions and guidance, and enabling interaction in both consumer and business settings. Key points from the whitepaper:

• AR superimposes digital information and images onto the physical world, bridging the gap between digital data and real-world context. This can enhance human capabilities by reducing the mental effort needed to connect information to its application.
• AR is already being used in some industries for applications like heads-up displays in cars, assembly instructions in factories, and warehouse picking optimization. It has the potential to transform training, service, design, manufacturing, and more across many industries.
• Key capabilities of AR include:

• • Visualize – Revealing features not easily visible, like x-ray views of products.
  • Instruct/Guide – Replacing complex 2D instructions with interactive 3D guidance.
  • Interact – Enabling control of objects via virtual interfaces instead of physical controls.
• Companies will need AR strategies to capitalize on AR’s potential for differentiation, cost reduction, developing required capabilities, and transforming communications.
• Challenges include building AR content, recognizing physical environments, choosing hardware, and determining whether to build in-house vs use vendors.
• By combining human strengths like dexterity and cognition with machine capabilities, AR can lead to greater productivity and value creation.

The interactive HBR-AR app demonstrates these AR capabilities through examples like visualizing a car engine, instructing a hydraulic valve replacement, and interacting with a robotic arm.

In the Harvard Business Review’s whitepaper “A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality,” the focus is on the potential of augmented reality (AR) in enhancing managerial processes and operations within various industries. The paper illustrates how AR can be leveraged to improve tasks like assembly processes and equipment maintenance through interactive visualizations.

One notable aspect involves the utilization of the HBR-AR app, which complements the paper’s content with AR-driven images. For instance, the paper showcases the assembly process of a paper rocket, illustrating how AR can dynamically display this process. Through the app, readers can witness the step-by-step assembly of the rocket, from paper sheets emerging from the pulping machine to the retrofitting in the assembly line, culminating in a flight test.

Furthermore, the whitepaper features images that demonstrate AR-enabled exploded views of equipment. This functionality allows users to interact with these visualizations, potentially adjusting various controls or gaining a deeper understanding of the internal components.

Overall, the paper serves as a guide for managers, highlighting the practical applications of AR in improving processes, fostering efficiency, and enhancing understanding through interactive visual representations.

Sure! Here’s a summary of the main elements of the whitepaper:

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that combines the digital world with the real world, allowing us to see and interact with both at the same time. Imagine being able to see a virtual rocket being assembled right in front of you, as if it were really there. That’s the power of AR.

In this whitepaper, you’ll learn all about AR and how it can help businesses improve their processes and enhance their operations. You’ll discover the different types of AR technologies, the components of an AR system, and the benefits of AR for businesses.

The whitepaper also includes a step-by-step guide for managers to implement AR in their organizations, as well as a case study that illustrates how AR can be used in a real-world context.

Overall, this whitepaper is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the exciting possibilities of AR and how it can transform the way we work and live.