Augmented Reality for Kids: Market Insights & Use Cases

Are you wondering about incorporating augmented reality for kids? We understand your curiosity – it's a captivating concept with vast potential.

 

Today's kids are growing up in a world where technologies like AR are just a part of their everyday lives. They're surrounded by technology from the get-go. 

 

Did you know that 95% of teenagers in the United States own smartphones? That's almost every teenager!

 

As technology becomes a bigger part of their lives, it's clear that AR has the power to change how kids learn, play, and explore their world.

 

Surprisingly, the augmented reality market for kids is still wide open amidst the sea of apps available. This presents a golden opportunity for startups and entrepreneurs to make their mark. It's a chance to be a trailblazer in a growing field.

 

In this article, we've got you covered with three key points:

 

• We'll reveal promising market opportunities.
• Get ready to feel inspired with AR use cases for kids.
• Discover how our specialists can turn your concept into viable AR applications for kids.

 

Let's dive in!

A reading-focused AR game built by Onix

 

Use Cases of AR Apps For Kids: Promising Market Opportunities

What is augmented reality for kids?

 

Many of us automatically think about education when we talk about AR for kids. But there's a whole world of possibilities beyond that!

 

Imagine using AR in children's wallpaper, life skills training, commerce, and shopping. It's being explored to help treat autism, too.

 

Pretty fascinating, right? And guess what? That's just scratching the surface.

 

Let's dive deeper into the possibilities of using AR apps for children!

 

Learn more: 3 Universal Applications of Augmented Reality in Business

 

AR storytelling and AR for books

In AR storytelling, kids step into stories using special apps that bring virtual objects into the real world around them. With AR for books, reading gets an upgrade. This AR kids app makes regular books more exciting by adding fun pictures, animations, and other cool stuff right on the pages.

 

Whether watching characters leap off the pages, exploring detailed settings, or interacting with animated objects, AR transforms traditional storytelling into an unforgettable adventure for young readers.

 

For example, Onix team built an AR game that transformed kids' reading comprehension. With cutting-edge speech recognition, children engage in dynamic learning through dialogue with the character Lou. They explore a captivating world filled with plot scenarios and interactive elements.

 

 

One more example of storytelling is Castorama. In collaboration with TBWA\Paris, they introduce an interactive wallpaper called "The Magic Wallpaper" to foster family moments at home.

 

This innovative wallpaper showcases ten characters, each serving as a digital marker that, when scanned using a dedicated app, unlocks 55 five-minute stories. Users can also scan two characters simultaneously to witness their interactions and uncover shared histories.

 

 

Language learning

Through AR, language learning becomes dynamic and engaging, catering to different learning styles and preferences. Kids can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a playful and interactive way, building their language skills naturally as they navigate through virtual worlds.

 

For example, a child can point their device at everyday objects, and labels appear in the target language, teaching them new words as they explore their surroundings.

 

They can interact with virtual characters who guide them through language exercises, pronunciation practice, and even storytelling sessions in the target language.

 

The Onix team built an AR solution for language learning called ChattyBox.

 

This dynamic app offers an immersive and playful approach to learning English, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, and Japanese. Through a mix of mixed media, educational videos, and games, ChattyBox enhances the learning process, making it enjoyable for kids.

 

Inside ChattyBox, users discover:

 

• 500 key vocabulary words
• Five learning exercises gamified for engagement
• One oral expression exercise to practice speaking
• Rewards for kids, including watching cute videos and playing games

 

 

During the AR app development process, the team tackled several challenges to ensure an optimal user experience:

 

• Creation of 8 application versions for each language, compatible with both Android and iOS platforms

 

• Compliance with "Made for kids" requirements on iOS and Android platforms, with a mandatory subscription monetization model

 

• Implementation of asset bundles for mini-games to provide rewards

 

• Utilization of an internal SQLite database for managing words and user progress tracking

 

• Support for offline mode

 

• Localization in 15 languages

 

• Use of graphic assets in vector and bitmap formats

 

• Integration of Unity Analytics and AppsFlyer for comprehensive analytics

 

• Integration of SoapboxLabs service for speech recognition and pronunciation assessment

 

 

 

AR commerce & shopping for toys

Just imagine: a child eagerly browsing through an online toy store, but instead of static images, they see vibrant 3D models of their favorite toys right in front of them. With AR commerce for toys, companies are transforming the shopping experience for kids.

 

Learn more: Benefits and Use Cases of Augmented Reality in Shopping And Retail

 

AR commerce allows children to interact with virtual toys in real-world environments, providing a hands-on experience. They can rotate, resize, and even play with these virtual toys before purchasing.

 

Take Lego, for example. LEGO has experimented with in-store AR experiences to attract customers and drive foot traffic to its retail locations. For instance, LEGO stores may feature AR kiosks or displays where customers can interact with virtual LEGO models or characters, providing an engaging and memorable shopping experience.

 

LEGO, known for its innovative approach to toy manufacturing, has taken its marketing strategy to new heights with AR technology. Through its LEGO® 3D Catalogue and mobile AR app, the company has found a unique way to connect emotionally with its audience and streamline the toy-buying process.

 

By combining the app with their traditional paper catalog, LEGO allows kids to bring their favorite toys to life in 3D. With a simple scan of specially marked pages, children and parents can preview LEGO sets in augmented reality, making informed purchase decisions.

LEGO® 3D Catalogue

 

AR for treating autism in children

Autism therapists and researchers began exploring VR in the mid-1990s. However, at that time, the technology was pricey, and the headsets were clunky and uncomfortable, making it challenging to use VR to help people with autism.

 

But now, things have changed! As VR and AR technologies have become more affordable and accessible, they're opening up exciting possibilities for improving the lives of people with autism. 

 

Here are some ways AR can help enhance the lives of people with autism:

 

• Social skills. AR apps can simulate social situations in which kids with autism can practice making eye contact, understanding facial expressions, and chatting with others. It's like a safe space to learn and improve at socializing.

 

• Sensory integration. Many kids with autism struggle with processing sensory information. But AR can step in to help! It can create virtual worlds where kids can explore different sights, sounds, and textures at their own pace. This allows them to get used to other sensations and learn to manage them better.

 

• Behavioral therapy. AR games can help kids with autism learn important skills like controlling their emotions, solving problems, and dealing with challenges in a fun and exciting way.

 

• Communication enhancement. AR apps can be super helpful for kids with autism who don't speak much or at all. They can use special features like pictures, words that turn into speech, and interactive boards to express themselves and communicate what they want or how they feel. It's like giving them a voice to share their needs and emotions.

 

For example, Proloquo2Go is an app that helps kids and adults who cannot speak express themselves confidently and start conversations. Plus, it's a big help for caregivers, teachers, and therapists too.

Proloquo2Go's Home Screen

 

Creativity and imagination

Children can unleash their creative potential with AR by designing and customizing characters, objects, and environments from their devices. The possibilities of augmented reality for kids are endless, from creating fantastical creatures to building entire worlds.

 

And the best part? Kids can dive into their creations and interact with them in real time, sparking their imagination and fueling endless adventures. With AR, the only limit is their imagination.

 

For example, with Color Alive, all users need are Crayola Crayons or markers to make their coloring masterpieces come to life.

 

You can watch as characters from your coloring pages leap off the page and interact with you through augmented reality. They'll fly around, talk, and do things you never even dreamed possible. It's like having your little touch of magic right at your fingertips.

 

 

Life skills training

AR offers an innovative approach to teaching kids essential life skills, transforming traditional learning methods into immersive and interactive experiences. With AR apps in virtual environments, children can explore practical tasks like cooking, gardening, and first aid. 

 

Through step-by-step instructions, interactive simulations, and gamified elements, AR makes learning these skills engaging and accessible for kids of all ages.

 

A vivid example of such a solution is Brush Monster. Its AR-guided brush kit turns brushing teeth into an adventure, making it super fun and exciting for children.

 

This app teaches proper brushing techniques while keeping kids entertained. With a patented AR brush and a built-in 3D smart motion sensor, children are guided through 16 regions of the mouth for thorough cleaning, with brushing performance tracked and displayed in the app. 

 

 

Historical and cultural exploration

With augmented reality, kids can go on virtual adventures through time and space to learn about history and culture. These apps offer exciting virtual tours of historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks right from the palm of their hands. 

 

Users can:

 

• delve into ancient civilizations
• witness key historical events
• marvel at famous artworks, all in an interactive and immersive way.

 

It's like stepping back in time and exploring the world's wonders without leaving home.

 

BBC's Civilization AR is an augmented reality app that directly brings you art and culture worldwide. It offers a firsthand exploration of ancient Egypt, Renaissance masterpieces, and more.

 

With over 30 historic artifacts curated by the BBC and contributions from museums across the UK, this virtual collection offers a captivating glimpse into the past.

 

 

Augmented reality for children opens up endless possibilities for making fun and exciting experiences, not just limited to learning. Using AR, we can create apps that entertain, spark creativity, teach life skills, and so much more, offering a whole new world of opportunities for children to explore and enjoy.

 

 

Concerns Associated With AR Technology For Children and Tips To Avoid/Solve Them

Before building augmented reality apps for kids, consider and address any concerns. These include too much screen time, exposure to inappropriate content, and safety risks. 

 

But by addressing these concerns during app development and incorporating appropriate features and safeguards, you can create an AR experience for kids that enhances their lives while keeping their safety and well-being in mind.

 

So, what should you consider before developing an AR app for kids?

 

Let's delve deeper into this topic with insights from our specialists.

 

Screen time and overstimulation

One major concern when developing AR apps for kids. Kids spending too much time using AR apps can lead to problems like eye strain, tiredness, and feeling overwhelmed, especially for younger children.

 

Tips to address this concern:

 

• Onix recommends designing the app with built-in features that encourage breaks and limit prolonged usage.

 

• Providing options for parents to set time limits or reminders within the app can help ensure that children use it responsibly and avoid excessive screen time.

 

Privacy and data security

AR apps for kids often gather user data, including location details and personal preferences, raising concerns about how this information is stored, shared, and safeguarded, especially regarding children's privacy.

 

To address this concern, Onix advises:

 

• implementing robust data privacy measures and adhering to strict compliance standards like GDPR or COPPA.

 

• minimizing data collection to only what's necessary for the app's functionality and obtaining explicit consent from parents for any data collection involving children.

 

Physical safety risks

Kids using AR apps might pay less attention to what's around them, which could make accidents more likely, especially if they're in unfamiliar places.

 

To address this concern, Onix recommends to:

 

• include safety prompts or notifications within the app to remind users to be mindful of their surroundings.

 

• avoid designing features that may encourage children to navigate hazardous environments without supervision.

 

Content appropriateness

When kids use AR apps, they might see ads that aren't right for their age, promoting stuff they shouldn't be exposed to. Some AR content might have violence, like aggressive characters, which could upset them. They might also come across stuff not meant for them, such as mature themes, language, or imagery.

 

To address these concerns, we recommend to:

 

• ensure that all content featured in the app is suitable for the intended age group of your target audience

 

• provide clear labeling or filtering options within the app to help parents identify and control the content their children can access

 

• implement robust parental control features that allow parents to customize and restrict content based on their child's age, preferences, and developmental stage

 

• include a feedback and reporting mechanism within the app, allowing users to report inappropriate content and allowing developers to address any concerns promptly.

 

Some technical nuances

 

• Marker recognition contrast. For effective marker recognition, markers should exhibit high contrast to ensure easy readability by computer vision systems. Images should maintain clarity and legibility when converted to black and white.

 

• Interactive buttons on books. When using interactive buttons in books, it's vital to consider spacing between elements. A clear understanding of the book's dimensions and page layout is crucial for ensuring accurate scaling and implementation of these interactive features.

 

• Optimizing asset downloads. To ensure the app's size is optimized, it's essential to carefully plan asset downloads from internet servers, including 3D models, images, videos, and sounds. 

 

• Variability in SDK tracking quality. Tracking quality can vary among different SDKs, with some performing better than others. Various systems are tailored to specific tasks, and many SDKs are costly.

 

We recommend experimenting with different options to determine the most suitable solution before final implementation.

 

• Limitations of front-facing cameras. Front-facing cameras have limitations, and developers cannot replicate all the features available with the main camera. These limitations in functionality for front-facing cameras may affect the overall user experience.

 

 

How Onix Can Help

 

- Do you have an AR/VR app idea but don't know where to start? You need a product strategy first.

 

Our experts can help you develop a plan from scratch. From proof of concept development to platform selection and talent management, we'll create a solid strategy to ensure a smooth development process and a successful product launch.

 

- Want to make sure your product idea is viable? Let's create a PoC/prototype of your product.

 

Before you commit, let us help you test it out. Our AR experts can create a prototype of your product to check critical features and ensure it's a solid idea before you dive into full development.

 

 

- Want to build an AR app for kids and looking for an experienced, dedicated team? We form a dedicated software development team for you. 

 

We build a 100% dedicated software development team to bring your AR product vision to life. While we handle all the project management details, you can focus on growing your business. Rest assured, we'll make the development process smooth and transparent every step of the way.

 

- Not sure how to apply AR technology to your business to start leveraging it? Talk to our experts and get a consultation.

 

We show you how AR technology can benefit your industry. After analyzing your business goals, we'll offer you the best-suited AR solution to meet your concrete needs.

 

At whatever stage you are in your AR app development, please contact Onix for consultation or assistance. We are happy to help!

 

 

FAQ

 

How much does it cost to develop an augmented reality app for kids?

The cost of developing an augmented reality app for children may start at around $10,000 for a basic demo app and increase to approximately $40,000 for a more advanced app on iOS or Android. The final cost depends on the app's complexity, desired features, and development timeline.

 

How to choose the right AR app development company?

When choosing augmented reality app developers, prioritize factors like portfolio quality, relevant expertise, experience, client feedback, and geographical location or time zone compatibility. Schedule a call to discuss their approach to your project and assess their competence.

 

How long does it take to build an augmented reality app for kids?

The duration can vary based on complexity, features, and the development approach. A basic AR app might be ready in a few weeks or months. However, more intricate apps with advanced features could take several months or even a year. 

 

What steps should I take to initiate the development of an AR app for children with Onix?

All you need to do:

 

Just share your idea, and we'll analyze it and schedule a call to get started on bringing your concept to life.

 

Get in touch with us here!