Evidence of How AR Makes Learning Better and Irresistibly Engaging

Ludenso is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AR, turning it into a powerful educational asset that offers far more than just an initial "wow" factor. While it’s true that AR initially grabbed attention more than it served value, this perception is rapidly changing, and Ludenso is at the forefront of this transformation.

Ludenso is an impact-driven company, founded with a genuine desire to improve global education and proudly backed by the Kahoot Founders. We’ve partnered with leading universities on two research projects to explore how AR can be a transformative educational tool with lasting pedagogical impact. Additionally, we’ve co-mentored several master’s students who are delving deeper into the potential of AR. The results are clear: 3D and AR technologies significantly boost student motivation, engagement, and learning effectiveness.

In this blog post, we're thrilled to showcase the transformative impact of AR in education, supported by studies highlighting its effectiveness and the enthusiastic reception from students of all ages.

AR is a student favorite for both in-class use and independent study - and the numbers speak for themselves

AR in Action: Cool, effective, engaging. What's not to love?

AR revolutionizes how students engage with complex concepts, blending digital and physical realms to create immersive learning experiences. It makes abstract concepts tangible through 3D visualization and interactive learning environments.

Imagine studying a plant cell. Illustrations help, right? Now imagine rotating, zooming, and clicking on labels that explain what each part of the cell does. Much better, right?


When our Director of Partnerships, Karen V. Ordones, was invited as a guest speaker at NYU in April, a Chinese student suddenly said, "I've built my own AR app to study because it is the best way to learn". Knowing how forward-thinking China is with technology and experimental education, that is the natural response from a student who intuitively understands the power of AR.

Here are some statistical insights that excites us - and we hope they excite you too:

  • 94% of students believe that mobile AR apps positively impact their learning. Source
  • 4 out of 5 students advocate for the continued use of AR in their educational journey.  Source
  • 82% of students find AR more helpful than conventional teaching methods. Source

And here are the results of a mini anonymous poll we conducted while guest lecturing for Professor Nancy Gleason's "Future of Education" course at NYU Abu Dhabi. Despite the small sample size, these results capture the students' excitement and engagement during the lecture:

From science labs to art classes, AR has shown significant benefits:

  • Enhanced learning outcomes: Students using AR tools display better understanding and retention of complex subjects. By turning abstract ideas into interactive, three-dimensional objects, learners can explore details up close, leading to deeper comprehension and retention. Source
  • Increased motivation and engagement: AR applications make learning more engaging and enjoyable, which is crucial in maintaining student interest and participation. The novelty and interactivity of AR encourage students to explore and learn beyond traditional textbooks. Source
  • Improved self-efficacy: Studies indicate that students feel more confident in their abilities to understand and master subjects when using AR compared to traditional learning methods. Source
  • It's friendly to neurodivergence: By providing a safe and controlled environment for learning, and improving attention and sensory processing, XR technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we support and empower neurodiverse individuals. AR is proven to help students focus on the virtual world rather than the noises around them. That’s why its effectiveness in teaching is higher than traditional methods. Source

AR differentiates your products in a crowded market place - with significant commercial impact

Integrating AR into your products offers a transformative edge in today's competitive marketplace, creating a profound commercial impact. AR is not just a technological enhancement; it's a revolution that redefines user engagement and experience.

This unique selling proposition not only drives sales but also builds a forward-thinking brand image, ultimately boosting profitability.

Here are some insights:

  • 96% of educators would rather buy an AR-enhanced book, than a non AR enhanced competing offer
  • 520% higher buying intent when AR is present Source
  • 9 out of 10 people would pay more to have a book with AR Source

Consider the statistics: an overwhelming 96% of educators express a preference for AR-enhanced books, illustrating the educational sector's shift towards interactive and immersive learning tools. This isn't just a preference; it's a demand for innovation. AR elevates the learning experience, making it more engaging and effective. Such compelling data reflects the potential for AR to attract a vast, eager audience, transforming how content is consumed and appreciated.

AR's impact on consumer behavior is monumental. The willingness of nine out of ten consumers to pay a premium for AR-enhanced books signals a significant market opportunity. This figure underscores the magnetic appeal of AR, drawing customers into a more engaging and captivating user experience. It's not merely about offering a product; it's about offering an experience that customers find irresistible.

In essence, AR is not just an addition to your products; it's a strategic imperative that drives sales, enhances brand perception, and fosters customer loyalty.

When we think back, books were not as illustrated as they are today. Illustrations are not only entertaining but also visually explain concepts that are harder to grasp with words alone. Just as illustrations were a natural step to make books more relevant and enticing, AR is the next evolution. We believe every single book will be AR-enhanced in the next decade.

AR is not just a gimmick or a nice-to-have in books. It's a pedagogical revolution reshaping how knowledge is conveyed and absorbed. As we incorporate this technology, the educational landscape will continue to transform, making learning more engaging, effective, and inclusive.

For more insights and updates on the integration of technology in education, please stay in tune and reach out to hello@ludenso.com to explore how we can further enhance the pedagogical outcomes together with AR (and sooner than you think, with AI) and take you to the forefront of educational innovation or book a demo with our team here.