One of the biggest challenges associated with online shopping is that a buyer cannot hold and feel a product. Instead, they have to contend with viewing the product image online. Thanks to AR and 3D visualization technology, however, ecommerce platforms can now create interactive experience across various devices that can help engage your customers and increase their satisfaction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen unprecedented growth in ecommerce revenue; hence, many smart companies are trying to improve their online customer experience through various tactics, including the use of 3D and AR.

Let’s find out the application of 3D and AR in ecommerce:

Photorealistic Imagery

With the help of 3D configurators, businesses no longer need to hire professional photographers to take an endless number of photographs for a brand. Instead, highly realistic images can be created through 3D renders of products without creating new artwork. These images are computer-generated and are made to look as real as possible.

3D Product Visualization

One of the biggest advantages of 3D and AR visualization is that it allows customers to view your product from all angles. They can also rotate your product and zoom in to explore every feature.

There are AR-based websites that are allowing artists to safely upload a 3D digital version of their physical artwork online. Through the platform, customers can enlarge the artwork as much as they want and buy them online from the safety of their homes. Such platforms provide new artists a place to exhibit their work and sell it remotely.

Product Configuration and Customization

Through 3D configurators, customers can now configure and make changes to their products in real-time while they are making their selection. In combination with CPQ (configure, price, and quote) technology, customers can also see the price of the product adjust according to the customizations and configurations.

This allows the customers to see exactly what kind of product they will be buying and prevent buying dissonance. It also allows brands to make the product exactly according to the customer’s specification with little room for error.

Augmented Reality Placement

The best thing about AR is that it allows you to see how a product will look in your home. Through the use of a smartphone and webcam, consumers can virtually place the products in their home to see whether the product will look good or fit in its intended space, and whether its color or design matches the elements in your living space.

Consider the example of Houzz, the interior decorating company, that has launched the “View in My Room 3D” app that allows a customer to select a piece of furniture and virtually place it in their room to see how it looks.

Virtual Try-On

AR is giving customers in the fashion and beauty industry a more interactive and immersive experience that can result in higher customer satisfaction.

Let’s look at Sephora. The cosmetic retail chain released the Sephora Virtual Artist app. Through the app, customers can try on makeup via the ModiFace front camera. This way, customers can determine if it matches their skin tone and looks good on them. Just in the first eight week of launching the technology, it was used 45 million times!

The Takeaway

3D and AR in fashion, home décor, art, manufacturing, and pretty much all industries is helping brands give their customers a more immersive experience, resulting in higher customer satisfaction, which translates into improved ROI.

With personalization, configurations, virtual product placement, and virtual try-ons, customers can now enjoy a contactless buying experience with more accurate expectations, resulting in low numbers of product returns.

3D and AR will soon become the norm in ecommerce, playing an instrumental role in boosting customer confidence, which will ultimately result in better conversion.