Ever purchase something online, but not sure how it would look when you got it in person? You may have selected a couch, but you weren’t certain if it will be a matching color with your room. Or you’ve purchased a pair of shoes but you weren’t able to see how they’d fit on your feet.
This is extremely prevalent for online shoppers. Technology is changing that however. One of the tools that are making online shopping more enjoyable and better is a 3D product configurator.
First, let’s define what a 3D Product Configurator is.
The 3D product configurator is a web application that allows you to view the product in three dimensions on a website. It can be rotated, zoomed in, zoomed out and altered in properties such as color, material and dimensions. All this is done real-time on your screen.
Imagine it’s like a video game and you can create your own character. But instead, you are building a real product that you can purchase – a product that is created with the end-user in mind.
A 3D product configurator is now used by many large companies or small businesses on their website. It allows customers to feel more confident in purchasing something.
Why Online Shopping required this Tool?
It’s simple to shop in a brick-and-mortar store. You can grasp a product, examine it from all angles and feel it in your hands. You can be sure of what you are buying.
It is not the same shopping online. Only flat photos to be seen. Colours may not appear the same on the screen. This may be difficult to assess sometimes. It’s simply impossible to see what the product will look like in your house or on your skin.
This is why so many people return items they purchase online. They receive the product and it isn’t what they were expecting. A return means that it takes time and money out of the business’ and the customer’s pockets.
The 3D product configurator avoids this problem by providing a much better visual understanding of the product before they click “buy.”
In what ways does it work?
When you visit a website with a 3D product configurator, you will see a 3D model of the product on your screen. This model was created using special software.
You can then make changes and start to make things better. When purchasing a chair, you may choose the fabric colour. You may consider the paint or wheels if you’re looking for a vehicle. The model updates automatically thus you can see your options immediately.
Some configurators also provide augmented reality viewing of the product. This way you can take a picture with your cell phone and see what it would look like in your actual room. This is a great feature.
All of this is done in your browser. No need to download any app. It’s so simple – just log in to the website and get started customizing.
3D Product Configurator Users?
Numerous businesses utilize this tool. Let’s take a look at some examples.
It is used by furniture businesses to allow customers to choose the finish on wood, the fabric of sofas, tables, or beds, and the size of the sofa. This enables people to coordinate the furniture with their home style.
Shoes come in various brands offering the option of creating a unique shoe design for customers. Color, lace color and material can be selected for each component of the shoe.
A 3D product configurator is used by car manufacturers to enable the customer to create his dream car online. You specify the color, wheels, interior, and so on.
When ordering rings or necklaces from jewelry stores, customers can select the style of a ring, the type of metal and the stone.
Electronic manufacturers allow customers to select storage, colour and other features for their laptops or phones.
The list goes on. This tool can be useful for any product with several versions and options.
How It Helps Customers
The most important thing for customers is to be confident. If you can see exactly what you’re buying, you’ll have a lot more confidence in your purchase.
You also save time. You don’t have to read a long product description or look at photos, simply you play with the configurator. All options are in one place.
Consumers also have a greater sense of connection with the product if they make it themselves. It feels personal. It’s as if you’ve built something that is yours.
This emotional link matters! It makes the people happier about their decision of buying. It’s less likely they’ll return it. They are more likely to return and make repeat purchases.
How It Helps Businesses
The 3D product configurator is a favorite among businesses because it facilitates them to sell more. If customers are able to see a product clearly, they’re more likely to buy it. This minimizes what is referred to as “cart abandonment,” where a person puts something in his or her shopping cart but doesn’t end up purchasing it.
They also decrease returns. If the customer knows what it is, then he/she isn’t surprised. The less unexpected it is, the less returns you will make. This can help to save the business lots of money and effort.
It is also helpful information for businesses. They can view customer preference on colours selected most, popular combinations and options that customers never select. It enables them to improve their product and decision making.
Some companies actually use the configurator to place orders for products that have yet to be created. It’s created by the customer and then produced by the company. This is known as made-to-order production and helps to minimise stock wastage.
The Power of Technology behind it.The importance of Technology behind it.
It is not an easy task to create a good 3D product configurator. It requires proficient developers and designers. Their expertise in using tools such as WebGL, Three.js, and 3D rendering software enables them to produce vibrant and lifelike visuals.
The models need to be appealing on any screen size, whether it’s a large desktop monitor or a small phone screen. They also need to load quickly. Everyone does not like to wait for a long time to get a product.
It involves lighting, shadow, texture, etc. A good configurator can make the product seem like a real product in your hands. It’s the sort of detail that will make the customer feel confident.
What the Future Looks Like
3D product configurator is already revolutionizing the shopping experience. However, even greater changes are in store for the future.
Shopping in virtual reality is approaching. No screen is needed, you will be wearing a headset and a virtual store will be there for you to walk through. You will gain a hands-on experience of selecting products and studying them in detail.
Configurators will be made more intelligent with artificial intelligence. The tool may propose settings that are similar to the settings you’ve used before or settings that other users with similar styles have used.
Integration with social media is also growing. Think designing a product and sharing your custom version of the product with friends before you purchase it.
Final Thoughts
The online shopping landscape is far removed from just images and descriptions. One of the more powerful tools that is making the change is the 3D product configurator.
It is helpful to customers to see what they are purchasing. It helps companies to sell more and waste less. It makes the experience more enjoyable, more personal and more fulfilling.
If you’re a shopper seeking the ultimate product, or even a business aiming to provide your customer with the best experience, it’s essential you know the 3D product configurator. It’s not a fad. It’s fast becoming the new reality of online shopping.
