8 Examples of Brands Using 3D eCommerce to Boost Sales
In the world of e-commerce, a product is not just a product; it is an experience, a feeling, and a matter of trust. When customers cannot see or touch a product on their screens, or when they wonder, "Will it really look like this?" brands face challenges. This is precisely where 3D e-commerce comes into play. Three-dimensional product images and augmented reality (AR) technologies transform the screen into a storefront. Users interacting with the product do more than just look; they can rotate it, zoom in, and even place it in the corner of their room to see how it fits.
But is this level of interaction just about providing a pleasant user experience? No, it directly impacts sales. Thanks to 3D content, conversion rates rise, return rates drop, and customer satisfaction soars. Now, it's not just large tech giants but a variety of industries, from fashion brands to furniture manufacturers, that are actively using this technology.
Key Insights
3D e-commerce has become a powerful tool for brands to increase sales.
Augmented Reality (AR) personalizes the shopping experience, offering customers the opportunity to try products in real-time.
Brands like IKEA and Nike are enhancing customer experiences and boosting sales by leveraging 3D and AR technologies.
Virtual try-on and design tools reduce the likelihood of wrong purchases, thereby lowering return rates.
3D technologies make shopping more interactive and visual, enabling users to make more informed decisions.
8 Examples of Brands Using 3D eCommerce to Boost Sales
In this article, we've compiled 8 brands that use 3D e-commerce as a strategic tool. Feel free to take inspiration—it's highly recommended. Perhaps after reading these examples, you'll start exploring ways to bring your own products into the 3D world. If you're ready, let's dive in!
IKEA
In 2017, IKEA introduced its AR app, IKEA Place. As a pioneering application in the 3D e-commerce field, IKEA Place revolutionized furniture shopping by using augmented reality (AR) technology. The app allows users to virtually place furniture in their homes, helping them assess how products will fit within a given space. This enables more informed decisions regarding the size, color, and compatibility of the products.
By adopting AR technologies early on and successfully, IKEA set an excellent example for other e-commerce brands, encouraging them to implement the latest technologies in their marketing strategies.
Sales Increase and Reduced Return Rates
After the launch of the IKEA Place app, the company saw an increase in online sales of up to 35%. Additionally, the ability for customers to view and evaluate products beforehand led to a 20% reduction in return rates.
User Experience and Feedback
Users report experiencing less uncertainty when shopping for furniture using IKEA Place. One user shared their experience, stating, "I used to constantly measure things when buying furniture, but now, thanks to the app, I don’t have to go through that hassle."
IKEA is further enhancing its AR technology by working on features that will allow users to virtually furnish entire rooms. This will enable customers to make more comprehensive and informed purchasing decisions.
IKEA Kreativ
Launched in 2022, IKEA Kreativ is a tool that allows users to design their rooms in 3D and place IKEA products in a virtual environment. Users can upload photos of their rooms and try out different products to create the most suitable design. Using AR and artificial intelligence, IKEA Kreativ offers a personalized and interactive experience, making home decor more fun and creative. It's a great tool for anyone looking to design their dream room.
Nike
Nike Fit scans users' feet using smartphone cameras, analyzing 13 different visual data points to create a personalized 3D foot model for each individual. This technology suggests the most suitable shoe size and model, reducing returns caused by incorrect sizing and increasing customer satisfaction.
AR-Based Virtual Try-On Experience
Nike offers customers the ability to virtually try on shoes using augmented reality (AR) technology. By scanning their feet with their smartphones, users can see in real-time how the selected shoes will fit their feet. This interactive experience boosts customer confidence and simplifies purchasing decisions.
Nikeland: Interactive Shopping Experience in the Metaverse
Nike enables users to engage in interactive experiences with their avatars in the virtual world "Nikeland," created on the Roblox platform. This metaverse environment allows users to participate in virtual events and explore Nike products. This innovative approach enhances brand loyalty, particularly among younger consumers.
Impact on Sales and Customer Experience
By integrating 3D and AR technologies, Nike has enriched the online shopping experience, enhancing customer satisfaction. These technologies enable customers to better understand products, leading to more informed purchasing decisions. As a result, sales increase and return rates decrease.
Wayfair
Wayfair is reshaping the user experience in home décor and furniture shopping with pioneering technology that digitalizes the process. 3D imaging and augmented reality (AR) services make shopping much more interactive and personalized. Through realistic 3D models, users can view selected furniture and décor items in their virtual space at real size, giving them a clearer idea of which products will look best in their homes.
3D Imaging Technology
Wayfair allows users to explore furniture in greater detail by presenting products through 3D visuals. This technology enables customers to see how items appear from different angles. Additionally, key details such as product dimensions, material textures, and color options can be visually evaluated, allowing for more informed decision-making.
Augmented Reality (AR) Experience
Using AR technology, Wayfair enables users to virtually place selected furniture in their homes. By using a smartphone or tablet, customers can instantly see how a piece looks in any corner of their home. This makes it easy to visualize how the furniture fits the room's dimensions and helps prevent incorrect choices.
These innovative technologies turn shopping into an active design process rather than just a purchase. Both fun and practical, these features simplify home décor while reducing return rates and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Volvo
Volvo developed an app called Volvo Reality to promote the XC90 model. This app allowed users to experience a virtual mountain road drive using their smartphones. Supported by Google Cardboard-compatible VR headsets, the app enabled users to explore the car's interior and driving dynamics in a virtual environment.
Advanced Safety Software with AI-Powered 3D Virtual Worlds
Volvo uses an artificial intelligence technique called Gaussian Splatting to transform real-world images into natural-looking 3D scenes. This method enhances the safety of driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving software by providing more accurate environmental representations.
Emergency Response Application: AR Support for Electric Trucks
Volvo Group has developed an AR application for electric trucks that offers emergency teams 3D models showing the locations of high-voltage systems and battery packs. This application accelerates safe intervention processes, allowing emergency teams to respond more effectively.
AR Technology in Manufacturing and Training
Volvo Group uses AR technology to improve quality control in production processes. Integrated with PTC's Vuforia platform, this system provides operators with 3D data and quality control information at motor assembly lines, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
AR Experience for Volvo S60: Digital Showroom
Volvo Cars Brazil offered an AR experience to promote the S60 model, turning mobile devices into a digital showroom. Users could explore the car's interior and exterior design, change color options, and request a test drive. The experience was successful, with over 13,000 visitors and a 27% increase in pre-sale inquiries.
Volvo's use of AR and 3D technologies demonstrates the brand's commitment to innovation and leadership in digital transformation. These technologies enrich the user experience while also improving safety and production processes.
Gucci
Gucci made its mark in the digital world by introducing its virtual sneaker collection, Gucci Virtual 25. These shoes can be virtually tried on through augmented reality (AR) technology on smartphones. Users can also wear these digital sneakers on platforms like Roblox and VRChat. This innovative move strengthens the brand's presence in the digital world and boosts engagement with younger consumers.
Gucci AR Lens for Virtual Shoe Try-On
In collaboration with Snapchat, Gucci launched an AR lens that allows users to scan their feet with their phones and virtually try on shoes. This feature makes the shopping experience more interactive by letting users see different shoes on their own feet in real time.
Gucci App for 3D Product Exploration and AR Experience
Gucci’s mobile app enables users to explore products in 3D and experience them virtually through AR technology. This feature allows users to get a closer look at the products and make more informed shopping decisions.
Digital Fashion and the Gaming World
Gucci is also an active player in the digital fashion world. The brand has partnered with games like The Sims, Roblox, Pokémon Go, and Animal Crossing to offer digital collections in virtual environments. This strategy enhances the brand’s interaction with young, digitally-focused consumers.
Philips
ClarifEye: AR-Assisted Navigation for Spinal Surgery
Philips' ClarifEye system uses low-dose X-rays and high-resolution optical cameras to capture the surface of the patient during spinal surgery. By combining these images with internal 3D visuals obtained from the X-ray system, surgeons can achieve a real-time 3D augmented reality view. This technology allows for a more accurate match between the planned surgical path and the patient’s anatomy, improving surgical precision.
Integration of AR and AI in Healthcare
Philips aims to revolutionize healthcare by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. This combination helps automate repetitive tasks and enables remote procedures, allowing healthcare providers to dedicate more time to direct patient care. As a result, the quality of care improves, and the patient experience is enhanced.
AR Feature in Philips Hue App
Philips has updated its Hue app to include an augmented reality feature, allowing users to preview how smart lights will look in a room. This feature works in conjunction with LiDAR sensors on iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models, enabling users to visualize 12 different Hue products with various lighting scenes, effects, and colors.
L'Oréal
AR Makeup Try-On Tool
L'Oréal Paris offers an AR tool that allows users to virtually try on makeup products. The tool analyzes users’ faces and enables them to apply selected products in real time. Users can experiment with different shades of lipstick, foundation, mascara, and blush, saving and purchasing their favorite looks. The app also provides personalized color recommendations based on the user's skin tone, enhancing the shopping experience.
Virtual Hair Color Try-On: L’Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris provides an AR tool for users to virtually try different hair colors on their own photos. This tool allows users to see how various shades would look on their hair before making a decision, making it an ideal solution for anyone considering a color change.
ModiFace Technology for Personalized Experience
By integrating AR and AI technologies, L'Oréal uses ModiFace to analyze users' facial features and suggest the best makeup products. ModiFace provides customized recommendations based on users' skin tone, face shape, and preferences. Acquired by L'Oréal in 2018, ModiFace has contributed to the brand’s digital transformation journey.
Impact of AR and AI on Shopping Experience
L'Oréal’s AR and AI-based virtual try-on tools enhance user interaction, positively affecting sales. Virtual testing allows users to make more informed purchasing decisions. These digital tools became even more crucial during the pandemic when physical stores were closed, providing customers with a safe way to shop.
Target
Target utilizes augmented reality (AR) with its "See It in Your Space" feature, allowing users to virtually place selected furniture and home decor products in their own rooms. This feature can be activated through the Target mobile app by searching for the "See It in Your Space" option or tapping the AR icon. Using the device's camera, it overlays products into the user's space in real-time, giving them a better sense of the product's size and style.
Target Beauty Studio: Virtual Makeup Try-On
Target also applies AR technology in the beauty category through its Beauty Studio app. This allows users to try on various makeup products like lipstick, blush, mascara, and even hair colors virtually. The app suggests products tailored to the user’s skin tone, offering a personalized shopping experience.
AR-Enhanced In-Store Experiences
Target enriches in-store experiences with AR as well. For instance, during the 2022 holiday season, the retailer launched the "Bullseye's AR Holiday Adventure" campaign. Shoppers could scan QR codes in the store to interact with Target's mascot, Bullseye, in a virtual winter wonderland. This initiative provided an engaging and fun shopping experience, particularly for children.
Rebecca Minkoff
Rebecca Minkoff has integrated 3D modeling and augmented reality (AR) technologies into its online store, allowing customers to experience products in a more realistic way in a virtual environment. Customers can view products from different angles, better understand their sizes and details, and engage more interactively with the items. This feature provides significant advantages, especially for mobile users. Research indicates that customers interacting with AR are 65% more likely to make a purchase. Additionally, those who engage with 3D models are 44% more likely to add items to their cart and 27% more likely to complete a purchase.
Smart Mirrors and Connected Walls in Physical Stores
Rebecca Minkoff enhances the in-store shopping experience through the use of digital technologies such as "connected walls" and "smart rooms." These innovations allow customers to digitally explore products and receive personalized recommendations. For example, smart mirrors let customers view different color and style options, communicate with sales representatives, and adjust lighting conditions, creating a more immersive shopping experience.
AR and VR Integration at Fashion Week
At New York Fashion Week, Rebecca Minkoff showcased AR and VR technologies to offer viewers a unique experience. Through 360-degree live streaming and AR-supported apps, the audience could enjoy a front-row-like experience of the fashion show. This integration helped the brand reach a wider audience and improved conversion rates for its new collections.
Start Your Digital Transformation with artlabs!
If you want to take your brand to the next level with 3D e-commerce and augmented reality solutions, artlabs is ready to offer tailored solutions with our experienced team. With our professional support, you can make a difference in the digital world and enhance your customer experience. Contact us now, and let's take the steps to bring your brand into the future together!
