Retail giants like Adidas and Ikea are jumping into the ocean of augmented reality (AR), creating immersive shopping experiences in their online stores, like trying on virtual shoes or visualizing furniture in your living room .
Small businesses and online entrepreneurs might think getting started with AR is out of reach. However, it’s actually quite achievable. If you feel like you’re missing out on the AR trend, it just means you may not be aware of the simple and affordable e-commerce AR solutions available.
If you’re a business owner swimming in the digital tides of online retail, this article is your life jacket. Continue reading!
Augmented reality in e-commerce
Before we get into the details, let’s quickly define what augmented reality actually is. AR is a technology that overlays digital elements onto the real world through a device, usually a smartphone or tablet.
In e-commerce, AR can improve the shopping experience by allowing customers to virtually interact with products before purchasing them. This not only gives customers a better idea of how products look and fit into their lives, but it also increases engagement and can lead to higher conversion rates.
Easily add AR to online stores with 3D product models
Augmented reality in e-commerce is more than just a feature; it’s a
One of the most common uses of AR in e-commerce is for 3D product models. Customers can rotate, zoom and view these interactive models of your products from all angles. This allows them to see the product more realistically than just looking at images.
By using 3D models, you go from simply presenting products to offering immersive virtual experiences with
![](https://don16obqbay2c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/augmented-reality-shopping-1711025350.png)
Ikea Place app lets customers see how their furniture would look in their home
Imagine this: the customer opens your app, selects a product – a sofa, for example – and with a single click, the screen of their phone or tablet becomes a stage for their new purchase. They can rotate, zoom and place this 3D model in their living room to see how it fits their decor. It’s personal, immediate, and as close to “real” as you can get without the real deal.
Does this seem complex? It’s not with the right tools and the right approach. We’ll walk you through the steps to not only understand the why, but also to master the how of 3D AR models for e-commerce.
How to Create 3D Product Models for Your Online Store
Now the best part: some ecommerce platforms offer augmented reality features.
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A 3D model of a product made with the Ecwid mobile application
If you are not yet a member of the Ecwid community, now is the perfect time to join and take advantage of our simple and affordable e-commerce solution. Along with a robust online store and tools for marketing and growing your business, you’ll benefit from a mobile app to manage your store on the go and enhance your store with AR.
All you need is the Ecwid mobile app and an Apple Pro device equipped with a LiDAR scanner. This includes the iPad Pro
Here’s how to get started:
- Download the Ecwid mobile app for iOS.
- Go to the product edit page and press the button to add a new image.
- Press the Create 3D Model button.
- Tap Start Capture. Follow the on-screen instructions for best results.
- Scan the segments as instructed in the app.
- Tap Finish.
- Tap Add to product description.
See detailed instructions to create 3D models with the Ecwid iOS app in the help center.
Customers can view the 3D model from the product page of your online store.
![](https://don16obqbay2c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/3d-models-of-products-1709200443-588x1024.png)
Customers can view a 3D model on a product details page
If your customers have an iPhone or iPad, it’s
If your customers are using a Mac or iPhone/iPad that doesn’t have AR technology, they can view the downloaded model in Safari or their regular image viewer. Then they can rotate the 3D model however they want.
Master 3D product models
Keep in mind that some physical characteristics of the product pose challenges to the LiDAR scanner, which may impact the final result. However, although creating a 3D model may seem like an artist’s work, with the right approach it becomes a science that you will soon master.
Here are some tips for creating a perfect 3D product model:
Choose the right product
Not all products are suitable for 3D modeling and not all objects can be scanned with a LiDAR scanner. Product dimensions should be at least 3 inches in length, width and height for best results.
Be sure to clean your product before scanning it. Remove any dust or dirt, as it may interfere with the scanning process.
Light matters
When you capture your product for the 3D model, light it properly. Shadows and poor lighting can affect the final AR display.
Additionally, the accuracy of the LiDAR sensor data changes depending on the glossiness of different surfaces. So when you have smooth, super reflective surfaces like mirrors, glass, or still water, they emit tiny reflections that can miss the receiver. This may cause some inaccuracies in the scanner measurements.
Avoid sudden movements
To improve the quality of the model when scanning, it is recommended to avoid sudden movements. Keeping a steady hand and smooth scanning motion will help achieve a more accurate and detailed model in the end.
Niches that benefit the most from AR in e-commerce
As you might have guessed, while 3D product models are exciting, they won’t work for every niche. Digital products like ebooks, services or
However, if you sell physical products that need to be viewed and tried on, 3D models can bring a whole new level of customer satisfaction and engagement.
Here are some of the niches that can benefit the most from this type of AR in e-commerce:
Furniture
Furniture is a natural fit for 3D models in AR, a technology that greatly benefits from the ability to “place” objects in one’s home.
Plants
With the rise of online plant stores, customers often have difficulty visualizing what plants will look like in their home. 3D models can help bridge this gap and give customers a more accurate representation.
Art
Whether large paintings or sculptures, customers can have the benefit of seeing what a piece will look like in their home before purchasing it. 3D models enable this type of interaction and help customers make more informed decisions.
Home decoration
Think about lamps, vases and other small interior decoration items. 3D models can help customers see how these products will look in their space and make more confident purchases.
Shoes and accessories
With the ability to virtually try on shoes, online shoe shopping has become more convenient and fun for customers. 3D models allow for a more accurate representation of fit and style.
As for accessories like bags, here is a
Customers can also check out the AR feature which allows them to see how the item looks in their
If you are curious, you can view the 3D model directly in the Atlas 46 store. Simply tap the link labeled “View 3D Model…” at the end of the product description.
To summarize: the benefits of using AR in e-commerce
I hope that by the end of the article you will understand why 3D models can take sales up a notch. Here’s why they’re important:
Connect with customers on a whole new level
A 3D product bridges the gap between the consumer and the product, fostering a personal connection that flat images cannot establish. Shoppers “sample” the product in their space, creating a stronger desire to own it.
Reduced return rates
Buyer’s remorse? The fitting room effect is the cure for AR. Buyers can ensure products match before purchasing, reducing the likelihood of returns.
Competitive advantage
At the current rate of adoption, AR in e-commerce remains a novelty. By being an AR pioneer, you differentiate yourself from your competitors and create a memorable and modern brand.
The future is now, shaping the present of online retail
The synergy of augmented reality with 3D models pushes the boundaries of e-commerce. It is a fusion of the virtual and the real which is more than a trend: it is a transformation.
Are you ready to turn your inventory into engaging and interactive 3D models? The technology is in your hands – just sign up for Ecwid by Lightspeed. Brands that leverage AR will not only survive the digital evolution, but thrive in it.
Remember, it’s not just about selling; it’s about the experience. Give your customers a taste of the future today, and the future will be yours tomorrow. It’s time to take your online store to the third dimension with 3D models in AR.