We all know by now that 3D experiences are becoming more important for shopper purchase confidence. Shopify found that merchants who use 3D see significantly higher conversion rates – a staggering 94% on average. What’s more, the technology can convince customers to increase their order size and value.
With all the benefits of 3D in its various manifestations, more companies are pushing to adopt 3D in place of in-person or photoshoot-oriented marketing tactics. Maybe you envisioned interactive 3D products that allow your customers to explore every angle right from the product page vs. coming into a store (or before the product is even created). Maybe you need awe-inspiring photorealistic lifestyle images for your website but scaling a photoshoot schedule is a cost you cannot budget for – the reality is, many businesses are adopting a multifaceted 3D approach.
There are several different kinds of 3D models and they all achieve different things. Understanding the varieties available and their possibilities and limitations is an important part of developing a 3D strategy. We’ll break down what you need to make your ecommerce experience the most compelling with 3D and how to implement it efficiently.
Let shoppers take the reins with real-time 3D
Try on shoes or glasses virtually, spin and magnify objects to get a good look from all angles and envision a product in their own space – all these options are possible with the Amazon 3D experience.
Bringing the technology to your business’ Amazon storefront is possible, and it requires real-time models.
Real-time 3D models render incredibly quickly (that is, in real time) and can be deployed across all kinds of interactive platforms, from mobile AR or virtual reality headset devices. Their lifelike quality creates highly immersive, interactive experiences that give users dynamic control as they explore your product line. These kinds of virtual experiences are in demand for good reason. Buyers feel smarter and more knowledgeable when they can get a closer look. In order for these models to render nimbly in standard real-time rendering platforms, they often need to follow strict poly-count and file size limitations (among other details our artists at Loft3Di are experts creating based on our clients’ specific needs).
Wow customers with immersive CGI
It’s important, however, to not forget a more established 3D use case which is static photorealistic renderings. If you’ve browsed an IKEA catalog in the last 20 years, chances are you’ve made note of their picture-perfect staging. It’s been a decade since the Swedish homewares brand revealed that 75% of the photos in its catalog are actually CGI.
That wow-factor in these static renders, both lifestyle images and close-ups, is achievable with higher poly models. And high-quality CGI calls for intricately detailed 3D models.
With such different 3D modeling needs, many businesses find themselves pursuing real-time models only to find they need higher poly CGI-ready models later down the road. The subsequent investment can be hefty both financially and in terms of time spent. It’s easier to optimize higher poly CGI models down to real-time specifications, than the reverse.
The combo model solution
3D modeling doesn’t have to be an either/or approach. In fact, you can show your clients inspirational – and even aspirational – content and then let them try it out for themselves with AR or VR technology. Creating the 3D models you need for peak optionality is possible without breaking the bank and our Loft3Di team can help.
It’s simple: instead of inevitably going back to the drawing board, save time and money through combo modeling where real-time and higher poly models are created all at once. Our 3D modeling production experts at Loft3Di can create the 3D models you need to ensure your company isn’t limited in the experiences it provides.
In ecommerce, 3D is fast becoming table-stakes. Don’t get left behind — connect with our Loft3Di team today and find out how we ensure your customers enjoy a shopping experience they won’t forget.