How To Include Augmented Reality In Ecommerce

Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the ways that AI is changing the eCommerce game. Being able to offer AI on your website means that shoppers are able to virtually place products, or try on products, all from the comfort of their own homes. This reduces the number of returns, and improves customer satisfaction. So how do you get started? Let’s take a look.

Create Models

The first thing necessary to do in order to include AR on your website is to prepare 3D models of your products. These are the foundation for ensuring that everything goes smoothly. In order for people to be able to place products in spaces virtually, they need to be scanned and leveraged using existing CAD files. Alternatively they need to be created through 3D modelling software.

These models need to be detailed and accurate, so that the customers aren’t surprised when the actual product comes and looks different. This is important in fostering brand trust.

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Find An AR Solution

If you want to incorporate AR into your website, you need to make sure that the platform you are using is compatible with AR. Shopify, for example, offers AR and has guidance for integration. There are other third-party platforms which also specialize in AR for eCommerce and can even help you 3D scan products.

You will also need to consider the tool you use based on what your products are. For example, virtual try-on tools would be required for clothing, AR room planners are required for furniture, and virtual make-up programs for cosmetic products.

Integration

Once you have the 3D images and tools needed, you need to be able to integrate them onto your product pages. 3D models should be available as well as product images. 

In order to facilitate usability, buttons or QR codes should be added to product pages to launch the AR experience. This will work when scanned by mobile. This should be clear and guided by your site, so shoppers know how to use it.

Making sure it’s user friendly is also key. Quick loading times, clear instructions and seamless interactions are all necessary. Without these, you may experience customers feeling frustrated by the same solution that is meant to help them.



Testing

As with everything in eCommerce, once you have set up AR, you need to test it. You should ensure that everything is functioning smoothly, and that the AR experience works across different devices.

AR should be optimized for efficiency and speed, and produce the desired results. Having feedback from users will help you understand if you are meeting your goals here.

Conclusion

Offering Augmented Reality in your eCommerce solution is a great way to go the extra mile and show shoppers that you take their eCommerce experience seriously. It can increase sales, reduce returns and give customers confidence. If you follow the steps in this post, implementing it on your site is possible now.