Augmented Reality (AR) Product Visualization Platform

Augmented Reality for ecommerce

Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing the online shopping experience by blending the digital and physical worlds and creating a “phygital” experience. In ecommerce, AR technology allows consumers to visualize products in their own environment before making a purchase.

AR bridges the gap between online and in-store shopping by overlaying virtual 3D models of products onto real-world settings through a smartphone or tablet. Forward-thinking retailers are leveraging AR to create memorable shopping experiences and build deeper emotional connections with their audiences.

Augmented Reality transforms ecommerce by enhancing product visualization, increasing customer engagement, and reducing return rates for numerous brands.

Core Technology in AR

3D Modeling: The foundation of AR in ecommerce is high-quality 3D models of products. These models are created using 3D modeling software or generated from product photos. Brands can streamline this process by partnering with experts in 3D modeling who understand the nuances and needs of the technology.
AR Software Development Kits (SDKs): Popular options include ARKit for iOS, ARCore for Android, and WebAR for web-based AR experiences. These SDKs provide the tools to create AR applications, which are leveraged to power immersive experiences across multiple platforms, enabling seamless augmented reality experiences for its users.
Computer Vision: AR technology uses computer vision algorithms to recognize and track real-world environments through the camera.
Real-time Rendering: The AR system overlays real-time 3D product models onto the live camera view. Leveraging cloud rendering solutions can help to reduce the load on mobile devices, ensuring smoother performance for high-fidelity visuals.

Dopple-Blog-Augmented-Reality-for-Ecommerce-Images-4

The AR application accesses the device's camera to view the real-world environment on the other side of the lens.

Dopple-Blog-Augmented-Reality-for-Ecommerce-Images-7

Computer vision algorithms analyze the camera feed to understand the spatial environment and detect surfaces.

Dopple-Blog-Augmented-Reality-for-Ecommerce-Images-6

When a consumer chooses to view a product in AR, the 3D model of the product is loaded.

Dopple-Blog-Augmented-Reality-for-Ecommerce-Images-5

The AR system places the 3D model into the real-world environment, often allowing users to move, rotate, or resize the visualized product to suit their space better.

Dopple-Blog-Augmented-Reality-for-Ecommerce-Images-3

The system continuously updates the position and orientation of the virtual product as the consumer moves their device, maintaining the illusion that the product is placed in the real world.

Step 1

Generate Custom QR Code

Once a buyer completes the product selection or configuration process, a custom QR code is generated.

Step 2

Scan or Access AR Mode

A buyer can then use a smartphone to scan the QR code or, if already on mobile, go directly into AR mode.

Step 3

Place the Product

In AR mode, a buyer can simply aim the smartphone at a spot in the real world to "place" the product and view a rendering of the product's 3D model within the physical space.

AR Integration with brands and manufacturers

Commerce Platform Integration: AR features can be integrated into existing e-Commerce platforms through plugins, APIs, or SDKs.
Web-based AR (WebAR): This allows AR experiences to be delivered directly through web browsers without requiring app downloads, making integration simpler for many e-commerce sites.
Product Catalog Integration: The AR system needs to be connected to the product catalog, ensuring that 3D models are available for AR-enabled products.
Customer Interface: AR features are typically integrated into the product pages, often with a button or option to "View in Your Space" or "Try On" for virtual try-on experiences. For example, Dopple offers AR as a native feature on all 3D viewers off the shelf.
Analytics Integration: AR interactions can be tracked and integrated with existing e-Commerce analytics to measure their impact on user engagement and conversions.