Field notes on AI guided selling.

For retailers, augmented reality (AR) has evolved from auxiliary to essential. Through virtual try-ons, hyper-customization, and immersive in-store experiences, AR for retail has created an inflection point.

If you've ever wondered what exactly augmented reality for eCommerce was and why you're seeing it used more and more by leading retailers, you're in the right place. Let's take a closer look at how this innovative technology works–and how you can use it to put your brand ahead of the competition. What is augmented reality? Augmented reality refers to technology that lets people view computer-generated elements in the physical world. Typically, it's done through the camera of a mobile device.

You probably know the basics of product configurators. Let’s go a level deeper and explore some common questions about this innovative digital tool and how it works.

Virtual photography may sound like an oxymoron–or worse, a buzzword–but the digital practice is upending the world of eCommerce. Over the last year, virtual photography proved to be a game-changer, as shopping moved even further online due to the pandemic. Just look at these 2021 virtual photography stats by compiled by Threekit: Improves purchase rate by 11x 35% fewer returns 87% more views And more

Augmented reality (AR) is the process of layering some type of organized digital information onto a real-world scene. The process augments–in other words, improves or makes more complex–our interaction with the world around us. Augmented reality has been available for several years, via smartphone apps like Niantic Inc.'s Pokémon Go and apps that let shoppers see what a certain piece of furniture will look like in their living room. Today, tech titans like Google, Apple, and Facebook have ambitious plans for launching AR-based products in the future. There is an infinite number of potential applications of augmented reality–it's not just for gaming anymore. These prominent companies know AR is required for state-of-the-art products and customer demands. Self-driving cars and smart factories have been touted as primary applications of augmented reality. But with 5G wireless service comes ease of applying AR technology to consumer-based products like smart glasses. It's time for every business to assess the ways AR can be applied to improve both in-house operations and customer experience. Below are some examples of tech industry investment in augmented reality.

This post is part of our Threekit Webinar Series, a blog series where we recount the most pertinent takeaways from the Threekit insiders and guest experts who are thought leaders in the 3D and augmented reality space. The world of eCommerce has gained a lot of steam in the past decade and its growth is only increasing in speed. This means eCommerce is positioned to become a major source of revenue and brands will need to be nimble and adaptable to set themselves up for success. Todd Franiuk, Senior Director of Services at Threekit recently sat down for a chat with Pete Robertshaw, Digital Commerce Consultant at Space48, to discuss how to best prepare. The following is a summary of the advice they offered brands hoping to plan for a fruitful future in eCommerce.

Shopping habits have been changing rapidly in the last few years and 2020 was undoubtedly the year in which e-commerce, as an alternative to in-person shopping, became the preferred choice of consumers. Product configurator technology, previously considered a nice-to-have addition to the e-commerce experience, is becoming a must-have as retailers try to recreate the in-person store experience online.

Flawless 3D product visualization still looks a bit like something out of a science fiction movie, so it’s easy to assume that the chief selling point is the “wow” factor. But if the technology were only about twirling images around in cyberspace, eCommerce companies would have lost interest a long time ago.

Giving shoppers the opportunity to customize purchases in real-time used to be an added benefit. However, the seismic shift in how people are shopping now has increased demand for this. Customers now need, and increasingly expect, the ability to choose, customize, and personalize their items online before proceeding to checkout. An online product configurator enables just that.

As Gen Zers enter the workforce and build their spending power, eCommerce companies must adopt a digital-first mindset if they want to reach this key demographic.