AI in product visualization: Winning the hearts of all

AI has slowly but surely paved its way into our lives engraved in industries like retail and eCommerce. The technology has quickly helped both speed and set them up for success. AR (Augmented Reality) was a driving force behind the process of innovation and improvement. According to Shopify, Augmented reality (AR) and 3D product renderings boost conversions by 94%. Consumers prefer sellers who can, and actually do, choose AR to engage, entertain, and educate the audience about the product.

This article will talk about the specifics of AI product visualization, how it works in practice, and some trends for the future.

Why eCommerce businesses are integrating AI

AI product visualization is nothing but AI technology that creates lively product images using photographic and descriptive references, enabling the consumer to interact with it in three-dimensional space, seeing it, understanding it, and feeling it.

Running a profitable eCommerce business means keeping up with the times. Modern businesses are smart enough not only to plan ahead and navigate risks but to integrate technologies. The eCommerce industry is one of the pioneers in AI adoption, followed by FinTech and Media and Entertainment.

Here are the reasons why AI is worth adopting in eCommerce in 2024:

• Personalization is a necessity

  Salesforce noted down that 49% of consumers are eager to shop more with retailers who invest in personalization. Thanks to product visualization, customers can experience goods in completely new ways. They can explore them from different angles and see if it complements their apartment or suits their style. With the help of the latest technology, one can easily change the color of the product, be it a new leather sofa or hair coloring. In both ways, you want to make sure whether it fits you. By changing the colors with AR, you can make an informed decision about buying a full-grain sofa or turning your hair red. And all that within a few minutes, simple as that!

  

• Trust is key

  They say seeing is believing. It is easier to decide when you can see the product with your eyes and can touch it. This is why eCommerce providers are striving to bring the online experience closer to the real one. 3D models, AR overlays, and virtual try-ons offer customers realistic and accurate product representation. That way, customers can see how a product will look and function in real life. They gain more confidence in its quality and fit to their needs. In turn, the likelihood of buying and satisfaction with the results level up.

• Simplicity is a must

  When purchasing online, customers want to have an intuitive and enjoyable shopping experience. To provide it, the business must consider several aspects. Heavy graphics or animations slow the loading times. Visualization becomes inaccessible to all devices and Internet connections. An overly complex interface can make customers feel frustrated and overwhelmed. This means that product models should be lightweight and accessible, while the interaction process - simple and clear. Customers will be pleased with the user-friendly navigation and understandable product customization options. They will be able to focus on learning key features and make more confident and faster decisions.

• Informed purchases increase sales

  Personalized, trustworthy, and engaging shopping experiences are driving the growth of online shopping. AI plays a significant role here. AI product visualization empowers informed purchases and results in higher sales. Having an accurate representation and the ability to interact, customers are feeling more confident about their choices. Colors, design, textures, size, fit - they can experience these all. To be sure that products align closely with their interests and needs. eCommerce businesses have a chance to increase customer loyalty, leading to repeat purchases and recommendations to potential customers from your audience.

Applications of AI in product visualization

As already mentioned, AI is the basis for many product visualization solutions. There are plenty you can choose from. At the same time, one should consider several factors like business goals, preferences and behaviors of the target audience, specific use cases and scenarios, technical requirements, and existing limitations. Also, evaluating the long-term scalability and ongoing maintenance and support costs is necessary. Following these steps, one can choose the most suitable solution and get tangible results.

Let's learn how AI works in practice:

• Virtual try-on

  

  Virtual try-ons utilize AI-powered technologies, such as computer vision and AR. It enables consumers to visualize how products look on themselves before purchase. Such an experience will be especially useful for clothing, accessories, and cosmetics. Customers just need a smartphone camera or a webcam. Products are overlaid on their images or videos. AI algorithms analyze facial features, body size, and movements and then render the virtual product with great accuracy. Customers can try many options at the same moment without requiring a physical presence.

• AR product visualization

  AR product visualization operates on more or less the same principles as try-on, but for real-world environments and other products. Some examples are furniture and home decor. Using a camera, customers can see how items look and fit in their own space. AI algorithms recognize surfaces and objects. Virtual products are then rendered and placed into the environment, adjusting their size, orientation, and lighting to create a seamless integration.

• Visual search

  Visual means searching for goods using images rather than text-based queries. A customer just needs to take a photo or upload the product image. AI algorithms analyze visual attributes like colors, patterns, and shapes and then provide similar products from an eCommerce catalog. Visual search simplifies product discovery, enabling quick search based on visual preferences.

• Dynamic product customization

  Using 3D visualization tools, customers can customize products based on their preferences. They can change various design options, colors, materials, and available features. AI algorithms power interactive configurators that generate visuals based on selected parameters. As a result, customers can get the product they want.

• 3D product modeling and rendering

  AI-driven 3D product modeling stands for creating realistic and high-fidelity product visuals. These virtual representations are used to showcase products and create configurators and for immersive experiences in VR virtual and AR applications. AI algorithms analyze all object parameters and simulate lighting, shadows, reflections, and materials to create lifelike visualizations. Customers can explore products from all sides and angles, staying more confident in their choices. For a more beneficial and engaging experience, eCommerce may use 3D models together with a product customization function.

AI product visualization: Where the wind blows

Holding a strong position, AI continues to evolve. Through further development, we gain more advanced experience. Greater accuracy, realism, and interactivity. For example, real-time fabric modeling for clothing fitting, hyperrealistic rendering of cosmetics, and virtual fitting rooms that simulate various lighting conditions and environments. 3D product configurators will become more interactive and customizable to allow customers to personalize products in real time with more detail and control.

A deeper and more accurate analysis of customer data and behavior contributes to greater personalization. AI algorithms can dynamically generate product visuals that match personal style, preferences, and space. For example, to recommend furniture and accessories that complement the existing decor and room layout. Integration of AI with Extended Reality (XR) technologies deepens the shopping experience. In such an advanced virtual environment, customers will be capable of exploring products, interacting with 3D models in real time, and even collaborating with others in shared virtual spaces.

Overall, AI-based product visualization has a very bright future. The physical and digital worlds are converging, making the shopping experience extremely immersive, personalized, and engaging. At the same time, the possibilities of innovative solutions for product visualization seem endless.

To draw the line

The use of AI in eCommerce is a win case for all of us. Whether it's virtual try-on, visual search, or dynamic customization, AI-based solutions change the state of the art of online shopping. We can see new horizons of discovery, creativity, and engagement. eCommerce businesses have the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage, grow their loyal audience, and increase sales.

3D Source creates full-fledged AI solutions for product visualization, including 3D modeling, 3D animation, VR and AR. You will be capable of showcasing your products with an unsurpassed level of realism, detail, and immersion that is not possible in traditional solutions. Visual assets are seamlessly integrated with CRM systems, eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, lead scoring, and other systems. Write us your query and we will send you a demo, and answer all your questions.