How to Use Pixel Streaming for Product Customization in eCommerce

Immersive technologies bring elements of offline shopping to the online experience, making it more interactive and engaging. When studying a potential purchase, customers can get more than just a detailed text description. They can also see the product from all sides and visualize how it looks or fits in real life. Pixel streaming is one such technology that allows the creation of dynamic visual content like high-end 3D models. We have prepared an article about the specifics of pixel streaming technology and how it can assist in online product customization.

According to Statista, the eCommerce market revenue forecast is $3,702.19 billion by 2025, and the number of users is expected to reach 3.2 billion by 2029. This growth is mainly driven by an enhanced online shopping experience, a customer-centric approach, and AI impact. The immersive experience offers many opportunities for eCommerce providers. AI can serve as a valuable tool to catch customers' attention and encourage them to actively participate in shopping, provide a comprehensive understanding of the product, and give a sense of personalization and confidence in their purchases.

Pixel streaming defined

Pixel streaming stands for real-time rendering and streaming of high-fidelity visual content to various types of devices and browsers. The technology has several key components such as real-time rendering engines, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), video encoding and compression, streaming protocols, client-side decoding, and network infrastructure. All rendering and processing tasks run on cloud-based servers which makes the workflow more smooth, more reliable, and more secure. Advanced encoding and compression algorithms allow compressing of visual elements and reducing file size without losing their quality.

Due to its streaming architecture with server-side rendering capabilities, pixel streaming allows for handling larger amounts of data. It means that only the necessary data is transmitted and displayed on the screen, without sending the whole data set. It is especially important for large and complex 3D models. Users don’t need to download large additional files and install other apps. They only need their devices with an internet connection to open an eCommerce website or application, choose any product, and start an interaction.

Benefits of pixel streaming in eCommerce

Being advanced and relatively simple technology, pixel streaming makes high-resolution 3D modeling and content visualization more accessible. It brings benefits to both eCommerce providers and customers:

• Development: Pixel streaming development and maintenance costs less, as there is no need to buy and support additional hardware and infrastructure. All processes are operated in the cloud. Besides that, it’s not necessary to develop and maintain different versions of the product configurator for online customization.
• Accessibility: Developed high-end 3D models can run on multiple operating systems, various web browsers, and devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. And the quality of visualization remains consistent.
• Performance: The system using pixel streaming is robust and scalable to visualize the content of different complexity and handle the growing number of users. Beyond that, users can interact with the same content simultaneously without losses in quality.
• Speed: Visual content is streamed directly to customers' devices. Due to the instant loading time, they don't have to wait and can use it right away.
• Security: Streaming is carried out using secure protocols with all sensitive data being rendered on the server side. This reduces the risk of data leakage and unauthorized access.
• Better product visualization: Customers get 3D models demonstrating a detailed and realistic view of the product. Due to the ability to interact with these visuals, they can understand all the parameters including shape, size, color, textures, and product functionality.

Pixel streaming limitations: What to expect

Pixel streaming faces some limitations like any other technology. However, its capabilities enable solving them all during the development process. For users with slow or unreliable connections, the quality of visual content may decrease. To fix this, one can utilize adaptive streaming methods that dynamically adjust the transfer rate and resolution of the transmitted content depending on the user's network conditions. And optimization of compression and encoding algorithms to reduce the size of data sets.

Also, there may be a delay between the user entering information and displaying visual content. To resolve this issue, streaming protocols and server infrastructure can be optimized. Advanced computing solutions can also reduce latency by processing streaming data closer to the user's device. Compatibility issues with certain older or less common platforms require the use of cross-platform streaming protocols. Some devices may have limited computing power and reduce visualization quality. Here hardware-accelerated rendering techniques, such as GPU acceleration can help. It offloads rendering tasks from the CPU and improves performance.

Online product customization and pixel streaming

The technology allows customers to actively interact with visual content. They can choose a product, and then change available parameters just on the screen of their devices, and even share their results. Colors, design variations, additional elements - all these can be customized to get real-time representation. Various configurations may be tested before finalizing the choices. And, for example, if this is an order-made product, then the manufacturer does not need to make a costly prototype, they will already have a finished specification from the customer.

With this option, customers can make more informed decisions with less percentage of mismatched expectations and dissatisfaction with the product look. And less likelihood of product returns and need to exchange. Moreover, they are more likely to return to this eCommerce platform for a new purchase.

What does it mean in practice? For example, when purchasing furniture customers can choose fabric options and finishes, adjust dimensions, and see a sofa or table from all angles. In automotive, customers can choose not only car models, but also change exterior and interior colors, and add optional accessories and features. In jewelry, they can customize rings, necklaces, and bracelets selecting metals, precious stones, engraving options, and other parameters.

What is next with pixel streaming in eCommerce

The technology has the potential to be further consolidated in eCommerce to further enhance the online shopping experience. It means more sophisticated customization options, better UI and visual tools, and more control over product design. Pixel streaming can also simplify interaction with sales representatives or product experts in real time. The customer and the vendor can simultaneously work on the product customization. This is especially true for expensive or complex products where customers may need additional guidance or support - for example, automobiles, jewelry, watches, etc.

A combination of pixel streaming with AR, VR, and AI provides additional opportunities for visualization. With AR and VR, customers will be able to visualize products in their private environments like homes or offices, visit virtual showrooms, use virtual try-ons of clothes, accessories, and makeup, and have virtual test drives of cars. At the same time, AI serves for advanced personalization capabilities. Analyzing customer preferences and purchase history advanced algorithms allow making recommendations on the products and the customization of parameters.

Final words

eCommerce service providers adopting pixel streaming technology gain a competitive advantage and stand out. Their customers can interact with products in new innovative ways and make their best purchases. As a result, we have more happy and satisfied clients. From a financial point of view, an immersive shopping experience helps to speed up decision-making, increase conversion rates, boost sales, and reduce the number of returns.

At 3D Source, we develop pixel streaming solutions for eCommerce businesses. Our comprehensive 3D models and product customization capability complement the shopping experience of your customers. Our custom streaming technology ensures high-quality streams, scalability, speed, and global coverage. Contact us to discuss your challenge, and we come up with ideas for implementation.