3D imagery that streamlines creative processes for the ecommerce sector

At Wedia we continually work to innovate our Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution so it best meets the needs and demands of our clients. 

‍

We know that 3D imagery is becoming an important tool for many marketing and ecommerce teams as they work to reinvent the online shopping experience. 

‍

This is why we have chosen to integrate three new 3D connectors into our system: the Dassault Systèmes’ 3DPassport, 3DEXCITE and 3DEXPERIENCE. These connectors help to reunite product, engineering and marketing teams and support the easy distribution of high-quality assets onto ecommerce platforms. 

‍

With 3D imagery shaking up our digital shopping, let’s take a look at why it’s so important for brands at the moment. 

‍

Embracing a phygital way of shopping

‍

The way consumers shop now has radically changed from 10 years ago. Whilst shopping on the high-street or in a large shopping center has become less popular in recent years, online shopping has seen exponential growth. Spurred on by new technology, generalized access to mobile devices and the Covid-19 pandemic, digital interactions with retail have become a significant part of the online shopping experience. 

‍

Indeed, online purchases are likely to account for 95% of all retail by 2040. But whilst consumers may be stepping back from the brick-and-mortar way of shopping, they are not done with having a real experience, and this needs to also be applied to online shopping. 

‍

Certain brands have embraced phygital (physical and digital) retail interactions, bridging the gap between the online and instore.

‍

Reformation for example, the American clothing brand has injected technology into their stores. Each customer can now have their own personalized encounter in the changing room by choosing the items they would like to try on through an in-room tablet. Items will then be automatically sent to them through a two-way closet. If they want to change size, they do so through the tablet. 

‍

In a simple vein, Marks and Spencer, the British retailer, offers customers tailored guidance to what they are looking for through their List&Go app, which uses Augmented Reality technology to create an on-screen path through the shop to their desired item, listing the exact location on the shelf. 

‍

Championing 3D imagery in ecommerce

‍

For online experiences, brands are also experimenting with new ways to entice customers and ultimately drive sales. From enhanced personalization to chatbots, there are now a myriad of ways that brands are shaking up how we shop online. 

‍

One such technology which is being put into practice by many brands is 3D models. These digital twins are created by engineering or product teams and provide a 3D prototype of any given product. 

‍

3D models are being used by a range of industries including retail, automotive, healthcare and architecture to give online users a heightened understanding of various items from beds to bikes. They give customers the chance to move around a product virtually, with the ability to home in on every angle and perspective. 

‍

Here are some of the brands taking full advantage of the technology: 

‍

Pino

‍

The German kitchen brand, Pino uses HomeByMe, an online 3D space planning service developed by Dassault Systèmes to create a 3D kitchen design and planning application for its customers. This tool allows customers to visualize a 3D version of their dream kitchen, helping retailers across the company offer an innovative solution to those looking to invest. The tool can be accessed from desktops, tablets or smartphones, meaning that Pino provides a seamless customer journey. 

‍

‍

ASICS

‍

The Japanese sportswear brand ASICS works with the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform to provide customers with a highly personalized experience, showcasing parts of their product which are less visible and therefore helping customers to make informed purchase decisions. 

‍

What’s more, the brand is working to ensure that in the near future, customers will be able to purchase footwear directly from the ASICS store that are perfectly adapted to their feet. 

‍

‍

Metsä Board 

‍

Finland-based paperboard company Metsä Board uses the 3DEXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes to improve how packaging designs are produced. Using the tool means designs can be easily and quickly simulated and then validated. The designs are shared securely across the system, and are easily accessed from any device. Users can therefore collaborate in real time, despite having teams spread out across the world. In this way, Metsä Board was able to reduce time to market and provide customers with adapted solutions to their needs. 

‍

‍

3D experiences are one of the trends shaking up how we shop online. Instead of lifeless flat images, consumers are able to interact with products and get a sense of how they would suit their body shape, home or lifestyle. By being able to insert these 3D digital twins into a range of familiar environment, thanks to AI, customers can move from their digital device into a lifelike setting. 

‍

As many brands now work with 3D imagery in their marketing materials, we are beginning to see the benefits with one study showing that using 3D technologies in online shopping experience was found to increase conversion rates by up to 40%. 

‍

How can 3D asset support marketing teams? 

‍

Marketing teams can gain significant benefits from using 3D imagery in promotional materials and ecommerce websites. 

‍

Efficiency can be greatly enhanced by using this type of technology and time to market can be sped up. As engineering or product teams work on any given product, a virtual twin can be created which is updated in real time, so marketing teams constantly have access to the most up-to-date version. 

‍

These 3D models are of very high quality, down to the finest details which makes them incredibly realistic and ready to be closely observed by customers. 

‍

This high image quality gives marketing teams an advantage as this imagery can be easily inserted into marketing materials, and teams can change colors, shapes, sizes and backgrounds in order to customize the content for different channels and markets. A 3D version of a car for example can be placed into an urban or rural setting depending on the target market. This not only reduces the need for costly and time-consuming photoshoots, but allows marketing teams the opportunity to get promotional materials ready well in advance, whilst seeing changes to the product in real time. 

‍

The right software to support 3D imagery workflows

‍

Finding the right software for creating, storing and sharing these digital twins is essential for the proper use of 3D imagery. 

‍

Wedia’s DAM system is a means of storing and sharing such assets, and adapting them intuitively to each channel and device being used. 

‍

Ever conscious of the need to constantly extend our offering, Wedia has recently integrated three new connectors into their DAM solution. 

‍

The Dassault Systèmes’ 3DPassport, 3DEXCITE and 3DEXPERIENCE platforms are an innovative suite of tools which are changing how product visualization, marketing and customer experience come together. 

‍

Using cutting-edge technology these connectors seamlessly integrate with Wedia’s DAM to allow our clients to incorporate 3D assets into their DAM environment and connect product development with marketing. This not only helps to streamline workflows but it fosters collaboration and speeds up time-to-market strategies.  

‍

By connecting these systems to Wedia’s DAM, our clients can access their high-quality 3D imagery and perfectly distribute them to their ecommerce websites, creating virtual showrooms which not only enhance the customer experience but support sales and revenue strategies. 

‍

An enhanced retail offering 

‍

In a sector where visual images are key, retail and indeed ecommerce needs to constantly innovate in order to excite consumers. 

‍

3D imagery is as such a significant change in how we interact online, bringing us as close to a physical encounter as possible. 

‍

In order for brands to properly harness the power of 3D imagery, they need to make sure they are investing in the right tools and software. This is why a DAM solution like Wedia’s with integrated 3D connectors, provides a strong system to helping store and distribute such imagery. Not only enhancing collaboration between teams but creating a streamlined customer experience, it is these tools that are so key for how such assets perform. 

‍

Find out more by requesting a demo. 

‍