3D Modeling and Visualization Technology
The foundation for next generation e-commerce
3D visualization technology is changing the way we live and do business in subtle yet distinct ways. With the rise of e-commerce and a globalized consumer market, there is an increasing need to experience products in online spaces the way we do in real life. Addressing this need, 3D visualization technology is helping us develop the tools great brands and businesses need to be successful in modern markets.
So what is 3D visualization, and how can it be used effectively? 3D visualization is a variety of technologies that create graphic content from 3D software. These processes result in technological entities such as 3D models.
3D models are 3D representations of objects created by manipulating polygons, edges, and vertices in simulated 3D spaces. Using math, geometry and design, 3D models represent a physical product or body using a collection of points in 3D space, connected by geometric links such as triangles, lines and textures added to make the models come to life. 3D modelers can now create 3D renderings of almost anything — furniture, cars, jewelry houses etc., and their capabilities have some fascinating applications.
3D modeling is nothing new, and it has provided the groundwork for some of the most interesting technological advancements of our age. 3D modeling provides the basis for 3D printing, is ubiquitous in medical education and heavily utilized in the film and gaming industries. 3D models help scientists understand chemical compounds and helps engineers and architects design groundbreaking new devices, vehicles and structures. 3D models are also important components of augmented and virtual reality technology.
3D visualization is now also evolving how we create and interact in online spaces, especially in e-commerce. The onset of visualization technology in business innovation is revolutionizing our online transactions, changing the way we buy and sell within online platforms.
The potential of 3D in e-commerce is massive, ranging from 3D web content to integral components of virtual and augmented reality. Use of this technology is becoming increasingly common, with heavy weights like Amazon, IKEA, and Walmart investing in enhancing the consumer shopping experience. It seems inevitable that this trend will continue, and 3D technology will become increasingly integrated into e-commerce platforms.
For example, online shopping currently often involves consumers trying to make product decisions based on two-dimensional photographs from a limited number of angles. This makes it difficult for consumers to truly understand the product and know if it will work for them. This lack of understanding has a negative impact on customer satisfaction and the companies themselves, observed by high return rates that plague the current e-commerce landscape — 30% of products purchased online are returned, compared with just 8.9% in brick-and-mortar stores.
Soon, e-commerce stores will likely be able to decrease the number of online purchase returns by investing in 3D visualization technology that gives consumers a much better picture of online products before purchasing. 3D product models, for example, are fully customizable and built with photorealistic accuracy, able to showcase an almost infinite number of options in regards to style, texture, colors and patterns. These models allow consumers to see and interact with items up close from any angle, providing richer, more complete visual information and creating better emotional engagement.
The ability to grow and adapt with technological trends will likely define e-commerce success in the coming age, and 3D visualization technology is set to become increasingly important. It’s an exciting time to learn, experiment and adapt these technologies — let’s keep building on the 3D visualization foundation that is helping shape the future of e-commerce success.
Do you want to utilize 3D technology in your business? Visit picturethis.today or email andrea@re3d.com