3D Optimizing- A vital step to make AR possible for E-commerce
What should be noted to optimize a 3D model successfully?
Until now, AR technology has developed far enough to be implemented in a broader range. In E-commerce, this technology promises to deliver a more exciting shopping experience. To make it happen, in this blog, I would love to introduce how to optimize a 3D model aiming for AR in E-commerce. Besides, you can play around with some 3D models we have prepared. In the end, the
3D and AR in E-commerce strategy
The future is highly unknown partly because of the rapidly changing IT (Sheldon A., 2013) and the crucial involvement of IT in our lives.
Augmented Reality becomes mainstream. It is transforming our decision-making process. It also changes how businesses design, create products, improve customer experience, and add more value to the brand. In addition, information technologies change the way we compete in the market (F. Warren McFarlan, 1984). Therefore, businesses have to respond as fast as possible to win in the marketplace and to be able to develop sustainably.
Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, customers prefer engaging in digital transactions. In a report,
“88% of customers expect companies to accelerate digital 3D initiatives due to this year’s events.”
However, 3D models are usually too complex and heavy for websites and platforms. Smartphones or mobile devices are more convenient for us to read articles, posting things on our social network channels, reading email than on desktops. For this reason, 3D optimization is crucially important to avoid any lagging experience while customers do online shopping.
How to optimize 3D models
Planing for the 3D model
Optimization is exceptionally significant for AR E-commerce because mobile devices currently still have limitations. It’s definitely unacceptable to give our customers a lagging experience while suffering our website or platforms.
Before sculpting/modeling, it is essential to define why and how complicated this object could be to transfer it into digital.
Personally, I suggest focusing more on:
- File size
- Polygon counts
- UVs and Texture
- Materials
Optimizing 3D models by using your design software
Polygon matter: The more polygons, the heavier our model is. Therefore, to optimize a 3D model, we always try to reduce these counts. For Augmented Reality, mesh polygon counts should be less than 100,000 triangles.
UVs and Texture matter: Texture map exporting does crucially matter. The resolution of the texture map should be 2048 x 2048 or smaller. Significantly, UV and texture maps should not be overlapping with each other.
Material matter: Do not use multiple materials for different faces in an object. Substance Painter is one of the best applications for doing this work.
Animation: Blender is famous for creating 3D animation. However, in general, it is highly recommended that the animation should be under one chain.
File size — Exporting matter.
I suggest exporting your 3D model in following formats: .glTF, .obj, .fbx, .glb, and .dae.
.glTF (graphics language Transmission Format) file
For Augmented Reality, this format has been the standard for streaming data for web-based and app-based applications. It’s speedy and allows for direct reads by game engines. GlTF format supports static models and animation greatly. However, please do not save or export your files using this format to edit them later.
.Obj File (vector file)
.Obj file is scalable. This format is popular for exchange information. It dramatically supports unlimited colors, and one file can define multiple objects.
.FBX file (Filmbox)
Usually, it’s perfect for exchanging 3D geometry and animation data. People love it because it is pretty universal; we can open, edit and export high-fidelity 2D and 3D files.
.GLB files
.GLB files is also one beloved among 3D designers because it supports motion and animation. Furthermore, it’s small but can contain textures, shaders, and animations.
If you pass all of those points above, your 3D model should be suitable for AR purposes. If not, there is some external software to optimize 3D models. Of course, they are costly.
External software
Sometimes, because our model is too complicated, too large, and unsuitable for AR, I usually use external software to ensure that the 3D model maintains the visualization.
InstaLOD
This software is excellent for polygon optimization. This software can handle 3D mesh, CAD Files, and Scan Data for many usages like entertainment, training, sales, visualization, and simulation.
RapidCompact
Different from Instalob, RapidCompact is a cloud-based solution. It promises to make the 3D content fit all platforms.
The most remarkable thing about this RapidCompact is getting a free package for 3D Data Optimization, with unlimited included formats per export.
3D optimation tips
In conclusion,
100.000 triangles for the entire scene
5.000 vertices for a large mesh, 1.000 vertices for a mid-size mesh, and 250 vertices for a small mesh
1 UV per mesh
maximum of 10 shaders, as more than 10 causes random errors
Texture resolution of 2048 x 2048
Breaking time: Apple Journey
For 3D modeling, there is much software to help us do it. Many people use Blender, Maya, or Zbrush. Softwares are just a tool. The most crucial point is how we handle them to achieve the result.
Please scan this QR code to enjoy this AR-Apple
In addition, you could experience some other models which were prepared for different occasions in 2021: Vibentec IT Easter event and Vibentec IT children’s day event 2021
Easter is one of the holiest of Christian holy dates. According to legend, both bunnies and eggs are the ancient symbols of good new life. Oh, Look! The spring is right there, and the bunnies are running around, laying, decorating, and hiding their eggs.
Scan the QR code or click on the link if you are using your mobile to display your Easter into the real world. Use your finger to move and rotate your Easter items. Enjoy!
On the occasion of children’s day 2021, Vibentec IT creates a small event: AR-Lollipop based on Web-native AR technology.
This event is our wish for future generations, who will have better infrastructure and developed technology. We hope they will continue our dream and contribute to the well-being of their children, as well as our planet.
Scan the QR code or click on the link if you are using your mobile to display this lollipop into the real world. Then, use your finger to move and rotate the model. Enjoy!
Global AR market share by segments
Today, AR technology has developed far enough to be implemented in a broader range from Aerospace, Defense, Automotive to Gaming, Healthcare, and Education. Automotive, gaming, and entertainment seem to get the most benefit from AR/VR. For instance, regarding the fields of educations and training, AR technology supports improving professional skills.
AR’s top benefits for a business
Augmented reality technology is so powerful for business. In August 2020, there were roughly 2000 augmented reality start-ups (AngelList, 2021). For decades, the concept of try-before-buying is quite popular to meet customer’s demands. In addition, it is no stranger when it comes to augmenting touring, corporate identity material, virtual-experience-branding, dynamics sales for B2B.
According to ISACA, companies in the US can benefit from AR mostly in four categories:
- Enhancing collaboration: AR showcases have changed how we access and integrate analyzed data from tables, charts, and infographics.
- Raising efficiency: For example, car companies have used AR systems to test the efficiency of their manufacturing process. At the same time, they have opportunities to enhance the safety and durability of their vehicles.
- Creating new business models: Business models themselves may be shaped by technological innovations (Gartner, 2016). Together with other immersive technologies, AR helps businesses to achieve real productivity. In fact, business models are not static but of dynamic nature. Therefore, as a part of technological innovation, AR provides significant opportunities during rapid economic growth.
- Better marketing: AR technology can enhance customer relationships while increasing the behavior to purchase products. It provides an excellent opportunity to give your customer an unforgettable first impression. Hence, it adds more value to your brand.
Final Thought
Customer engagement will never be the same. Therefore, the ability to adapt technology must be excellent to stay in the market firmly. 2020–2021 is the year we suffer from Covid-19. It could be a reason why people experience online shopping more actively.
This movement has pushed e-commerce to a new level and meanwhile evoked the advantages of AR technology. How about E-commerce and AR after this pandemic?
To answer this question, we have to rethink what shapes and shifts the need of our customers. On top of everything, trust enhances loyalty (Bowen and Shoemaker, 2003), and satisfaction is a key driver of loyalty (Kim and Roberts, 2003). Customer loyalty is considered an important key to organizational success and profit.
Finally, it’s still the story of who we are and how we want to be in the future, and who is genuinely our audience.
Augmented reality technology is excellent, but we can not be blind and apply it to our business without planning and strategy. Unforgettably, providing a great online shopping experience throughout the customer journey is therefore significant. And do not forget to optimize your 3D models!
References
Benamatia J., Albert L., Signh M., 1997. Changing information technology and information technology management. In: Information & Management.
F. Warren McFarlan, 1984. Information Technology Changes the Way You Compete. Harvard business review.
Shpëtim C., 2012. Exploring the Relationships among Service Quality, Satisfaction, Trust and Store Loyalty among Retail Customers. Journal of Competitiveness. Vol. 4, Issue 4, pp. 16–35.
