3D modeling has made online shopping a more immersive experience. Online stores like Amazon now allow shoppers to get a 360-degree view of a product. Shoppers can also use augmented reality (AR) technology to visualize a product’s appearance in real life.
These days, many people prefer online shopping for almost everything. It could be clothes, footwear, food, groceries, or even medicines. There are an estimated 12 to 24 million online retailers globally. Additionally, it is estimated that around 2.64 billion people will shop online in 2023. That means 33.3% of the world’s population of over 7.9 billion is an online shopper.
So, why not leverage 3D modeling and enhance your customer’s shopping experiences by embedding 3D models on your eCommerce platforms?
Statistics by eMarketer
In this article, we will take an in-depth view of the 3D modeling benefits and how to create it.
Different methods used to make 3D models for eCommerce products
You can create 3D representations of your products in many different ways. But how do you create a 3D product model? There are different ways to create a 3D model for your eCommerce site. These include 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and using 3D modeling software.
Let’s take a look at three of these methods:
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3D scanning
3D scanning is a process where real-world objects are converted into digital models. Here, three-dimensional data is collected by analyzing objects. The data is used to create a 3D mesh, which is then cleaned up to create a 3D model. Objects can be scanned in different ways, broadly classified as contact and non-contact.
In contact methods, sensors physically probe an object to generate a 3D scan. In non-contact methods, lights, lasers, and other particles are used to develop a 3D scan of the object. The scan is further processed to develop a 3D model of the product.
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Photogrammetry
Seeing that photogrammetry has the word “photo” in it, you can guess what the process involves. The photogrammetry process involves photographing an object from many angles. It helps you get the dimensions (measurements) and other physical attributes, like colors. Software is then used to process the photos and create a high-resolution point cloud of the object. A 3D model is then made out of the point cloud.
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3D modeling software
This method involves using 3D modeling software to generate 3D models for eCommerce from scratch. It is a time-consuming process, but it often gives the best results. Here, the 3D artist must create 3D models by drawing and manipulating shapes to reproduce an object. The artist often relies on photographs and measurements to create the 3D model. It requires a high level of skill.
Remember, you must apply realistic textures and lighting to your 3D models for a photorealistic look. 3D modeling only gives your product a digital grayscale look. It is not the final output. After creating the model, textures, colors, and other details must be added. Then, your 3D product model is rendered to create realistic photos for online product visualization, configuration, and augmented and virtual reality to improve engagement and increase sales.
Now, let’s take a detailed look at how 3D modeling can help your online business.
Benefits of using 3D modeling in the eCommerce industry
Better customer engagement
Using 3D models on your eCommerce website can significantly increase customer engagement as it gives them a more immersive and interactive shopping experience. Customers interact with and explore your product from all angles. It helps them visualize the product in real-world environments like their living room or patio. 3D models also make them more confident in their buying decisions.
You can make the 3D models fun by animating them or making the customers interact with them. Such features are absent in regular two-dimensional photos. That is why 3D models are becoming more popular in the eCommerce space.
Enhanced brand image
Your website gets a modern look when you incorporate 3D models. It also shows your commitment to giving your customers the best shopping experience. By embracing new technologies, you can establish yourself as a pioneer and industry leader. You can attract customers seeking such experiences as well as those simply browsing online.
Interactive websites also improve the appeal of your website. It makes online shopping feel even more convenient. The customer may not need to check the images posted in the reviews as they have already visualized the image.
Product development and promotion
Did you know that 3D modeling can help you even before you have a product? Yes! 3D modeling can help you make concept models of your product before manufacturing. These 3D models can help you identify any potential design flaws or allow you to make additional changes before production. It can save you a lot of time and money.
3D modeling can also help with your promotions and advertisements. With 3D models, your customers get an immersive experience. You can also use these models in promo videos and images for marketing campaigns.
Easy customization
Customizable products are also another great benefit from 3D modeling. With 3D models, customers can see all angles of the product as they customize the look and detailing. It helps them get creative and generate unique versions of your product.
Customers can make better and faster decisions as they can see how the product will look in real life. It improves customer satisfaction and loyalty. It also reduces the number of returns.
Cost-effective
3D models offer a virtually accurate digital representation of your products. It helps customers have more realistic expectations. That leads to fewer disappointments and lower return rates. Fewer returns lead to better cost savings as there are fewer items to process and restock.
Using 3D models can also help increase customer engagement. That leads to higher conversion rates and better sales and earnings. 3D modeling is getting more popular in eCommerce, so 3D model costs will also decrease in the future. That will make it a more popular investment for eCommerce businesses.
Better website performance
In an impatient age, a slow website can spell disaster for your eCommerce business. Page speed is a critical factor that is part of your SEO score. Customers will expect your website pages to load fast and operate smoothly on their devices. One of the major contributors to increased page load speeds is unoptimized images.
Why waste time and effort optimizing images when you can drop them completely? Replace your product images with 3D models. Your pages will be faster, and your customers will be happier.
Integration with AR technology
People process images and other visual aids faster than words. That is why it is easier for them to visualize a product when the listings include images. But how often have you encountered a product or house listing with few to no images?
Moreover, some eCommerce websites and apps now have a feature allowing customers to view a product in real environments. Customers can see a 3D version of your product in their living room, kitchen, or any other location. That is possible through augmented reality (AR).
The pandemic pushed many people to start shopping online. It also sped up the development of technologies like AR to improve the online shopping experience. If there is a similar situation in the future, 3D assets like 3D models will allow you to take full advantage of visualization technologies. It is no longer enough for you to rely only on images while your competitor uses 3D models and AR.
The bottom line
3D modeling has already become a vital ally for the eCommerce industry. Even a new term, ” ,” emphasizes this strong bond. 3D assets on your eCommerce website or online store can increase customer interactions. They allow customers to visualize your product and make the right purchase decisions. That reduces return rates and boosts customer satisfaction.
Using 3D models can also improve your brand’s image and boost sales. Early adoption of visualization technologies will help you stand apart from your competitors.
If you are worried about the costs, consider the savings you can make instead. Once the 3D models are ready, you can customize them easily. It saves you the time and money you would have spent on repeatedly designing different versions of the same product. 3D modeling before manufacturing can also help you identify flaws or other defects. This technology can help you save money in the long run. There is no downside to leveraging 3D technology in your eCommerce.
We hope this blog has helped you see the positives of adopting 3D modeling for your online business.
Christa Elrod 
Christa Elrod serves as a senior graphic designer at ProGlobalBusinessSolutions. She is a creative designer with robust skills in typography, UI/UX designs, printing designs, video post-production, and 3D designs. Possessing years of experience across diverse industries, Christa loves to educate fellow designers with her experience and domain knowledge.