These days, 3D technologies are revolutionizing how retailers sell and customers shop. According to Forbes (2024), 3D content can increase conversion rates by up to 94%, proving that 3D innovations are no longer just a trend—they’re a competitive advantage. That’s why 3D product configuration tools are emerging as essential for brands looking to thrive in such a dynamic retailing market, with a promise of fully immersive experiences.
In this blog, we will explore what 3D product configurators are, their key features, why they’re a future-proof strategy for retailers, and how leading brands succeed with them.
Right now, keep scrolling to discover more!
Understand 3D product configuration
What is 3D product configuration?
3D product configuration is a technology that allows users to interact with and customize products in a three-dimensional digital environment. Therefore, solutions enabling this technology in product design and sales processes are called 3D configurators. Unlike static images or 2D renderings, online 3D configuration provides dynamic and real-time visualization and customization of products, all based on everyone’s specific preferences
Key features of Product Configuration
Real-time customization
With each modification to product features such as colors, types, dimensions, or sizes, customers can instantly monitor all updates—it is essential for a strict, precise evaluation. This effectively fosters buyer engagement and builds their trust in the shopping journey.
Visual CPQ
Visual Configure, Price, Quote (Visual CPQ) enables users to configure and view prices and quotes simultaneously in 3D product configuration software. This also means that every time customers make selections, 3D configurators will update the cost accordingly. This transparency eliminates surprises at checkout and streamlines the sales process.
AR capabilities
Augmented reality (AR) integration allows users to project their own products into their physical environment using websites or mobile devices. Whether it’s placing a sofa in the living room or previewing a light fixture in the kitchen, AR promises a true-to-life feeling. A few product configuration providers also combine AR with VR to increase engagement.
Rule-based configuration
This feature enforces product design rules, ensuring that customer customizations are feasible. It is especially important for complex or highly modular products, like furniture or kitchens and baths, where hundreds of variations need to work together seamlessly. That’s also why furniture configurators often rely on rule-based logic to prevent mistakes.
Ecosystem integration
A well-structured visual configuration solution should work well with your existing systems, including eCommerce platforms, CRMs, and ERPs. This feature can ensure a unified data workflow across departments, aiming to improve operational performance.
Mobile responsiveness
With mobile shopping on the rise, 3D configurators should be optimized for smartphones and tablets to deliver a smooth experience for customers on the go. A responsive interface enables easy customization of products and viewing detailed 3D visualizations.
Besides that, successful in-future 3D product configurators can cover advanced features such as 3D space planning, multi-language and multi-currency, and data-driven reports. All of these features work together to make configurators flexible and high-performing.
Why is 3D product configuration necessary in retailing?
In the retailing and eCommerce landscape, 3d configuration for retail fixture are more than just a visualization aid—they’re a powerful and long-term investment sales solution. These configurators can streamline the purchasing process, reduce errors, and boost customer satisfaction. So, the parts below will clarify the significance of 3D configurators.
#1. Demand for personalized, immersive experiences
“Around three-quarters of surveyed global customers expressed their expectation for improved personalization”, highlighted by Statista in 2023. This apparently indicates that a one-size-fits-all approach is falling short or no longer impactful in today’s retail industry.
With this technology, customers can co-create their ideal products, fostering ownership and emotional connection. For instance, a furniture configurator lets shoppers design pieces that perfectly match their spaces, making purchases feel deeply personal. From that, sellers can easily gain customer satisfaction and further resonate their loyalty.
#2. Ensure a deep understanding of complex product designs
For complex, high-end, or intricate items like modular furniture, architectural elements, or equipment, static photos or 2D visuals aren’t enough to evaluate the finalized designs. This is where 3D configuration tools for retailers work as interactive visual guides, allowing customers to explore every detail, variation, and customization option precisely.
It is apparent that an understanding of how components fit and function together can help reduce uncertainty, improve decision-making, and enhance purchasing confidence. As a result, sellers can minimize cart abandonment rates and boost the AOV effectively.
#3. Optimize sales processes and save efforts
By automating tasks like pricing, quoting, and order validation, 3D product configurators can effortlessly streamline the sales process. Salespeople spend less time answering repetitive questions or correcting errors, allowing them to focus on building relationships.
Additionally, rule-based configuration ensures that only valid product combinations are selected, minimizing costly mistakes in manufacturing or fulfillment. This efficiency translates to faster order processing, happier customers, and saved expenses on rework.
Real-World Examples: How Retailing Brands Stay Ahead with 3D Configurators
Leading retailers are already harnessing the power of 3D product configuration to differentiate themselves and deliver exceptional customer experiences. If you are still confused about how to start with 3D configurators, let’s take a look at 3 examples below:
#1. Grand + Benedicts
This is a famous US-based brand that specializes in selling highly customizable shelves. Grand + Benedicts found challenges in ensuring a smooth sales process, and their buyers struggled to visualize their options on their own and get quick, precise quotes. That’s why it decided to implement a 3D shelving configurator for improved performance.
This 3D configurator was developed by VividWorks, one of the top product configuration providers in the world. It allows everyone to freely customize and view every detail on their shelves in a 3D room planner, combined with real-time pricing and quoting updates. Moreover, its rule-based configuration feature ensures 100% accuracy in the final designs.
#2. IKEA
IKEA, a global furniture giant, has embraced furniture configurators to enhance its online shopping experience. Their 3D product configuration tool allows customizing products such as sofas, wardrobes, and cabinets, experimenting with colors, fabrics, and layouts. By integrating AR, IKEA lets shoppers see how furniture fits in their real homes or offices.
#3. EM Home
The final example today is how EM Home uses the 3D Sofa Configurator to transform the buyer experience in designing and personalizing their furniture via an AR app for iPad. Users only take a picture of their space and upload a ready furniture configuration to see how it looks in reality. They can even self-define a floor plan before putting their designs. This increases sales and loyal buyers who value the ability to co-create unique pieces.
Conclusion
As retail continues to evolve, 3D product configuration is emerging as a cornerstone of modern commerce. By offering personalized and efficient shopping experiences, 3D product configurators meet buyers’ demands while helping retailers optimize operations. You can inspire previously successful brands to learn how they fully utilize these product configurators to achieve the best results. And don’t forget to work with reliable providers.
