A furniture product configurator by Ikarus Delta allowing user to customise couch for various texture and designs

January 18, 2024

How Do You Choose Between a 2D and 3D Product Configurator?

The era of personalized and unique buying experiences has already begun. Brands need to ensure defined choices to improve customer purchases. Product visualization is vital, especially for e-commerce businesses. Organizations that leverage advanced product configurators can unlock numerous opportunities, including increased sales volume, ensuring a higher increase in ROI.

In this blog, we'll focus on 2D and 3D product configurator aspects.

How does the product configurator benefit?

It's important to understand that 2D and 3D product configurators have the same foundation. Consumers can explore 2D or 3D visual renderings of their order while they build it. When consumers can see what they're purchasing, this enhances their confidence. These are also ruled-based configurations, as customers are limited to ordering products that can be manufactured.

With our product configurator service, you can track customer throughout the configuration process and explore insights into their behavior. Meanwhile, configurators streamline the buying process, providing an intuitive and user-friendly sales ecosystem.

2D Product Configurator

2D product configurator of a gaming controller allowing user to customise colour and designs according to their liking
2D Product configurator with various options and customisations

A 2D product configurator is responsive and accessible on various screen sizes. This ensures that users can configure products using smartphones and tablets.

Improved Customer Engagement:

Product configurators enhance customer engagement by allowing users to participate actively in the design process. This provides a sense of ownership and satisfaction with the final product.

Reduced Returns and Errors:

By delivering customers with a realistic representation of their configured product, 2D configurators help reduce the likelihood of errors and misunderstandings.

Marketing and Sales Tool:

Configurators serve as effective marketing and sales tools. They enable businesses to showcase the versatility of their products and can be used to promote special editions, limited-time offers, or new releases.

Data Analytics:

It collects valuable data on customer preferences and popular product configurations. This information can be analyzed to understand market trends, helping businesses make informed decisions.

3D Product Configurator

A 3D chair with customisation options on an E-Commerce website
Customise and visualise a product with the help of a 3D product configurator.

A 3D product configurator permits users to customize and visualize a product in three dimensions. This technology is commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, furniture, fashion, etc.

Immersive Visualization:

Users can rotate, zoom, and interact with the product from multiple angles, providing a comprehensive view of the customized item.

Advanced Customization Options:

Users also get to customize a wide range of features in three dimensions, i.e., color, texture, material, size, shape, and intricate design details. This level of customization empowers customers to create products that genuinely meet their preferences and requirements.

Realistic Rendering:

High-quality rendering capabilities in 3D configurators ensure that users see realistic representations of their customized products. This helps provide a more accurate preview of the final product, reducing the likelihood of discrepancies between expectation and reality.

Interactive User Interface:

A 3D configurator allows customers to navigate through customization options easily. Drag-and-drop features, sliders, and intuitive controls enhance the user experience.

Dynamic Product Changes:

Changes made in real-time are dynamic and instantaneous, enabling users to see the impact of each customization option on the product's overall appearance.

Cross-Platform Compatibility:

Many 3D configurators are designed to work seamlessly across various platforms, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Augmented Reality (AR) Integration:

Some 3D configurators leverage augmented reality technology for customized products in their physical environment using a compatible device's camera. This feature enhances the buying experience by virtually placing the configured product in the user's real-world space.

Enhanced Product Understanding:

3D product configurators help customers better understand the product's design, features, and functionalities. This contributes to more informed purchase decisions.

Brand Differentiation:

Offering a 3D product configurator can set a brand apart from competitors. It signals a commitment to innovation and a customer-centric approach, potentially attracting customers who value the ability to customize products more sophisticatedly.

Get started with product configuration

Consumers are on the lookout for brands that ensure flexible product customization options. They want comprehensive access to their products plus options for personalization. 3D product configurators provide an opportunity to tailor products to customer's unique preferences. Not only do they help enhance customer loyalty and drive brand engagement, but they also boost ROI and reduce the rate of returns.  

Conclusion

The decision between a 2D and 3D product configurator sticks to evaluating specific business needs. The complexity of customization and integration capabilities all play pivotal roles. Striking the right balance based on these factors ensures an optimal choice that aligns with business objectives, enhancing the overall customer experience and maximizing the potential for increased sales and return on investment.

Frequently asked questions

What are the capabilities of a product configurator?
A product configurator empowers users to customize products precisely, adjusting features such as colors, sizes, and materials. Its capabilities extend to real-time visualization, where users can preview the configured product instantly. Additionally, product configurators often integrate logic and rules to ensure coherent customizations, reducing errors and enhancing the overall user experience.
Which is better: a 2D or a 3D product configurator?
The choice between a 2D and a 3D product configurator depends on the complexity of customization and the need for realistic visualizations. While a 2D configurator offers simplicity and ease of use, a 3D configurator provides a more immersive and detailed customization experience, suitable for industries with intricate design requirements. It's essential to consider your product, target audience, and technical capabilities to determine which configurator aligns better with your business goals.
What benefit does a 3D product configurator offer over a 2D product configurator?
A 3D product configurator offers an immersive and detailed customization experience, allowing users to visualize products in three dimensions with realistic rendering. This enhances user engagement and provides a more accurate representation of the final product, which is especially beneficial for industries requiring intricate design elements and spatial considerations. The integration of augmented reality further elevates the customer experience by placing customized products in the user's real-world environment.