Mar 11, 2021
Enhancing Customer Experience on Online Platforms — Roping in 3D Models
After I started learning the 3d Modelling and Animation software ‘BLENDER,’ it changed some of my perspective on how far the 3d ecosystem has evolved over the years.
Earlier, to create a 3d model of a person, a sculpting artist had to sculpt from head to toe. Even if the said person is an experienced and talented one, it might take at least a week. The computing power of the system should also be high for sculpting works.
But now, we can create a 3d model of anyone/anything using our mobile.
Amazing, isn’t it?
Along with reducing the time frame by a great margin, it also opens dozens of positive probable ways in which we can increase the customer experience on online platforms by manifold.
Amazon is already using Augmented reality on some of the products it sells to enhance the experience. Implementing 3d models will take that to the next stage.
How does it work? — The Mechanism
Before we discuss how to use it, let’s analyze how this process works.
To create a 3-d model, there are many applications available for both iOS and Android.
They use a concept called Photogrammetry.
According to Wikipedia, Photogrammetry is used for obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena.
The maps we use are put together by this concept. The photographs taken from a low flying airplane are stitched together to make it a 3d map.
What does it do?
The idea is to take a series of pictures around the object/person to cover the 360 degrees. After we take the pictures, we feed them into Photogrammetry software.
Like how we assemble a jigsaw puzzle, the software will identify, match and assemble the key points of the photographs to stitch them into a 3d model.
In the above video, you can see how the lion bust is converted into a 3d model in no time. First, a series of photographs are taken around the bust and inserted into the Photogrammetry software to get the 3d output.
Of course, the 3d model had to be adjusted manually to polish it. Manual intervention in finishing the 3d model is necessary. In the future, AI elements can be used to replace them.
How can we use it to enhance CX?
You’re searching for a watch on Amazon. Amazon has the option to view the product in 360 degrees. Images are also available.
It is enough to make a decision about buying a watch. Yet, you’re not sure. You are not sure about how it would look on you.
What if there is a way to check it out?
This is where our 3d model comes in handy. For this to work, amazon should have
1) An option where we can upload our 3d model and save it in our profile.
2) The 3d model of the watch should be there on the online platforms.
When we watch to check how the watch would look on us, we can select the 3d model of the watch and apply it to our own 3d model.
We can test out the colours of the band available. Rather than waiting for it to deliver and getting unsatisfied because it doesn’t suit us, we can enhance the customer experience this way.
Apparels
Buying something online is not always a satisfied experience.
I don’t purchase clothes on e-commerce sites. Because the fit always makes an issue. Sometimes it would be small, sometimes it would be large. Even Though there are size charts available, it is on average 60% correct.
How can we use our 3d models to enhance the customer experience on this front?
If we create our 3d model in real-size, and the 3d model of the clothes are available in exact sizes, we can apply the cloth to our model to check the fit.
Along with fitting, we can check how the specific cloth looks on us too.
This method can be used for shoes, caps, shades, and a lot more.
Interior Decoration
If you like some sofa cloth/window curtains for your home, you can scan the 3d model of the sofa/windows to match it with the 3d models of the cloth/curtains to see how it looks.
You might wonder at this point that it would be hard to photo scan a sofa couch or a windowpane. For things that cannot be easily scanned, we can just use a 2d image.
GYM
Motivation is an important factor for those who’re trying to lose weight and follow a healthy diet regimen.
How can we use the 3d models to motivate the customers in Gyms?
First, we should create a 3d model of those who enroll. Then we should design a customized diet plan for them.
If they stick to the diet plan and exercise routines, they’ll be able to burn off ‘x’ calories. 3d models are nothing but numbers. We can reduce the size of the 3d model by feeding the calories burnt by them.
The method wouldn’t be universal as everyone’s body is different and they react differently to diets and exercises. But it is a starting point from which we can study how the human body reacts and learn from it.
Prediction
We don’t need to have full-fledged scanning software on every online platform. One platform/company can offer to create our 3d model and we should be able to import it to other platforms to use them. So we don’t have to create individual 3d models for every platform.
