AR Product Visualiser
A shopping experience like no other that customers could visualize the latest tech at their own space.
The story
Product visualisation using AR is the ultimate 'try before you buy' and the next logical step for the online shopping experience. Point and Place has introduced an exciting, unique, imaginative way to shop. Currys reported ‘Add to Cart’ sale-uplifts of more than 30% compared to shoppers who were not using Point and Place.
the opportunity
Online retailers started with descriptions, product imagery, moved on to product video and then 360 products that shoppers could spin in their browser/app.
With AR, shoppers now have the ability to place a range of products in their own home and get an even more realistic sense of the product they're looking to purchase, the power of personalisation.
With AR, shoppers now have the ability to place a range of products in their own home and get an even more realistic sense of the product they're looking to purchase, the power of personalisation.
The research
Device support... UK market share for mobile devices
Breakdown of components for AR system.
I defined the project into 6 key areas (see below) for attention and focus, ease of explanation and good return points. This was a great help for presentation purposes due to the technology being relatively new and the audience having little exposure to the topics.
- Hardware: The brand device/s targeted, based upon highest consumer reach, with predicted future developments taken into account - iOS v Android business/user entry market level based on established hardware (smartphones & tablets).
- Software requirements / disciplines are effected by hardware choice (Native SDK). Software for 3D product manipulation, to allow creation, control & consistency.
- 3D assets: Acquiring 'products' for the product visualiser, quality and consistency is paramount for successful delivery. 3D models are key to the illusion and visual acceptance.
- Server: Model product storage, AR database & AR servers, very little information for best practice due to new technology / niche sector of AR - product visualiser requirements.
- Application functionality, core hands on user experience, define MVP, additional features, dedicated team to maintain and advance via agile workflow.
- Website: Supporting role for app linking to PP, allowing simplification of app (no checkout journey, attach propositions) App and site integration to compliment one another.
AR app component classification
Having group classified the overall AR project, for ease of reference and areas of interest. I have opted for the same approach when planning the actual application functionality and journey flows.
App download
The ability to download the app, how it will be displayed to users, how it will be accessed.
Setup & tutorial
Covers the initial installation of the app for the first time. Additional usage of the app will require a refined approach.
Camera rejection
Addressing the first potential hurdle a user could face, capturing all scenarios which will impact future app sessions.
AR product selection
The AR store, how it will be presented and which features, product category layouts will be required.
SLAM technology
Covering how the mapping and model placement will look. Features such as add to wish list, save, share, delete image, link to website. etc
CPCW site
How the site and app can support one another, combining strengths to give the user a richer seamless experience.
App settings
Ability to show privacy policy, T&C's, audio, finger gesture instructions and future features.
An initial user flow map highlighting user app download through to online purchase routes, currently a WIP so will be defined and expanded upon as work progresses. There is also a series of annotated pages detailing core screen experiences and scenarios, some of which are provided below.
Business goals
Find a way for our customers online to have more confidence of making a decision for the right fit/colour of big box items.
The challenge
The existing way of showing dimensions and the no existence of tools on how to do it, can frustrate the latest tech discovery experience, wasting user’s time and debasing Currys; value.
In addition to that colleagues in warehouses would be asked to load and unload when customers return the items due to wrong dimensions.
Solution
Through usability testing in the Currys store, I identified 3 main frustrations amongst the website. I redesigned the user flow and introduced an AR tool with the latest tech as an addition to visualise the item in their place.
