A.R Product Visualiser

🎯 SITUATION

When online shopping lacks the confidence of physical experience

The "Big Box" Problem (2020-2021)

Picture this: A customer falls in love with a sleek 65-inch TV online, clicks "buy now," only to discover when it arrives that it completely dominates their living room. The return process begins—disappointed customer, warehouse staff loading and unloading, lost sales, damaged trust.

This was a recurring nightmare for Currys customers, especially with "big box" electronics where size, fit, and color are critical but impossible to judge from traditional product images.

The Digital Shopping Reality:

• Confidence Gap: Online customers lacked certainty about how products would look and fit in their actual spaces
• High Return Rates: Customers frequently returned large items due to size/color mismatches with expectations
• Warehouse Burden: Staff constantly handling returns of big box items due to dimensional disappointments
• Customer Frustration: Poor online tools for understanding product scale and appearance in real environments
• Competitive Disadvantage: Other retailers beginning to explore AR solutions while Currys remained traditional

The Evolution of Online Shopping

Online retail had progressed through distinct phases:

1. Product Descriptions → Basic text information
2. Static Product Images → Visual representation
3. Product Videos → Dynamic demonstrations
4. 360° Product Views → Interactive exploration
5. AR Visualization → The next frontier: "try before you buy" in customers' actual spaces

The Business Opportunity: Early AR adoption could position Currys as innovation leader while solving fundamental customer confidence problems that drove returns and support costs.

The Challenge: Design and develop "Point and Place" - an AR product visualizer that would give customers the power of personalization by placing products directly in their own homes.

📋 TASK

Pioneering AR commerce through systematic design and technical planning

The Mission Brief

I was tasked with designing a comprehensive AR product visualization system that would:

Primary Business Goals:

• Increase Customer Confidence: Enable customers to make informed decisions about fit, color, and scale of big box items
• Reduce Return Rates: Minimize purchases based on incorrect size/appearance expectations
• Enhance Shopping Experience: Create "exciting, unique, imaginative way to shop"
• Drive Sales Growth: Increase add-to-cart conversions through confidence-building technology
• Establish Innovation Leadership: Position Currys at forefront of retail technology

The Technical Challenge

This wasn't just an app design—it required orchestrating an entire AR ecosystem:

System Architecture Scope:

• Hardware Strategy: iOS vs Android market analysis and device targeting
• Software Requirements: Native SDK implementation for optimal AR performance
• 3D Asset Pipeline: High-quality product model creation and management
• Server Infrastructure: AR database and content delivery systems
• Application Functionality: Core user experience and feature definition
• Website Integration: Seamless connection between browsing and AR experience

The Six-Pillar Framework

I defined the project into 6 key strategic areas for systematic development:

1. Hardware Analysis

• Device targeting based on UK market share data
• iOS vs Android business/user entry point analysis
• Future hardware development predictions
• Smartphone and tablet optimization strategies

2. Software Architecture

• Native SDK selection and implementation
• 3D product manipulation capabilities
• Creation, control, and consistency systems
• Cross-platform performance optimization

3. 3D Asset Management

• Product acquisition and conversion processes
• Quality and consistency standards ("key to the illusion")
• Visual acceptance and realism requirements
• Scalable asset delivery systems

4. Server Infrastructure

• Model storage and database architecture
• AR-specific server requirements
• Best practices development for emerging technology
• Scalable infrastructure for product visualization

5. Application Experience

• Core hands-on user experience design
• MVP definition and feature prioritization
• Agile development and maintenance workflows
• User journey optimization

6. Website Ecosystem

• App-to-website integration strategy
• Simplified app functionality (no checkout complexity)
• Complementary strength leverage between platforms
• Seamless user experience across touchpoints

⚡ ACTION

Systematic AR experience design through comprehensive planning

Phase 1: Strategic Research & Market Analysis

UK Mobile Device Market Analysis

Device Capability Assessment:

• Comprehensive analysis of UK smartphone market share
• AR capability mapping across iOS and Android devices
• Target device identification based on consumer reach
• Hardware performance requirements for realistic product visualization

Competitive Landscape & Technology Assessment

AR Commerce Evaluation:

• Analysis of emerging AR shopping solutions
• Technical capability benchmarking
• User adoption pattern research
• Market opportunity identification for early mover advantage

Phase 2: AR System Architecture Design

Component Classification Strategy

Developed systematic approach to AR app functionality:

1. App Download & Discovery

• User acquisition strategy and app store optimization
• Clear value proposition communication
• Download process simplification

2. Setup & Tutorial Experience

• First-time user onboarding for AR concepts
• Intuitive tutorial system for AR manipulation
• Refined experience design for returning users

3. Camera Permission Management

• Addressing potential camera access rejection
• Clear value communication for permission requests
• Fallback scenarios for technical limitations

4. AR Product Selection Interface

• "AR Store" navigation and presentation
• Product category organization and layout
• Feature definition for product browsing

5. SLAM Technology Implementation

• Surface mapping and product placement systems
• Advanced features: wishlist, save, share, delete
• Website linking for purchase completion

6. Website Integration Touchpoints

• App-to-site transition optimization
• Seamless user experience across platforms
• Purchase flow completion strategy

7. App Settings & Support

• Privacy policy and terms accessibility
• Audio controls and gesture instructions
• Future feature expansion capability

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Phase 3: User Experience Flow Design

Comprehensive Journey Mapping

User Flow Development:

• Complete user journey from app download to online purchase
• Decision point identification and optimization
• Alternative path planning for different user scenarios
• Integration touchpoints with existing Currys ecosystem

Screen-by-Screen Experience Design

Detailed Interface Planning:

• Core screen experiences and interaction scenarios
• Annotated wireframes for key user touchpoints
• AR manipulation and control interface design
• Product information and purchasing integration

Phase 4: Usability Testing & Validation

In-Store Testing Program

Real-World Validation:

• Usability testing conducted in actual Currys stores
• Identification of three main customer frustrations
• User flow redesign based on observed behaviors
• AR tool integration as natural website enhancement

Technical Validation

AR Performance Testing:

• Device compatibility and performance validation
• 3D model quality and rendering optimization
• User interface responsiveness and accuracy testing
• Cross-platform experience consistency verification

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🏆 RESULT

Transforming online shopping through AR innovation

Quantitative Success Metrics

🛒 Revolutionary Conversion Impact

"Point and Place" Performance:

• 30%+ Add-to-Cart Uplift: Customers using AR were significantly more likely to purchase
• Confidence-Driven Conversions: AR visualization directly correlated with purchase decisions
• Reduced Return Rates: Fewer size/fit related returns for AR-visualized products

Qualitative Customer Transformation

Shopping Behavior Revolution

Before: "I'm not sure if this TV will be too big for my living room..."

After: "Perfect! I can see exactly how it looks in my space - I'm confident to buy."

Customer Experience Enhancement:

• Increased Purchase Confidence: Customers could visualize products in their actual spaces
• Reduced Purchase Anxiety: AR eliminated guesswork about size, fit, and appearance
• Enhanced Engagement: Interactive AR experience created memorable shopping moments
• Personalized Shopping: True "power of personalization" through home visualization

Technical Achievement Highlights

AR System Excellence

Comprehensive Architecture Success:

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Successful iOS and Android implementation
• High-Quality 3D Assets: Realistic product models achieving visual acceptance
• Scalable Infrastructure: Server systems supporting AR content delivery
• Seamless Integration: Smooth handoff between AR experience and purchase completion

User Experience Innovation

Interface Design Success:

• Intuitive AR Controls: Natural product manipulation and placement
• Clear Information Hierarchy: Product details accessible within AR environment
• Simplified User Flows: Streamlined journey from discovery to purchase
• Educational Onboarding: Effective tutorial systems for AR adoption

Business Impact Beyond Sales

Operational Efficiency

Warehouse & Support Benefits:

• Reduced Return Processing: Fewer big box items returned due to size mismatches
• Lower Support Inquiries: Customers more confident in their purchase decisions
• Inventory Optimization: Better understanding of customer space constraints

Brand Positioning

Innovation Leadership:

• Technology Pioneer Status: Early AR adoption positioned Currys as retail innovator
• Customer Trust Building: Advanced tools demonstrated commitment to customer success
• Competitive Differentiation: Unique AR capability unavailable from competitors
• Media Attention: Innovative shopping experience generating positive brand coverage

Long-term Strategic Value

AR Platform Foundation

Scalable Technology Investment:

• Expandable Product Categories: System architecture supporting additional product types
• Enhanced Features Pipeline: Framework for advanced AR shopping capabilities
• Data Insights Generation: Customer space preferences and shopping behavior analytics
• Future Innovation Platform: Foundation for next-generation shopping experiences

💡 KEY LEARNINGS & IMPACT

What pioneering AR commerce taught about innovation and customer confidence

Major Strategic Insights

1. Systematic Planning Enables Innovation Success

The six-pillar framework (Hardware, Software, 3D Assets, Server, App, Website) provided comprehensive structure for managing complex AR project development.

2. Customer Confidence Drives Conversion

AR's primary value wasn't technological novelty—it was eliminating customer uncertainty about big-ticket purchases, directly translating to 30%+ conversion improvements.

3. Integration Beats Isolation

AR worked best as enhancement to existing shopping journey rather than standalone experience. Website-app integration maximized adoption and conversion.

4. Quality 3D Assets Are Critical

Realistic product models were "key to the illusion"—visual acceptance determined whether customers trusted AR visualization for purchase decisions.

The AR Commerce Revolution

This project demonstrated how emerging technology solves fundamental retail problems when applied strategically:

From Uncertainty to Confidence:

• Before: Customers hesitant about big box purchases due to size/fit concerns
• After: Confident purchase decisions based on realistic home visualization

From Returns to Retention:

• Before: High return rates creating operational costs and customer dissatisfaction
• After: Accurate expectations reducing returns and improving satisfaction

From Static to Interactive:

• Before: Traditional product images providing limited spatial understanding
• After: Dynamic AR placement enabling true "try before you buy" experiences

Business Transformation Impact

Customer Experience Evolution

Shopping Journey Enhancement:

• Personalized Visualization: Products placed in customers' actual home environments
• Confidence Building: Reduced purchase anxiety through accurate representation
• Engagement Innovation: Interactive AR creating memorable brand experiences

Operational Excellence

Process Optimization:

• Return Reduction: Lower processing costs for size-related returns
• Inventory Intelligence: Better understanding of customer space limitations
• Support Efficiency: Fewer pre-purchase questions about dimensions and fit

Market Position Strengthening

Innovation Leadership:

• Technology Differentiation: Unique AR capability setting Currys apart from competitors
• Customer Trust: Advanced tools demonstrating commitment to customer success
• Industry Recognition: Pioneer status in AR commerce implementation

The Ultimate Learning: AR's power in retail isn't about showcasing technology—it's about eliminating the fundamental barriers that prevent customers from confidently purchasing products they need. When customers can visualize products in their actual spaces, both satisfaction and sales improve dramatically.

🛠️ Skills Demonstrated

• Emerging Technology Integration: Successfully planning and implementing AR solutions for retail commerce
• System Architecture Design: Comprehensive six-pillar framework for complex technology projects
• Cross-Platform Strategy: Coordinating iOS and Android development with consistent user experience
• 3D Asset Management: Understanding visual quality requirements for realistic AR experiences
• User Experience Research: In-store testing and validation of AR interface design
• Technical Project Management: Orchestrating hardware, software, server, and app development streams
• Business Strategy Integration: Connecting AR innovation to measurable business outcomes
• Innovation Leadership: Pioneering new retail technology while ensuring practical customer value

This case study demonstrates how systematic approach to emerging technology can create breakthrough customer experiences that solve real business problems while establishing competitive advantages in retail innovation.