The e-commerce revolution has changed the face of shopping forever. While it was witnessing a slow but steady rise over the past decade. It was the Covid era that disrupted buyer preferences and led to astronomical growth in e-commerce sales. This feverish pace has undoubtedly reduced now, but e-commerce is not going anywhere. In fact, in the quest to maintain industry leadership, e-commerce brands are constantly coming up with innovative new practices and trends to keep their customers engaged. Let us have a look at some of the most effective evolution of Ecommerce techniques used in 2022:
The use of spin photography
E-commerce is heavily dependent upon qualitative product imagery. The product that attracts the customer during their browsing session is the one they are likely to buy or at least consider. That is why imaging techniques have been undergoing constant reinvention over the last few years. Spin photography is the term used for an illusion of a rotating product for which multiple product images are used. Also called 360-degree photography, it requires, alongside the camera, a photography turntable, and a special kind of software. The effect of 360-degree product images is immediately visible to customers. By being able to literally view the product from all possible angles. Consumers can evaluate it better, and eventually take more informed and confident decisions. Spin photography was the first to bring a level of interactivity to the online shopping arena. It continues to remain favored over regular product imagery.
The proliferation of AI Product Imagery
Conventional product imagery has some shortfalls that AI model imaging can overcome rather capably! For one, getting models to shoot for each product variant is a cost-heavy, cumbersome, and time-consuming activity. The photoshoots, the equipment, the coordination of models’ schedules, and the transportation are multiple aspects the brand needs to take care of. Secondly, once a shoot is done. it does not have a repeat value. The final image is the result, and in the event of any further modification, a new photo shoot is the only option.
In stark contrast, AI-model imaging is a one-time activity and one that does not require any photo shoots or other logistics. It requires an expert to create the model based on the brand’s brief, and that is it. The product is ready for display. The model also has the distinct advantage of being re-purposed and reused at a later stage when further product variants come into being. AI product imagery has proved to be very useful in some typical scenarios too. Such as a brand keen on diversity and inclusion goals promoting, say, a cosmetic product for different skin types.
The introduction of AR and VR
The story of the evolution of e-commerce is incomplete without the mention of augmented reality and virtual reality, or AR and VR, as they are popularly called. AR enables 3D product rendering, which allows the customer to view the product as realistically as possible. Almost giving them a “feel” of the real thing. Virtual reality is the cherry on top because it practically brings to life an entire environment simulating the brand’s physical store, its layouts, and even identical product displays. Customers get to enjoy the benefits of virtual fitting rooms, meaning they come really close to the actual in-store shopping experience from the comfort of their homes. Obviously, this bodes well for the brand, because immersive, wholesome online shopping experiences like these are bound to leave customers happy and loyal!
Which of these techniques have YOU tried in your e-commerce business? If you need to get started, or even innovate further in your current strategy, get in touch with us at Manipal Digital. With our rich experience in contributing to the digital retail revolution. We support leading brands across the globe with cutting-edge technology solutions that do not compromise creativity!
With the whole world shopping online. E-commerce brands are pulling out all the stops in creativity and technological advances to woo the customer!
