If you are starting out to implement 3D product viewer on your product pages, a question that may arise is: where do I show the 3D model on my product page? The page may already be cramped with a lot of images, texts and product information.
In this article we will give you some tips and help you decide what the best placement for your 3d model will be.
Please note that the placement of a 3D model on a product page depends on various factors, including the nature of the product, the user experience you want to provide, and the overall design of your website.
In this post:
Criteria for 3D product viewer placement
Here are several criteria you can use to help you determine the best location for a 3D model on a product page.
1: Above the fold
Consider placing the 3D model near the top of the product page, so it’s visible without users having to scroll down. This ensures that visitors see the interactive model as soon as they land on the page, immediately engaging them with the product.
2: Next to product images
If your product page includes traditional 2D images, place the 3D model alongside them. This allows users to compare the static images with the dynamic 3D model, providing a comprehensive view of the product.
3: Thumbnail or preview
Use a small thumbnail or preview of the 3D model as part of the product listing. This can encourage users to click or interact with the model to explore it further.
4: In-context placement
Embed the 3D model within the context of the product’s environment. For example, if you’re selling furniture, place the 3D model within a virtual room to help users visualize how the product fits into their own space.
5: Collapsible sections
Consider incorporating collapsible sections or tabs on the product page. Users who are interested in the 3D model can expand the relevant section to view it, while others can focus on other product details.
6: Near call-to-action (CTA)
Place the 3D model close to the primary call-to-action button, such as “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now.” This allows users to explore the model before making a purchase decision.
7: Mobile responsiveness
Ensure that the placement works well on mobile devices. Given the diversity of screen sizes, make sure the 3D model is appropriately sized and positioned for a positive mobile user experience.
8: User testing
Conduct user testing to gather feedback on different placements. This can help you understand how users interact with the 3D model and whether its placement enhances the overall user experience.
9: Page speed
Be mindful of page loading times, especially if the 3D model is complex. Consider lazy loading techniques to prioritize the loading of essential page elements first.
The best location for a 3D product viewer
All things considered, the best location for a 3D model on a product page is close to the main product section and add to cart buttons.
We found that a floating button with a collapsible view for the 3D model, placed right into the product gallery where all other images live, is the best placement for the 3D model and has the least impact on your product pages.
Also this does not affect your product page load speeds as it is loaded in a collapsible section. So the 3D model will only be loaded when the call to action to open the 3D model has been clicked.
Of course the best position is always debatable. There are more factors to consider, because it will depend on your specific goals, the type of product you’re selling, and the preferences of your target audience too.
That is why we advise you to regularly assess user engagement metrics and gather feedback to make informed decisions about the placement of 3D models on your product pages.
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