A product configurator allows customers to completely customize a product to their liking. Unlike a standard product selection, where you choose a pre-defined variant, a configurator allows users to determine the characteristics of a product themselves. This can range from simple adjustments like color choices to complex customization options where functionality and design are entirely adaptable.
A well-designed configurator not only improves the customer experience but also increases conversions, reduces returns, and ensures an efficient shopping experience. There are several types of product configurators, each with their own applications and advantages:
The 2D step-by-step configurator (wizard)
This configurator guides the user through a series of steps, where each choice influences the next. This type is ideal for complex products with many dependencies, such as:
- Print: Customers go through the design process step by step, for example, for business cards, where they first choose a format, then a type of paper, and then a finish such as gloss or matte.
- Furniture configurators: The user first chooses a base model and can then select materials, colors, and additional modules.
- Car configurators: The customer selects a base model and then gets options for engine, color, wheels, and interior finish.
- PC builders: The choice of a motherboard determines which processors and RAM options are compatible.
See our EFKA case and our DutchLabelShop case for examples.
The 2D configurator for personalized designs
This configurator is often used for personalized print products such as labels, T-shirts, and packaging. Customers can upload their own texts, logos, and images and immediately see how the final product will look.
Examples:
- T-shirt printing: Customers select a model, color, and add their own design.
- Stickers and labels: Color choices, shapes, and text are directly displayed in a live preview.
- Packaging materials: Customers can add their own designs to boxes, bags, and labels and immediately see how the packaging material will look.
The 3D configurator for product visualization
A 3D configurator offers an interactive way to assemble products in a three-dimensional environment. This type is often used for products where shape and dimensions are crucial, such as furniture, machines, jewelry, and cars.
Examples:
- Furniture configurators: Customers can rotate a 3D model and see how different fabrics and materials look.
- Jewelry configurators: Users select gemstones, metals, and engravings and get a realistic 3D preview.
- Industry & construction: For custom constructions such as aluminum frames or modular building systems.
Custom configurators: hybrid solutions (2D & 3D combinations)
Some companies need configurators that do not fit into a standard model. Custom configurators can combine both 2D and 3D, fully tailored to specific customer needs.
Examples:
- Industry & technology: A 2D configurator that allows customers to adjust technical drawings combined with a 3D view of the final product.
- B2B custom solutions: For companies building complex machines or structures where a combination of technical parameters and visual representation is necessary.
- Gaming and virtual production: Configurators that simulate product designs and apply them in a 3D environment.
Which configurator fits your company?
The choice of a product configurator largely depends on the industry, the level of personalization, and the complexity of the product.
- Do you want a streamlined user experience with clear choices? Choose a step-by-step wizard.
- Do you have a platform where customers can create their designs? A 2D design configurator is ideal.
- Do you want a visually appealing product display? Consider a 3D configurator with real-time visualization.
- Do you have unique custom needs? Then a hybrid solution with 2D and 3D is the best choice.
Do you want to find out which product configurator best suits your e-commerce platform? Contact our team and we will help you build the perfect solution!