From configuration to visualization in seconds – scalable 3D pipeline for dynamic product images.
Several hundred thousand variations of hundreds of different products—that was the starting point for sendmoments. The entire web-to-print product portfolio needed to be integrated into the website in a photorealistic way. However, photography was out of the question, as the configurable variations were far too numerous. Since designs and products are constantly changing, new product images need to be available quickly.
We developed a custom concept in which the main components of the images were pre-rendered, allowing dynamic image elements to be swapped out. Because everything was developed in 3D, we were also able to display designs on uneven or curved surfaces without any distortion.
A major focus was also placed on the finishing of certain products. This involves foils or UV coatings applied to the printed materials. It was necessary to develop a solution that fully automates the creation of a convincing look for these finishes, including various reflections, color schemes, and relief effects.
In addition to developing the 3D content, we also created a software integration for the client's existing 2D thumbnail system. This allows sendmoments to independently produce new card designs for existing products. All images for every possible product variation are thus fully automatically pre-rendered and stored on the servers. On average, this takes less than a second per image. As a result, website visitors do not have to endure any waiting times during configuration, as all variations have already been pre-produced as image files in multiple views.
As an enhancement, a higher-performance version was also implemented for various products, allowing the design configured by the customer to be displayed photorealistically on the product within a few seconds.
