DIY retail group Kingfisher is rolling out 3D and virtual reality visualisation, planning and design tech across a number of its banner stores in the UK, Ireland and Romania.
The initiative includes a 3D kitchen, bathroom and storage planner, with virtual reality capabilities in addition to a series of mobile 3D product configurators.
The all-new 3D planning and design tools offer what tech partner Marxent says is “a superior hybrid planning experience” that flows seamlessly between in-store colleague-led design systems and ecommerce.
Kingfisher’s B&Q and Brico Depot Romania have already launched the 3D room planning system in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Romania. B&Q UK has also rolled out a line-up of intuitive, mobile-first 3D product configurators for fireplaces and for the Kingfisher-exclusive Atomia and Alara product lines.
Using the Kingfisher 3D planning and design tools, shoppers are able to explore, design, visualise and checkout in a single app. Simple enough for consumers and sophisticated enough for experienced kitchen designers, even novices can draw a custom room layout, drag and drop products directly into the space, and customise finishes. More sophisticated design features are available for experienced designers.
The result is a realistic picture of any kitchen, bathroom, or storage project in both 2D and 3D. Finished designs can be exported to HD renders or 360 panoramas and for those shopping from home, items can be added from the finished 3D scene directly to their e-commerce basket.
It’s easy to book an in-store planning appointment; sharing measurements, budget, style preferences, and designs with design services colleagues and collaborate on final project details. 3D room planner projects can also be exported to 360-degree panoramas for an immersive virtual reality experience.
The suite of tools also offers the retailer localised to specific banners, markets and product lines, endless personalisation and customisation options and sees projects be exported to photo-similar HD renders or 360 panoramas. It comes with auto room scaning and offers a drag-and-drop photo feature, millimetre perfect precision and an add to basket option for easy online check out.
JJ Van Oosten, Kingfisher’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, says: “At Kingfisher, we’re focused on offering the best experience for our customers, offering greater convenience, choice and speed as part of our Powered by Kingfisher strategy.
“We chose 3D Cloud by Marxent because they have the tech, team, and experience to implement 3D experiences at enterprise scale. The 3D room planner tool in stores combines leading-edge visualisation and configuration technology and provides customers with a seamless and personalised shopping experience. In partnering with Marxent, it has enabled us to focus on our mobile first approach, with tools to allow our customers to design from pictures and room scanning. 3D technology is just one of the initiatives we have launched to ensure Kingfisher is at the forefront of innovation in retail.”
Leigh Davidson, Managing Director of 3D Cloud by Marxent in Europe adds: “This initiative is the definition of innovation at scale. Kingfisher is a truly innovative company with some of the brightest minds in digital and home improvement tackling the most challenging customer experience problems in the vertical across many markets. It’s been an absolute honour to work with the Kingfisher, B&Q and Brico Depot teams and to support this vital stage in their digital transformation.”Updating its digital offer is at the centre of Kingfisher’s transformation strategy. The 3D room planner and 3D product configurators are paving the way for all Kingfisher’s room planning tools to work off the same platform, bringing a seamless customer experience to their banners in the UK, Ireland and Romania.”
Earlier this week, B&Q and Screwfix owner Kingfisher announced that it is planning to bring forward its net zero target to 2040, after a year in which it reduced its carbon emissions in its own operations by almost a quarter. Using virtual technology has a role to play here too.
