Martin is a Solutions Architect at Jola Interactive and has 25 years of experience programming, 15 of those on the Magento platform. His role involves not only the technical aspects of coding but also understanding and analyzing business needs to deliver comprehensive digital solutions. The work he does at Jola involves building complex eCommerce websites that function as business platforms for large furnishings companies. What makes this work different from programming simple websites is that they are heavily focused on structuring data information and integrating with ERP, PIM, DAM, etc systems to automate business processes such as managing shipments, payments, product information, and updates for Jola clients.

Experimenting with AI for programming began as individual members of the team dabbling and exploring possibilities, but through this trial and error, the team has now invested in AI-based programming tools such as Github Copilot and is working on incorporating them into their workflows.

In this interview, Martin delves into the transformative impact of AI on his work and shares his vision for the future of web development. Read on to learn more!

#1: Efficiency Unleashed

As the conversation unfolds, Martin sheds light on the efficiency gains facilitated by AI tools such as Github Co-pilot.  He has found significant time savings, particularly by handling repetitive and mundane tasks such as improving code readability, offering the correct syntax, and tweaking code through the chat feature. “There’s definitely a 5 to 10% increase in efficiency because everything is in line, in an editor.” This testament to AI’s role in streamlining workflows underscores its transformative potential in optimizing development processes and maximizing productivity.

#2: Jointly Elevating Quality Assurance

Martin expressed his desire for greater accuracy and reliability: “the only desire I’d have is for the tools to be more accurate so that you don’t have to tweak it to get the code correct.” He reflects that code quality is where AI tools have the largest room for improvement.

The way that AI helps with code quality and integrity is by freeing up time and allowing developers to reclaim it for creative problem-solving, which in itself has been invaluable.

#3: Redefining Collaboration

For Martin, AI transcends its role as a mere tool, evolving into a dynamic learning companion in his coding process. He emphasizes the educational value of AI-generated code suggestions, envisioning it as a catalyst for professional growth and development. In this relationship between human and machine intelligence, developers embark on a journey of continuous learning and exploration.

#4: Future Generations of Programmers

When asked if it is time to make significant changes to curricula for upcoming generations of developers, Martin expressed that the current state of AI programming tools is far from allowing developers in the upcoming generation to skip the rigor of programming languages. However, he mentioned that the tools help get results much faster for someone with a solid knowledge base.

In the future, Martin envisions AI’s transformative potential in catalyzing collaborative endeavors, stating, “The jobs might shift… developers might be prompting more than writing actual code, to just getting the program to do the right thing. Though business analysis may be a bit farther off.”

Conclusion:

Martin Babic’s reflections leave us optimistic about the future of AI in programming. He acknowledges having only scratched the surface of its capabilities, and feels that the efficiency gains and transformative potential he’s experienced are undeniably promising. With each interaction, Martin’s confidence grows, envisioning a future where AI not only streamlines tasks but can also elevates the quality and creativity of programming endeavors. As developers continue to explore and embrace these tools, the possibilities for innovation and collaboration are truly boundless.

As the furnishings industry recovers from and evolves through post-pandemic trends, new technological advancements continue to shape and be shaped by shifting consumer behaviors.

This article dives into 4 top trends for the Furnishings eCommerce industry to help your company stay ahead of the curve in 2024.

#1: The Expansion of Omni-channel Retail

3 years ago, worldwide lockdowns pushed brick-and-mortar stores to strengthen their online presence. In 2024, the reliability of physical stores is pushing even online brands to build outlets offline.

Not only does it give brands more touchpoints with consumers to attract more buyers, but the customer experience allowed by seamless online-to-offline connections is unparalleled and promotes brand loyalty. However, the space has become more competitive. Brands that are serious about capturing business need to build exceptional online and offline experiences to keep up with consumer expectations.

Palliser Furniture is one example of a brand that invested in an innovative in-store design kiosk and application for their retail partners to showcase their entire line and customize visually with all available options. Their newly launched website also allows consumers to build their product and then share it with a store near them to fulfill the order at the store.

#2: The Rise of Immersive Experiences

Advancements in 3D technology are revolutionizing the way that consumers interact with furnishings online and offline. From 3D technology enhancing virtual shopping experiences to the integration of augmented reality (AR) for visualizing products in real-life settings, brands are leveraging immersive technologies to captivate consumers. As younger generations dominate the market, the demand for seamless and engaging experiences continues to rise, driving innovation in this space.

In addition, as consumers gravitate towards mobile devices for browsing and shopping, offering mobile-first experiences on brand websites is also becoming imperative. From responsive design to streamlined checkout processes, prioritizing mobile accessibility enhances customer satisfaction and drives conversions. Upgrading your website with Adobe Commerce storefronts is a great way to wow such consumers.

Visit our 3D Product Configurator page to build more immersive product presentations on your website.

#3: Social Selling at an All-time High

Social selling has reached unprecedented levels–60% of consumers mentioned learning about new products through Instagram–prompting brands to invest in high-quality video content. From attracting customers through captivating social media campaigns to leveraging marketing automation for personalized interactions, brands are leveraging social platforms and forging strategic relationships with influencers, to guide consumers through every stage of the buyer’s journey.
Additionally, retail and wholesale websites nowadays cater to the full buyer journey, including integrating social media aggregators so that your prospects can see how your products can be styled, to making the actual purchase and aftercare and claims. For reference, check out Hubbardton Forge’s website featuring a social media aggregator that allows them to engage more deeply with the spaces consumers and designers are creating using their products.

#4: The Focus on Sustainability

Finally, as consumers become increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, sustainability emerges as a pivotal trend in the furnishings industry. Brands are prioritizing eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing practices, and responsible manufacturing processes to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. By aligning with sustainable values, businesses contribute to a greener future but also resonate with a growing segment of socially-aware shoppers.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of furnishings e-commerce, adaptation is key to staying ahead of the curve. Businesses can position themselves for success in 2024 by embracing trends such as omnichannel integration, immersive experiences, social selling, and sustainability. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, agility and innovation will remain essential pillars for navigating the dynamic terrain of e-commerce.

Ready to future-proof your furniture eCommerce business? Contact Jola today and unlock a world of innovative solutions!

In this article, we will discuss five essential tweaks to make your website run better. By following these tips, you can improve your website’s performance and provide a seamless experience for your visitors.

The Importance of Page Speed for UI/UX

Page speed refers to the amount of time it takes for a website’s pages to fully load in a user’s web browser. It’s important because it directly affects the user experience: slow-loading pages can lead to higher bounce rates, lower engagement, and a negative impact on conversions.

Search engines like Google have even indicated that page speed is a factor in their search ranking algorithms, so a fast-loading site can help improve visibility and drive more traffic to your site. A high-functioning website is the first impression you give customers, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s optimized for sales and ease of use.

5 Tips for Improving Website Performance Through Optimization

#1. Optimize Images

High-quality images can make your website visually appealing, but large image files can slow down the loading time. To speed up your website, optimize your images by compressing them and reducing their file size without sacrificing quality. You can use online tools like TinyPNG or Compressor.io to optimize your images.

#2. Minimize HTTP Requests

Every time a user visits a page on your website, the browser has to make multiple requests to the server to load different elements of the page, such as images, stylesheets, and scripts. Minimizing the number of HTTP requests can reduce the load time of your website and improve performance. One way to minimize HTTP requests is to combine multiple stylesheets into a single file and do the same with JavaScript files.

#3. Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A CDN is a network of servers that distribute content to users based on their location. By using a CDN, you can reduce the distance between the user and the server, which can lead to faster load times and improved performance. Additionally, a CDN  like Cloudflare, Fastly or Azure, can help reduce the strain on your own server by distributing content across multiple servers.

#4. Enable Browser Caching

Browser caching allows frequently accessed elements of your website, such as images and stylesheets, to be stored on the user’s device. This means that the next time the user visits your website, the browser will not have to make new requests for these elements, which can result in faster load times. To enable browser caching, you can add code to your website’s .htaccess file or use a plugin like W3 Total Cache for WordPress.

#5. Minimize the Use of Plugins

Plugins are a convenient way to add features and functionality to your website, but they can also slow down your website if not used judiciously. To improve performance, minimize the use of plugins and only install those that are essential to your website. Additionally, keep your plugins up to date to ensure that they are not causing any performance issues.

In addition to the tips mentioned earlier, implementing a Progressive Web Application (PWA) can also greatly improve the performance and user experience of your website. PWAs are web applications that are designed to work offline and have features typically associated with native mobile apps, such as fast loading times and offline functionality.

At Jola, we have extensive experience building PWAs and can help you take advantage of this cutting-edge technology to create a fast, reliable, and engaging website. Our PWAs are built with load speeds and browser caching in mind, so your users will enjoy a seamless experience regardless of their connection quality. Whether you’re looking to create a new website or optimize an existing one, our team of experts is here to help.

In conclusion, optimizing your website for faster page speed can have a significant impact on user experience and search engine visibility. By following the five tips outlined in this article, you can improve the performance of your website and provide a better experience for your users.

Contact Jola today to learn more about our web development services and how we can help you achieve your online goals!

1. Accessibility
2. Speed
3. Security
4. Bounce Rate
5. Competition
6. SEO
7. Improved Technology 

• ACCESSIBILITY 

According to Outerbox, more than 40% of purchases were made on a smartphone during the 2018 holiday season. And to be more current, in the last six months, 79% of smartphone users have purchased using their mobile device. These stats strongly advocate why a traditional eCommerce website needs to enhance its accessibility. With a controlling percentage of consumers using their mobile device for eCommerce, rebuilding your site to be mobile-friendly or having it rebuilt as a Progressive web application is a step in the right direction. 

• SPEED

Users lose interest if a webpage takes more than 3 seconds to load. It’s a hard pill to swallow when you consider just how short a time 3 seconds is. However, consumers expect their browser to have an almost instantaneous reaction, and the longer it takes for a product or image to load, the more frustrated a user becomes. It causes them to lose interest in your products and trust in your Brand. Newer technology, such as PWA, has become the answer to this speed issue, allowing customers to view pages in a fraction of a second. An impressive turn away when 3 seconds is all it takes to lose a sale. 

• SECURITY

Data breaches, hacks, stolen bank information, and funds- all of these are some of the serious issues that online users face regularly. So, if they’re going to buy something online, they need to know that their personal information is safe and secure. Most browsers even tell you when you’re about to access a website that isn’t secure. Upgrading your website security by implementing a firewall, encrypting your data on your website, and using reCAPTCHA are all excellent ways to show users that they’re safe when browsing, and especially when purchasing on your eCommerce website. 

• BOUNCE RATE

High bounce rates indicate that users visit your website and quickly leave after viewing just one page, an undesirable statistic for an eCommerce website. However, there’s not just one reason for high bounce rates; it can be a combination of things. Poor landing page design, expired offers, moved or broken page links, slow pages or images, too many ads, misleading information, etc. The best way to pinpoint the issue while preparing for the site redesign would be to analyze the data from analytics software. Analytics play a significant role in gaining data about website traffic, and it’s the best line of defense when trying to understand the metrics you’re trying to optimize.

• COMPETITION 

Nothing says staying ahead of the game like a redesign- but it should have a purpose. In the eCommerce industry, you should always pay attention to your competitors. Checking the trends, the technology, and most importantly, the mistakes made. What your competitors do can tell you a lot about what your audience wants and doesn’t want and allows you to adjust to fit their needs. 

• SEO

Your SEO is one of the greatest deciding factors in ranking on search engines. It is the driving factor behind how your customers find you and your products. Having up-to-date information, accurate descriptions, current posts, and recently updated content, whether seasonal or topical, ensures that Google can properly crawl your website and display the most relevant and recent information to customers. Learn more about how to improve your content for SEO 

• IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY 

Technology is constantly changing, and the best changes are the ones that increase our productivity and keep us engaged. PWA,  (Progressive web applications) are a fast-evolving and revolutionary solution to M-Commerce (eCommerce done on Mobile devices). PWA is the only choice for website redesign with Offline capabilities, ridiculously fast loading speeds, native app-like characteristics, and user-friendly notifications. It increases user engagement, customer retention and has proven to be a driving factor in increasing sales. 

Jola is a North American Web Development company specializing in Magento B2B and B2C Commerce and PWA. Redesigning your website is a necessary step to take in your business’s journey, and with so many positive immediate impacts, why wait? Connect today.

Written by Teace Findlay

CAPTCHA, short for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart, is used to determine whether the user on your website is human or not. Its purpose is to stop spam and protect your website from possible attackers.

Where do you encounter CAPTCHA?

When filling out a form or creating an account, you’ve probably encountered a CAPTCHA. You need to decode and enter a string of distorted numbers and letters into a prompt box. Correct entry means access. And incorrect means denial. 

This program worked well for a long time, but eventually, the bots outsmarted the system. Research determined that bots had a 99.4% success rate when deciphering and entering distorted text. While humans only had a 33% success rate, the CAPTCHA was doing the opposite of its original intention. 

Enter Google’s reCAPTCHA in 2014!

Recaptcha gave prompts to users based on their interactions on the web page and their mouse movements. reCaptcha was built to identify the difference between human movements and bots. It displays a prompt and checkbox- and once they take the desired actions, users get another set of instructions involving identifying squares that host a specified image.  

This has proven to be highly effective in deterring spam.

So, here’s the big question, do you need CAPTCHA or reCAPTCHA on your eCommerce website?

The answer is undeniable; yes, you need all the security you can get.  Cyber-attacks, copycat sites, and data hackers have become some of the biggest obstacles for online businesses and consumers. Therefore, consumers put a lot of stock into a company that takes the extra step to secure their personal information. After all, you wouldn’t want to live in a house with no locks on the doors. 

How do you add reCAPTCHA to your eCommerce website?

eCommerce platforms like WordPress and Magento have purchasable extensions. Front-end developers can install all these in no more than a few hours.

Jola is a North American company specializing in developing B2B and B2C Magento eCommerce websites. With a decade of experience, they’ve proven themselves to be a team worth building with. Get in contact now.

The Honeybee of Digital Evolution. 

Progressive web applications are like an invasion, creeping into our lives with their prompts to add to the home screen, faster speeds, push notifications, and offline abilities. Over the years, PWA’s have grown in usage and popularity, becoming a buzzword back in 2018. Since then, PWA’s have been implemented into hundreds of websites and installed on millions of devices. 

So what is a Progressive Web Application?

Choosing between a website and a mobile application was a decision that many companies faced, and most continue to face today. Choosing between accessibility, looking at cost, considering maintenance and functionality is a huge part of effectively running an eCommerce business since operational expenses make up a significant portion of the budget. With so many citing this issue, Google looked for a solution. A program (software) that could offer all the benefits of both entities, with minimal to no drawback. That’s how Progressive web applications were created.

PWA’s or Progressive Web Applications are a happy marriage between the concept of native applications and websites, resulting in faster, installable web pages that resemble and work like a native app but have the reach of the internet.

Progressive web applications have specific characteristics; they’re incredibly fast, provide an integrated user experience, offer offline reliability, and generate high user engagement. But that’s not all it takes to understand PWA, so let’s dive in.

PWA’s are Fast.

When it comes to mobile usage, speed is the most important aspect for any user. Studies show that 53% of users abandon a website that takes 3 seconds or more to load. You must be thinking that 3 seconds isn’t that much time, but in reality, you can take nine steps, speak seven words, tie your shoelaces, peel a banana(and take a bite), and even fold a shirt in just 3 seconds. 

Naturally, time is taken for granted unless you feel the effects, like when waiting for a page to load to a website that you’ve just opened. Instantaneous load times retain users by reacting to their requests in record time and delivering the information they need without anticipation.  That’s how Progressive web applications are changing the narrative on speed. 

PWA’s integrate the user experience. 

The answer to getting more eyes on your website comes from accessibility. The mobile experience has always had its ups and downs. While web browsing has come a long way on desktops, users still experience a challenge when interacting positively on mobile browsers. 

With PWA’s, mobile users can experience a website in the format of an app. From opening the web app to viewing the information and personalizing settings, everything feels and works like a native application. Studies show that mobile users spend 87% of their time using apps and a mere 13% using their mobile browsers. This highlights a need for an experience that users can easily familiarize themselves with. 

These images are a perfect example of how PWA’s integrate the user experience. All of the images are taken from PrimaLighting. The first is the website; note the URL at the top of the screen. However, in image 2, the page is identical, but the only noticeable difference is that there is no URL bar. That’s because we took image 2 after Primalighting was installed. The information and features available didn’t change; only the accessibility and experience did. Likewise, in image 3, we see that PrimaLighting exists in the recent drawer, just like any other app.

PWA’s offer offline reliability.

In the age of broadband, being online is a round-the-clock occurrence. A privilege we take for granted until we try accessing our web browser only to get a no connection message. There’s never a need to consider your internet connection with PWA’s since the information is always available even when the internet is not. 

Take this for example; You’re an assistant working in a busy city like New York, taking the train daily to commute. Your trip includes numerous dead spots and extended periods without an internet connection. However, your job entails finding products that your client may need. Not having a steady connection can significantly impact your day. How? No connection means no browsing. It also means that if you were viewing a product on a website that wasn’t built using a PWA, that you’d lose the information you were browsing until your connection was steady enough. PWA’s can maximize your productivity in whatever space you’re in with whatever connection type you’re dealing with. 

These images reflect the offline reliability of a website PropacImages built as a Progressive Web Application. The PWA notifies a user that their internet connection has been severed and browsing in Offline mode. However, users are still able to navigate throughout the pages and read any text information.

PWA’s drive engagement.

Before PWA’s, native apps had the leg up on eCommerce websites because of their successful engagement resources; push notifications.

What are they? Simply one of the greatest tools for re-engagement ever created. With native apps, mobile users receive notifications daily or, however they choose, containing offers and reminders at their fingertips. Users consistently engage with these notifications, whether from mobile games, social media, or tracker apps. 

By becoming a PWA, an eCommerce business inserts itself into a user’s daily activity by giving them push notifications that contain offers based on their recent activity, reminders to check out and buy, and even events that the eCommerce business may be running.

Some of you might be thinking that emails already serve this purpose. Still, in reality, not everyone consistently checks their email. Some users also sign up for on-site offers with an email address that they aren’t particularly keen on checking regularly. However, as a PWA, you can bridge the gap by giving your customers timely, targeted push notifications that they encounter the second they check their phones, which, according to Asurion, is a whopping 96 times a day.

PWA’s lack limitations

Something fundamental sets Native apps aside from PWA’s, and that’s their codependent nature. Native apps rely on digital distribution software to exist and be accessible to users. On the other hand, since PWA’s are essentially webpages, all a user needs to access and install is a web browser. Without it, users are unable to search, find, and ultimately download the app. 

When a user visits a website built as a PWA, their information is logged. When they revisit the website, the user is prompted to install. Once the PWA is installed, the user also receives an onscreen message of the installation success. Whether on the home screen or in the app menu, they now have instantaneous, single-touch access to the content that would otherwise need to be found through web navigation. 

 These three images showcase Primalighting, a website that was built as a PWA. The first image is a representation of the installation prompt. It was first shown at the bottom of the screen, and when tapped, told the user to install. The second image shows you the app-like appearance at the bottom of the home screen, allowing Primalighting and PropacImages to fit right in. The last image shows the open window after tapping the Primalighitng app; it shows the logo and app name, just like a native app would upon opening.

Make the switch!

As the world continues to digitize, and people become increasingly reliant on mobile accessibility, an eCommerce business may find themself losing their footing in customer reach. That’s why it’s important to keep your business updated by changing. Jola Interactive is a North American leader in Magento business solutions and PWA; get in contact with them today for a free site evaluation to get your business on the path to success.

The eyes. 

Shakespeare said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. And it’s true because your eyes are the key to building desire. Engrossing yourself in a book, picking out an outfit, engaging with media, and anything else you do throughout your day. Science confirms that your eyes account for 90% of the information received by your brain, so it’s perfectly reasonable to say that your shopping experience is 90% reliant on your eyes. 

Visualization is the key to making any decision, especially when purchasing on an eCommerce website. The less you see, the more you lose interest, and it’s one of the main reasons why online businesses lose potential customers. 

Giving your customers a solution to an age-old problem is the key to securing and continuing to build their loyalty. But unfortunately, a lot of online businesses miss the mark. Taking great display pictures and having a trendy public figure as a spokesmodel is terrific, but customers undoubtedly want the full details on what they’re getting. And the best way to give them this knowledge is through Visual Configuration.

What is Visual Configuration?

Visual Configuration is the process of selecting and changing design features on a product on an eCommerce website. Simply put- customers make the changes and see them in real-time. That way, they’re able to be completely confident while having absolute control over the decision they’re making.  

A few types of software can be added to showcase the various options offered by an eCommerce business.

Why should you use Visual Configurators in your eCommerce business?

I’ve mentioned this before; Visualization.

And to take it a step further, interaction, delight, competition. Adding  Visual Configurators to your eCommerce business can benefit you in more ways than one. Quite notably with a definitive increase in customer retention and online sales. 

The harsh truth of having an eCommerce business is that you’re unable to take photos for all or, at times, any of your products. And that’s where Visual Configurators come in. With the software, you’re able to create digital representations of your products and all of the options available to your customers. Giving them the freedom to browse and ultimately select the option that’s best for them. 

Visual Configurators allow customers to change, reshape, customize, personalize and ultimately design a product that is uniquely theirs. Adding the key benefit of being able to see every single aspect of the changes applied right in front of them.

Which Configurator best suits your business?

With more than a decade of innovation, Configurators have come a long way. With the enhancement of bandwidth, people are browsing and consuming online information faster than ever. According to (Akaimai), bandwidth in 2009 was a mere 3.8 Mbps compared to the year 2019, which was at 96.25 Mbps on avg.  That’s an over 2000% increase. It makes sense that anything online now has higher usability than it did over ten years ago. 

This links directly to Configurators. 

Faster internet speeds mean faster loading on product renders, higher resolution images, and speedy visualization of applied changes. It’s absolutely a no-brainer why Configurators are now a dominant and ravaging force in the eCommerce industry. 

Let’s get to know some of the Configurators. 

The first is the 2D Visual Configurator.

It is the simplest and most cost-effective. It’s lightweight, has a hyper photorealistic display quality, and allows for minor changes to the product. Meaning if it’s just color/texture options that are available, the 2D configurator is the best choice. 

This Configurator comes with limitations. Businesses with an excessive range of configurable options will find that rendering costs get much higher as their number of purchasable options grows. 

With that in mind, if you’re a company that offers products with a fair range of texture options and not any notable physical modifications, then this is perfect for your business. It’ll give you the ability to focus on offering the best visuals to your customer while showing them the options you offer.

.

The next is the 360 Visual Configurator. 

Though quite similar to the 2D Configurator, the 360 allows for a full 360-degree view of the product by stitching together a host of different images from different angles (minus any above or below).  This makes the product rotatable so that a customer can see all the changes they’ve made in one seamless rotation. 

However, it also cannot be animated. Meaning objects which have moveable parts cannot be manipulated. Doors on cabinets, or folding beds, for example, won’t be shown in continuous motion. Thankfully, the AR capabilities, paired with the hyper photorealistic quality, give customers a stunning and interactive experience. Thus making up for the lack of animation.

This Configurator is ideal for a business that needs its customers to understand the product features fully but doesn’t allow for shape customization. 

The final and possibly most immersive configurator is the WEB GL 3D Configurator.

It boasts the best kind of technology for businesses with products that allow for changes in shape and carries an expansive collection of options. Product combinations that can get to thousands or tens of thousands, millions even, are best built using this software since configurations are virtually limitless and will give your customers options beyond their comprehension. When using WEB GL 3D, customers can see the product with physical shape changes applied in real-time.  

And that’s not all; products that consist of moving physical parts can be animated. 

For Example:

That new bathroom cabinet that’ll be installed near a shower, your customer wants to know how far back the door goes. Well, with this Configurator, they can. Just the click of the button allows them to see the cabinet with open doors. A bonus, once they’re done applying changes to the product, they can view that cabinet where it will be ultimately placed using the AR feature, allowing them to check for a more accurate fit, as well as the color and height.  

On the reverse side, due to the reshapable features of the WEB GL 3D Configurator, it lacks the hyper photorealistic display qualities present in the Configurator mentioned earlier. 

Check out this WEB GL 3D configurator

Benefits of using Configurators

Revolutionizing modifications

Visual Configurators have revolutionized the traditional buying experience. Before, the only way to personalize a product was to go through a sales rep, working with them at a desk as they showed you the different options for an available product. And if the customer wanted modifications, it took a while to see the renders. But with Configurators, customers can skip the middle man, the wait time, and the back and forth and create the product they want on their own in little to no time. 

Increase Sales

According to Forbes, using Visual Configurators can significantly boost sales and increase conversions by up to 40%. Having a Configurator allows your customers to spend their time productively finding the option that suits their needs, which means a decrease in cart abandonment and a higher chance that your customers will make a purchase.

Buyer confidence

Which company would you choose to buy from? 

One that allows you to see the changes you’re applying to a product you’re going to buy? Or one that only allows you to see a standard product image as a representation of what you’re going to buy?

The answer? You guess.

Giving your customers the ability to visualize what they’re considering builds buyer confidence. Purchasing a large item online is often met with anxiety as it’s hard to get a good look and properly customize parts. But with a Configurator, customers can view all of their changes on the fly, giving them complete confidence over their decisions and allowing them to feel more comfortable placing their order. In the end, they’re able to build what they want and buy what they want.

Remain competitive. 

You want your customers to choose you, always. But in an ever-evolving digital world filled with like-minded competitors, Visual Configurators will keep your business ahead of the curve. Offering customers solutions in different forms ensure that they’ll seek out your business to answer their problem. And there’s more to this. By giving your customer unique solutions, they’re more likely to share their experiences with friends and family, and in turn, name your company as the one to find answers with. This word-of-mouth practice is an invaluable tool when it comes to staying ahead of the competition.

Cross-Platform Compatability

According to csoinsights.com, 70% of buyers self-serve through their phones, laptops, or tablets. Meaning they spend most, if not all of their time, making decisions on their device without the help or professional input from sales personnel.

For this reason, it’s essential to give customers the same immersive experience through a variety of devices. Allowing the same level of visualization across all device types ensures that you’re serving your customers in the way they desire, no matter what device they’re using.

These shots were taken on different devices from the same automobile customizing company 3Dtuning. However, both devices allowed for seamless modification while still maintaining quality.

Ways to implement a Configurator

Now that you have this information, how do you implement a Visual Configurator to help your business?

Should you build a Configurator? Should you find a plugin that you can add to your site that can work for your business? Those are just a few questions to get your mind pointed in the right direction. Generally, there are two main options to implementing a Configurator on your website;

    1. Pay to License and Host

This option entails paying an ongoing licensing fee to a company that will install the Configurator on your website. That’s great, considering there will be little to no additional programming necessary. However, you never technically own your assets as they’ll be hosted by the vendor. And you must continue to pay the licensing fee, which does add up over time. 

In addition, Licensing fees range depending on traffic to the configurable products, and also the number of products and options. Remember that you don’t own your code when licensing. And also you and the vendor will be partnered for life. 

     2. Pay a one-time fee

The one-time fee option allows you to design and customize a solution specific to your business requirements.  That makes it possible for you to provide the most refined solution to your customers. Though with a higher upfront cost than the licensing counterpart, those costs will be significantly lower over a short time compared to continuously paying a licensing fee. 

The most important thing about this option is that the Configurator and the assets will be owned by you. Meaning you can make any changes you deem necessary.

In the end, your goal is to provide your customers with solutions that leave them feeling satisfied. And the best way to do so is to offer them an innovative and progressive way to find what they need. 

Visual Configurators have grown, evolved, and cemented their place in the eCommerce industry; it’s time to add your business to the list that customers brag about by getting in contact with Jola Interactive, a North American leader in Business solutions through the use of Visual Configurators. 

Throughout the history of our market economy, the driving force behind any significant transformation of any given sector has been technological innovations. E-commerce is currently in the beginning phases of one such transformation. In this case, the driving force is Virtual Reality (AR).

According to leading IT experts, AR is going to be “the next big thing,” and it will revolutionize the way consumers interact with businesses, bringing shoppers and products closer together than ever before. The furniture industry, in particular, is witnessing the astonishing benefits of AR, and after piloting our AR services with some of our more ambitious clients, we here at Jola are positive that AR is not only the future of the furniture industry, it’s here now for all to embrace and benefit from. Not convinced? Keep on reading and we’ll tell you why!

The Current Dilemma

When the internet was still in its early phases, digital mediums such as music, movies, and books took up most of the limelight on the growing platform of goods available for purchase online. Without the need to feel or touch these virtual items, users were happy to pay for these various downloadable products. Eventually, as internet capabilities continued to improve, most other consumer goods found their way to accessibility on e-commerce websites as well. The furniture industry, however, seems to be lagging behind. So why hasn’t the online furniture business soared at the same heights as virtually everything else? One explanation may be that standard furniture e-commerce platforms while giving customers the opportunity to examine the normative aspects of the furniture pieces, lack of proximity to consumers prevents sellers from ensuring accurate translation of product features, inspiring marketable storytelling, and sufficient customer interaction. These substantial hindrances prevent the furniture industry from taking off online, a pressing dilemma that AR is in the process of eliminating.

AR and Its Application in the Furniture Industry Today

With the help of AR’s revolutionary technology, users will not only be able to inspect your furniture from every angle, but they will also have the power to see how your furniture can fit into their homes and offices. Currently, industry-leading AR applications are being used by the paint industry to help customers visualize the improvements that can be made with certain paint jobs, among other things. Those same apps can be utilized to give your shoppers the unique opportunity of virtually placing furniture items into their living rooms in order to fully conceptualize how your products can fit into their interior design. AR is the only way for furniture shoppers to take into account the interplay of design, functionality, and size with their current home/office setup when choosing which furniture to buy.

Augmented Reality Benefits for Your Furniture Business

1: Minimize translation errors

It can be quite disappointing for a buyer to open a furniture delivery to find that it is nothing like its representation online–a potential detrimental error for a furniture business that can lead to loss of reputation and sales. With the help of AR, both buyers and sellers can minimize the effect of such translation errors. By implementing AR into your digital storefront, customers are able to see how your furniture fits into their home/office space. This visualization allows the buyer to interact with the furniture, thus nullifying the probability of translation errors.

2: A completely new way of showcasing a wide range of furniture products

If you are able to use AR for your furniture business in an effective way, then you will be able to provide a highly memorable shopping experience to your customers. No need to stay limited to 2D images or dependent on lengthy catalogs. AR allows your customers a first-person experience of the variety of your portfolio in its entirety, even from their smartphones. The monetary and logistical hassles of making your warehouse presentable for new clients will be worries of the past. Just give them the virtual tour—with AR,  it couldn’t be easier.

Through AR, you can showcase your furniture in a space where millions of customers can admire and interact with your product. AR provides a truly unique experience to everyone who uses your platform; and if more people become engaged with your product, then your sales figures have nowhere to go but up.

3: Build a strong connection with clients

AR provides an incomparable shopping experience to your customers where they can explore every feature and inspect each detail of your products. Through AR,, the customer can easily assess which items fit like a glove into the context of their homes/offices and which ones look odd. We can say with confidence that AR provides shoppers with the most personal shopping experience—arguably exceeding even in-person shopping—to help them find the best product available on the market.

AR is the future of online furniture shopping. The experience of seeing how certain products look in certain settings from the comfort of one’s home is a difference of night and day compared to conventional e-commerce—even compared to conventional showrooms for that matter. In order to stay relevant as an e-commerce based business in the furniture industry, AR is an absolute necessity.

Are you as excited about AR as we are? Contact Jola Interactive for more information on how our AR services can add value to your online furniture business.

Now that we have a better understanding of what specifically you would be upgrading within your platform, let’s take a closer look at the components that make up the LAMP stack and the affects that upgrading has on them.

Operating system

As far as operating system go, most Linux options today are updated on a regular basis and you should make sure your system administrator implements these updates. Chances are you’ll find a CentoOS or Ubuntu server on most websites and updating them is quite easy, everything can be done with a couple of terminal commands.

Database

We have run some parallel tests between websites that were built with MySQL versions 5.1 to 5.7 and have found that there was not much difference in terms of how the site functioned speed wise, but upgrading your database can still provide your site with bug and security fixes that can overall help the health of your site.

Apache

Apache is an integral part of the web and is fairly consistwnt with it’s releases (updates) for the last two decades. Similar to databases, our development team did not see a considerable difference in how any updates to this affected the speed of a site.

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor)

It’s been now almost two years since the release of PHP 7 and we’ve had some really good experiences with it. The major improvement is, of course, performance. PHP 7 is incredibly fast compared to previous versions and the overall feeling is that pages load much faster for our clients and their customers. Not only is there a difference for our clients and their consumers, but from a site development standpoint, we have found that PHP 7  has helped with the previously long load times when working with Magento by turning off cache and css/js merging. With thanks to the good people at Inchoo and their Inchoo_PHP7 extension (which solves a few Magento to PHP7 backward compatibilities), we’ve already upgraded a dozen of our client sites (utilizing Magento 1.9 CE). These upgrades went smoothly and the responses from our clients were very positive.

Overall Benefits

These four components: Operating System, Database, Apache, and PHP are the four supports that keep your site up and running. As you can see from the research, testing, and comparisons that we’ve made, keeping these components up to date and healthy will not only mean that your site will be secure and bug free, but also means that you’ll have happier customers and better sales with minimum effort.