What is simulated shopping?
Simulated shopping is where we create online virtual stores that mimic an actual store and show products in an interactive way in an online survey. At ConceptSauce, we use 2D or 3D models to create an online virtual store environment. This environment is designed to look and feel like a physical store. It also allows for actions to be performed just like in a store.
We can simulate many shopping environments ranging from supermarkets, liquor stores and even drug stores.
How it works
The respondent is shown the virtual shelf and they click on the product to view and purchase. The actions performed are; they click on the product, it is then enlarged and viewed closer. He/she can decide to put it back or put it in the shopping cart.
Why choose the virtual shelf simulator?
The design of the virtual store can be structured to achieve various objectives depending on the client’s survey or the metrics being tested. The metrics can be price, number of facings and packaging design.
Take, for instance, the number of facings. Does having many facings increase purchases? In a simulated shopping exercise, you’ll be able to deduct conclusions with the data gathered from respondents.
In the video below, you can see how we used 3D animations to give this a feel of a real store. For this specific shelf, a findability exercise was also done, where a respondent was asked to pick out a specific product from the shelf.
With this kind of environment, there is more user engagement in the shopping exercise.
Since the virtual store is online, it is easy for clients to adjust the shelves according to need. This means you have all the control, to add or remove products and/or facings.
Furthermore, you can achieve more interactivity with our 3D virtual shelf. Respondents can click on the product and rotate it to view even the back and sides of the product.
The end goal
In the end, the main aim is to be able to gather key insights that can guide you in making decisions. The good news is that you can integrate the shopper exercise into your survey for research. Ultimately, you’ll be able to do both qualitative and quantitative research.