______________________________________________________________________________ Sustainable manufacturing who prioritize sustainability . This growing demand presents a remarkable opportunity for manufacturers to gain market share and foster customer loyalty through the implementation of sustainable practices .
Product development plays a crucial role in achieving this objective , necessitating changes in processes . The introduction of virtual sampling technology is pivotal in addressing the challenges of change management in this process . Importantly , virtual sampling reduces the environmental impact of the product development process by diminishing the need for physical samples , reducing the waste and environmental repercussions associated with iterative physical prototype sampling and transportation between suppliers and design teams .
A view to sustainable product development
While virtual samples do not entirely replace the need for physical counterparts , they significantly reduce the time and cost involved in design processes that create them . Digital workflows expedite the early stages of the design process , allowing for more virtual iterations to be created efficiently . This method enhances collaboration between different teams from the brand side and supply chain , irrespective of their locations . Real-time collaboration on the same digital sample minimizes delays and can accelerate the development stage by weeks or even months .
Virtual sampling also facilitates the creation of assets for a more immersive and engaging product experience , elevating storytelling capabilities . For instance , 3D models can showcase internal and external technical features in ways not feasible with traditional physical samples .
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of virtual samples requires collaboration across the supply chain , including suppliers using digital tools to review and approve virtual samples before production . This guarantees accuracy in relation to the virtual sample and the final physical product , thereby minimizing the environmental impact during the iterative stages of product development .
The product tells the story
Captivating product stories enhance engagement and drive sales . While virtual sampling speeds up product development , broader trends in visual storytelling and immersive experiences , empowered by the digitization of product design , have the potential to further enhance the customer experience , increase engagement , and close the customer journey loop .
The rapid evolution of these technologies necessitates strategic application at the right time and in the right place . This can accelerate product and process visualization , reduce waste , and generate highly engaging content and experiences . With the right strategy , organizations can develop products faster and more sustainably . Delivering outstanding experiences for customers and driving business growth . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Toby Roberts happyfinish . com
Toby Roberts is President and COO at Happy Finish US . With global studios in five locations , Happy Finish is a global creative tech production agency working at the intersection of content design , emerging technology and immersive storytelling . From a single image to integrated global campaigns , from digital product twinning to interactive experiences , from virtual production to the metaverse , Happy Finish offers a range of integrated , technology-driven creative services for consumer and enterprise brands .
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