Physical products are increasingly adapting to virtual worlds through digital transformation, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain, and the metaverse. Imagine trying on a pair of virtual sunglasses through an AR filter before buying the physical version. Or owning a limited-edition digital sneaker that’s just as coveted as its real-world counterpart. As virtual worlds—from the metaverse to AR/VR and gaming—reshape how we interact with products, brands face a pressing question:
How do physical products stay relevant in digital spaces?
The line between physical and virtual commerce is blurring. Consumers no longer see digital goods as mere add-ons; they expect immersive, interactive experiences that complement real-world products. At Shark Design, we help brands navigate this shift by designing adaptable, future-proof products that thrive in both realms.
The Rise of Virtual Product Demand
Why are consumers embracing digital versions of physical goods? The answer lies in evolving lifestyles:
- Digital Status Symbols: Gamers spend billions on Fortnite skins and virtual accessories. Nike’s .Swoosh platform sells NFT sneakers that owners flaunt in virtual worlds.
- AR Shopping: 35% of consumers now use AR try-ons before purchasing (Source: Shopify). Sephora’s virtual makeup trials boosted sales by 11%.
- Metaverse Economies: The digital fashion market is projected to hit $50 billion by 2030 (McKinsey).
Brands that ignore this trend risk falling behind. At Shark Design, we bridge the gap by creating 3D virtual twins of physical products—ensuring seamless integration into digital spaces without sacrificing real-world functionality.
How Physical Products Are Adapting
1. Virtual Twins: The Digital Doppelgänger
Brands like IKEA and Gucci now offer 3D replicas of physical products for virtual showrooms or gaming. A couch you buy in-store can also furnish your metaverse apartment.
Shark Design’s Approach: We use photorealistic 3D modelling to create virtual twins that retain every detail—from material textures to ergonomic specs.
2. AR Integration: “Try Before You Buy”
- IKEA Place lets users visualize furniture in their homes via AR.
- Porsche’s AR app lets customers explore car features interactively.
We design products with AR-ready features, like modular components that users can customize digitally before purchasing.
3. Gaming & NFTs: The New Collectibles
Virtual products are status symbols. A Balenciaga hoodie in Fortnite or a Tiffany’s NFT pendant signals exclusivity.
Case Study: We helped a sportswear brand launch limited-edition virtual sneakers tied to physical releases, driving a 20% boost in engagement.
4. User Customization
Consumers want to tweak digital versions of products—like changing the color of a watch face in an AR preview. Our designs prioritize modularity, enabling easy virtual customization.
Challenges & Solutions
Technical Hurdles
- Interoperability: A virtual product must work across platforms (Meta, Roblox, etc.).
- 3D Modeling Costs: High-fidelity designs require expertise.
How We Help: Shark Design’s team optimizes 3D models for cross-platform use, balancing detail with performance.
Consumer Skepticism
Not everyone sees value in digital ownership. Solution: Tie virtual products to real-world perks (e.g., NFT owners get VIP access to physical launches).
The Future: Where Physical & Virtual Merge
Predictions:
- AI-Generated Designs: Tools like MidJourney will let users co-create products.
- Blockchain Authentication: Verify physical-digital product pairs via NFTs.
Brands Must: Partner with agile designers (like us!) to future-proof their offerings.
Conclusion
The future of products isn’t physical or digital—it’s both. From AR try-ons to metaverse collectibles, consumers demand hybrid experiences. At Shark Design, we blend cutting-edge virtual design with real-world practicality.
Ready to adapt? Let’s design products that thrive in every world. Contact Shark Design today.
