If you were to build an innovative e-commerce store, what would it look like? For our long-term client Atomic, we explored the possibilities of AI and other emerging technologies to enhance their e-commerce website. Here are 7 ideas defining the modern online shopping experience.
Right now, there’s a lot of buzz around emerging technologies like AI, Mixed Reality, and social commerce, creating a frenzy of companies jumping on the latest trends. But it’s not about chasing the hype—it’s about identifying what truly works for your business. The key is to focus on actionable strategies and adopting technology that genuinely enhances your e-commerce platform, rather than opting for flashy tools with no real impact. At LOOP, we’ve explored how to apply these innovations thoughtfully with Atomic, leveraging tech that makes sense for today’s e-commerce landscape and positions brands for sustainable growth. While these are concepts that can be implemented right away, at this stage, they remain ideas—designed to inspire and illustrate the possibilities for modern e-commerce.
Creating impact, not just following the hype
Applying new tech just because it’s trendy doesn’t make sense. It’s about choosing the right solutions and implementing them in a way that truly adds value. At the core of our exploration is always the customer. We prioritize understanding their needs and expectations before deciding on any digital investment. So when exploring future scenarios, we ask questions like, “How would this technology improve the customer experience on the website?” and “What real benefits would this bring to the customer?” Every decision is guided by these considerations, ensuring that innovations genuinely enhance, rather than complicate, the user experience.
Here's what the Atomics' e-commerce website could look like with AI, Mixed Reality, wearables, and more:
Imagine mousing over any part of a site and AI provides instant insights or recommendations tailored to the context of the image you are hovering over. A search field with frequently asked questions could also appear, making the website fully responsive to you. Want to know more about the sizing of a product or see similar items? Just hover over the image and ask. This interaction helps the brand understand your needs at each point of your journey, allowing it to cater to you more effectively.
What if you start on the website by giving your consent and a “personalization feature” is activated which dynamically adapts to your preferences and how you interact with the page? You will never again have to scroll through endless pages to find out what you need. Throughout your customer journey on the page, AI asks you just the right questions, and the products, videos, and editorial content change according to your needs. The website looks different for the various customer personas, whether you are a skier or a snowboarder or simply looking for new ski googles. Naturally, your data will not be retained indefinitely and can be deleted with a simple on-site click.
What if you could make a product pop up from the website and drag it into your own space to take a good look at it before you buy it? And what if you could virtually try it on? Technologies like spatial computing on Apple Vision Pro are already making this possible. In Mixed Reality, you can single out a product, experience it in your own environment, look at its details, and check it out from every angle. Additionally, you can virtually try on the items such as boots and see how they look on your body before making a purchasing decision.
What if you connect your wearables like your smart watch and based on your data, the website shows you which product would fit you best? With knowledge of how often, how long, how fast and which slopes you skied in which weather and snow conditions, AI could help you decide which product to buy next. This personalized approach ensures that your gear matches your activity level and preferences perfectly. Once again, you will be asked to give your consent to sharing your data anonymously and it will be deleted with one click.
With new AI tools like Midjourney, Runway, and more, brands can create next-level images and videos, displaying products in a much more engaging way. AI allows us to go beyond the limitations of one model, adapting campaigns to the individual instead. Customers can view the same product in various settings or on different models, allowing brands to save resources by reducing the need for numerous live photo shoots. Imagine visiting a website with visual storytelling tailored to the customers, not just a standard model. You fall in love with the brand because you see yourself reflected in it, and it understands you more than any other.
Imagine shopping directly from a social media platform like TikTok or others with just a few clicks. When you get inspired by your favorite athlete or influencer wearing something you like, you can click right there on the social media platform to go directly to Atomics' brand store and purchase the outfit seamlessly. This instant shopping experience not only saves time but also enhances your connection with the brand, making it easier to discover and own the products you love. It's shopping, simplified and personalized, right where you already spend your time.
What if you are looking for new skis and find yourself overwhelmed by the numerous models available? Imagine having the ability to ask for expert AI advice directly on the website. With one click, you could activate an AI voice assistant that provides you with detailed information and recommendations tailored to your needs. This AI assistant, powered by Atomics' brand values and expertise, offers instant, accurate guidance right when you need it, making your online shopping experience seamless and informed. And when you do decide to shop these products at a physical store instead, you might enjoy your real-life expert talk even more, because you come perfectly prepared.
These are just a few ways we are exploring for brands like Atomic to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, blending cutting-edge technology with actionable strategies that elevate the customer experience. At LOOP, we’re passionate about collaborating openly—sharing our insights and working alongside the best in the industry to build transformative e-commerce solutions. If you’re interested in integrating AI, Mixed Reality, or other digital innovations into your ecosystem, we’re here to help turn these ideas into reality.