The 2020 consumer expects to design and take ownership of their kitchen DIY project from end to end.

Designing a new kitchen is a big job, but one that consumers are increasingly keen to take on in order to create an end product that is meaningful and unique. This will involve many hours of going through different product options and design choices before a final decision is made. And even then, things can still go wrong. It’s not easy for consumers to spot a potential problem before it becomes a reality, but that’s where technology offered by kitchen retailers can help. The 2020 consumer expects to design and take ownership of their kitchen DIY project from end to end. Moreover, they want to achieve this error-free design from the comfort of their own home. What is missing from kitchen retailers is the means; a 2020 user experience demands a 3D planning solution that is built from the ground up, and on the foundations of design intelligence, if it is to keep up with customer demand.

Design-it-yourself  

As far back as 1980, futurist Alvin Toffler wrote about “prosumers” in his book, The Third Wave. He foresaw a future where people would produce goods and not just purchase them. 40 years on and retailers are certainly seeing a rise in demand for customization; perhaps no more so than when it comes to home design. Enabled by technology, customers can be creators, and many want greater control over their DIY projects as a result. Today, only 13% of consumers plan to employ a contractor for their kitchen design projects. For kitchen retailers, this means handing over the design reins if they are to deliver an exceptional customer experience – but without impacting quality. And here lies the challenge.

Customer expectations are also on the rise. According to research by Deloitte, greater connectivity has caused customers to scrutinize companies more than ever before. They expect and demand transparency in quality, installations and pricing. In fact, the most important piece of information consumers look for online is exactly that: pricing. This makes sense when accurate budgets are crucial to DIYers, and so kitchen retailers require a solution that ensures transparency as well as accuracy if they are to convert designs to sales in the final stages.

Additionally, the 2020 consumer market is known for its high rates of return, which in the UK alone is costing retailers around £60bn a year. That’s around 10% of a retailer’s business – a huge hole in profits that needs to be addressed. For kitchen retailers, it cements the need for fault-free design and installation to eliminate sales disputes, refunds or the expense of fixing a problem that could have been avoided.

To address these concerns, an intuitive 2020 user experience is necessary that empowers customers to create inspiring, lifelike and personalized kitchen designs that are sales ready. And it’s here that design intelligence within 3D planning platforms comes in.

Accurate installation  

With the HomeByMe for Kitchen Retailers 3D planning solution, customers can benefit – via their web browser or in-store – from embedded intelligence that equates to years of kitchen design experience to ensure plans are error-free. Alerts to practical considerations consumers might otherwise overlook, such as the space between cupboards and other units, the height of countertops or the position of water supply, will pop up automatically during the design phase.

For customers looking for some inspiration, they can easily input their exact kitchen dimensions and explore pre-defined kitchen templates, whether I-shaped, U-shaped or L-shaped, which can be customized to their personal tastes. With established design rules and recommendations, consumers can tap into industry expertise in an instant, encouraging engagement, while eliminating risk. This leaves customers free to focus on design, while the platform takes care of practicalities.

Transparent pricing

Since pricing is so crucial to the customer experience, immediate transparency is paramount. A 3D planning solution is required that delivers automated, live pricing information and accumulation, complete with in-depth product information and personalized recommendations. This allows customers to mix and match product combinations to suit their individual budgets. Price comparisons, discounts and availability can also be viewed on the 3D platform, so that customers retain a firm grip of their budget and eliminate bill shock from the final phase of the purchase cycle.

An intelligent planning algorithm within the HomeByMe for Kitchen Retailers 3D planning solution means customers can reduce risk by installing a kitchen space with millimeter precision – from start to finish. When they browse for big ticket items like worktops and cupboards, inbuilt intelligence will instantly alert them if any products do not fit their exact kitchen dimensions. Having access to this automated, in-depth insight – alongside a vast, up-to-date product catalog and pricing information – prevents customers from falling victim to design faults, which can come at a cost to both parties at the point of installation.

Reduced risk

From automated alerts to precision design and transparent pricing, kitchen retailers require a reliable 3D planning solution with the built-in intelligence to meet changing customer demand. By providing a platform that empowers customers to create their own exceptional, error-free designs at home as well as in-store, retailers can deliver on the 2020 user experience while actually fast-tracking qualified customers into the showroom who are at the point of wanting to discuss, validate and finalize their plans. Enhance customer experience, drives sales and streamline the purchase cycle with the HomeByMe for Kitchen Retailers 3D planning solution.