Buying glasses online isn’t always easy. Customers can browse designs and colours, but they still can’t tell how a frame will actually sit on their face. Our client, a rising fashion eyewear retailer, saw this problem every day. Many shoppers ordered two or three pairs just to test them at home, which led to high return volumes, extra shipping costs, and a lot of hesitation from first-time buyers.
To change this, they wanted a practical AR try-on experience that would let shoppers see frames on their own face using their phone or laptop camera, without forcing them to download an app or learn something new. We stepped in to design, build, and integrate a lightweight, AR module that fit naturally into their existing Magento store, and supported their long-term growth plans.
eCommerce
Magento Development Services
We followed a structured but practical approach to make sure the AR feature felt natural to use, loaded fast, and worked reliably across a wide range of devices.
We began by speaking with the client’s marketing and product teams to understand what shoppers were struggling with. Their key priorities were accurate face tracking; quick loading on typical, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi connections; Smooth switching between frame styles and colours; realistic sizing; and a simple flow that moved customers from trying a frame to adding it to the cart without friction.
Next, we converted the existing frame catalogue into 3D assets that looked realistic but stayed light enough for the web. We recreated each frame in 3D, matched proportions to real physical dimensions, refined materials, aligned frame elements with facial points, and optimised file sizes so models loaded quickly even on mid-range Android devices.
Once the 3D library was ready, we integrated a WebAR engine directly into their Magento frontend. Shoppers could open their camera, see frames position themselves naturally, switch models and colours instantly, and even save snapshots. We made sure the AR interaction connected smoothly with the rest of the product page and checkout flow. We also added event tracking so the brand could measure engagement and conversions tied to AR usage.
We invited real users with different devices and shopping behaviours to test the feature. Their feedback helped us identify issues like misalignment in low-light conditions and slower loading on older phones. We refined the AR tracking, 3D optimisation, and fallback behavior to make the experience stable and enjoyable for everyday users.
Before this project, customers had to rely solely on photos and guesswork to choose frames. This often resulted in shoppers ordering multiple pairs just to see which one suited them, a costly cycle for both the brand and the customer. First-time buyers were especially hesitant. The brand needed a reliable AR development solution that reduced uncertainty, helped customers make confident decisions, and lowered unnecessary returns.
Shoppers use different phones and browsers, with different camera capabilities. We had to ensure the AR tracking remained stable, whether the user was on a newer iPhone or a budget Android device. Consistent performance and cross-platform app development were key.
Frames needed to look realistic without slowing the experience down. Finding the right balance between detail and performance required careful modelling and optimisation.
Not all devices support AR equally. We created fallback experiences for unsupported browsers or older phones so no customer felt “blocked” from shopping.
The AR try-on experience gave shoppers the confidence to choose the right frames on the first try, leading to fewer returns and smoother purchase decisions. It elevated the brand’s online experience, boosted customer trust, and provided valuable insights.
Returns related to fit and appearance dropped significantly. Customers were choosing frames that matched their face shape better from the start.
AR helped hesitant users, especially new customers, feel confident enough to complete purchases. Users who tried AR converted at a noticeably higher rate.
The interactive nature of AR kept shoppers exploring more frames and colours, improving overall engagement and product discovery.
The try-on feature made the brand feel transparent and customer-first. New visitors reported feeling more comfortable making their first purchase.
With event tracking in place, the client gained insights into which frames were most tried, how often AR led to add-to-cart actions, and which variants needed more marketing focus.
Adding AR elevated the entire digital shopping experience. The feature made the brand look more innovative, helped them stand out from competitors, and strengthened their premium positioning online.
The AR try-before-you-buy feature helped the eyewear brand bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping. With accurate tracking, realistic 3D models, and thoughtful UX, we delivered a tool that reduced returns, improved conversions, and built stronger trust with shoppers.
By focusing on real user behaviour, not just technology, we created an experience that customers enjoyed using and the business could measure and scale confidently.
