Development of a 2D window configurator

It would seem that it is enough to make the correct measurements and you can order a window – nothing complicated. But in practice, difficulties often arise, because you need to decide on the thickness of the reinforcement, double-glazed windows, fittings, the number of wings and their type – deaf, hinged or hinged, and if hinged, then from which side.

As a result, after communicating with the manager, the client receives a diagram that is difficult to read and cannot understand exactly how the product will look in real life. To solve this problem, you can use the 2D configurator.

It gives the user the opportunity to independently create two-dimensional models of windows in accordance with their individual preferences – change the color, shape, material, design, fittings, type of opening and other parameters using special switches. In this case, all changes are instantly displayed on the screen.

In simple terms, the configurator will help your customers see exactly how their windows will look after installation. Accordingly, this will increase the chances of closing a deal, improve the quality of service and minimize the risk of manufacturing an inappropriate product.

In practice, using the configurator gives a business a lot of advantages. Let’s take a look at six of the main ones:

• Increasing sales. The quality of product presentation using the 2D configurator increases significantly. As a result, the number of concluded transactions also increases.
• Automation of personnel work. Using a simple and intuitive interface of the configurator, customers will be able to create the necessary windows on their own, and their cost will be calculated automatically. As a result, managers will only have to clarify the details and transfer the order to production.
• Reputation improvement. By using the configurator, your customers will always get the expected result, which will increase their satisfaction, and, accordingly, the reputation of the entire company will improve.

• Competitive advantages. Despite the popularity and effectiveness of 2D configurators, they are not used as often in the metal-plastic window market as in other industries. Therefore, you have the opportunity to get ahead of competitors in terms of technology.
• Adding new parameters. The list of configurations available to users can be expanded without any restrictions, so that the tool will always remain up to date.
• Ease of integration. You can use the configurator as a completely independent online product. However, if your company already has a website or CRM system, it can be easily integrated into the existing environment.

The 2D configurator is able to work entirely on the client side, so the implementation of the backend is not always required for it. For example, to integrate with an existing website or CRM, it will be quite enough to create an appropriate API. In this case, the technology stack might look like this:

• HTML / CSS / JavaScript or reactive frameworks Vue.js / React.js – to implement the frontend part.
• PHP/Python/Flask-RESTful – for creating an API.

If the configurator will work as an independent web application, then the development of the server part is indispensable. Accordingly, the following technologies may be involved in the project: PHP/Python/Java programming languages, Node.js platform or Django/Flask/Laravel/Yii2/Spring frameworks.

The choice of the optimal technology stack is extremely important, as it affects the performance of the configurator, the speed and cost of development.

The technical development of the configurator is carried out according to the Scrum methodology and consists of several stages. We propose to consider them in more detail:

• Collection of information. First of all, developers need to study the requirements of the client: what parts of the window will be configured, what parameters will be available to users, how the configurator will work – as a standalone product or as part of an existing site. It also analyzes which models and textures are already available.

• Prototype. At this stage, ideas are tested and a prototype of a 2D configurator is created, which includes: a description of the concept, interface warframes, a description of the functionality and mathematics of the project. In fact, according to the results of the design, it becomes clear how the product will look like and the logic of its work. Further, the mockup is approved with the client and technical documentation is drawn up.
• Development of design and 2D models. UI designers are working on the visual environment of the configurator, as well as creating 2D models and textures, taking into account all the options for colors, materials and shapes that will be available to the user.

• Frontend development. This is the main stage of the configurator life cycle, during which the client part of the product is created. Frontender responsibilities include: layout, creation of animations, transitions, event handlers and other interface components.
• Backend development. Backenders create the server part of the product and connect the configurator to the server. Their main tasks are database architecture design, server configuration, functionality coding and API development.

• Testing. After the development is completed, it is important to make sure that the configurator works as intended at the design stage and that there are no errors in its operation. This task is performed by QA engineers, or simply quality assurance specialists.
• Deployment and support. After successful testing, the project is released, and in order for the 2D configurator to always meet the requirements of customers and work correctly, our team can provide its qualified technical support.

A 2D configurator is a tool that can significantly increase the efficiency and profitability of a business associated with the production and sale of metal-plastic windows. At the same time, it is quite flexible and can be easily integrated with the software that your company already uses in its work.

AVADA MEDIA has a successful experience in creating and launching configurators of any complexity on the market. Moreover, for the implementation of such a project, we are ready to provide already formed teams of specialists who will help you design and develop the optimal technical solution.