Experience ESPA Life at Corinthia

When it came to developing the 3D experience, we made sure to prioritise the user journey (UI). Then, once this had been established, we added the 3D elements of the experience. The challenge when using 3D is there can sometimes be a trade off between detail and performance, particularly when working with high detail models like the team did.

We created the 3D models by utilising LiDAR mapping and scanning technology. LiDAR stands for ‘Light Detection and Ranging and is a remote sensing method and building information model. It uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges and dimensions, and the data it provides maps 3D models and digital elevation. We visited the spa ourselves and conducted a scan for each floor of the ESPA Life at Corinthia spa. We also were provided with access to detailed architectural floor plans and referenced back to photography of all the spa areas. Together, these methods ensured the KIJO team created an extremely realistic recreation of the space and all four floors in 3D.

When the 3D models were designed as they were intended, they were far too large and compromised performance dramatically. So, we started experimenting. Unfortunately, optimising the 3D models as much as possible meant we lost too much quality and realism; the opposite of what we wanted to realise.

The KIJO team continued to problem solve. We implemented a bespoke hosting solution so we could use the high quality models but remove the demand from the user’s browser. By using a specialised host, this enabled us to provide a premium tier experience without having to compromise on the quality of the models.

We created multiple concepts of how a user could navigate through the 3D experience. We wanted the user to be able to see a visual carousel whilst also being able to access the 3D models with ease. Together with the client, we settled on marrying the gallery with a view toggle based on user feedback.

We wanted the ESPA Life at Corinthia user to be able to navigate to any part of the virtual spa, no matter where they currently were in the 3D experience. So, we included a floor side drawer menu so you can easily switch between floors. We also implemented a bottom drawer to switch between rooms and coupled this with buttons along the top which allow you to return to the start of the experience or the main ESPA Life at Corinthia site.

To bolster that all important user experience, we implemented an engaging preloader which shows images of the floor the user was about to enter in the 3D experience. We chose to use a preloader in order to provide a satisfying experience for the user whilst the 3D experience loads in the background.

We colour coded each floor of the experience using the earthy palette of colours that correspond with the website. Each colour represents a different floor. This helps the user know they are in a different place within the 3D experience. Colours were chosen to complement the facilities of the floor; blue for water and brown for treatments, for example.

We added pop outs that exposed further information about the facilities on each floor. They sweep in from the right and hold the luxury aesthetic of the website well.

As this is a brand new, unique experience, it’s important to clearly guide the user on how to use it. They wouldn’t be familiar with how this worked. So, we created a simple user guide. This could be found inside the question mark icon that explains how to interact with the experience. For example, within the guide, we showed the user exactly what to do with the cursor in order to provide further clarity regarding navigation.

To finish up, we added a spa-like audio that plays during the user’s interaction. We did this to emulate the real-life spa experience; where music is used to create a relaxed state from arrival. Not only does it evoke a sense of relaxation in the user, but reflects an authentic spa experience. This aural addition to the 3D journey provides a true and fuller sense of immersion whilst also more accurately reflecting the physical spa event.

To increase conversions, we input a ‘Book Now’ button within the navigation so it’s in view and accessible to the user at all times. There are also strategically placed Calls to Action (CTAs) in all of the information pop-ups as you navigate through the experience, encouraging the user to convert continuously.

The 3D experience overall gives a better sense of the facilities of the spa, which in itself is more attractive and tempting. The immersive sense that we’ve created with it will undoubtedly keep users engaged for more time. In turn, this will keep them on the site longer and thus give them a higher chance to convert too.

The real question is, does the 3D experience accurately emulate and reflect the ESPA Life at Corinthia’s prestigious spa? KIJO’s Co-Founder, Jordan Thompson visited the spa himself so can accurately verify: