In this article, we define RoSI and dig into the details to improve a Brand's reach and specification outcome. It's time for brands and suppliers to redefine their sampling strategy with Virtual Sampling and VSamples©.
As the Architecture and Interior Design (A&D) industry evolves into an increasingly digitized world, there is a growing recognition of the power and potential of Virtual Sampling and Vsamples©. The age-old method of physical sampling is now giving way to a newer, more efficient system: Virtual Sampling. Where the potential for brand’s to reach 100x more designers while wasting less samples is possible while also improving the Interior Designer’s workflow. Here, we delve into the transformative impact it's having, particularly for suppliers and brands.
To advance the discourse of sampling such that the industry can measure improvements, we need to define a framework and an output. To do this, we at Mattoboard have coined a definition called: Return On Sampling Investment, or ROsI.
The very essence of a brand's sampling efficacy is encapsulated by the Return of Sampling Investment, or ROsI. For too long, the A&D industry has been trapped in a cycle of sending out an overwhelming number of physical samples, more often than not, without any clear knowledge of their eventual use or impact. Enter Virtual Sampling, promising not just an increase in efficiency, but also a significant boost to a brand's ROsI, product visibility, and a greater understanding of product usage. It achieves this by magnifying product visibility, presenting it directly to an expansive community of designers at the heart of their design process.
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Brands measure the efficacy of their sampling strategies with the Return On Sampling Investment (ROsI). The more they reach designers = the more they get specified = the higher the ROsI yield.
Brands have conventionally sent countless physical samples, often without real assurance of their usage or impact and often too early in the design process. Traditional suppliers are often spending over 10x than necessary on sending out samples.
Boost the brand's RoSI by enhancing product visibility to a vast designer community during their early design phase.
With Virtual Sampling becoming the first phase in material concept design for interior designers, Brands can get:
The result is an increase in ROsI, both virtually and physically.
At its core, Virtual Sampling heralds a new era of rapid product discovery. Designers are now empowered to swiftly incorporate their chosen products into their designs. This nimbleness extends to making changes, rendering the entire design process more fluid and responsive. But it's not just about speed. The shift from a physical to a virtual sample board means two significant things for the industry: a drastic reduction in the wastage of physical samples and a bolstered conviction in the final design that emerges. For brand’s this comes with additional benefit of data and product usage to help inform better business and marketing decisions.
Key Take-outs:
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Every concept design for material and sample boards goes through two primary stages: phase 1 - discovery and phase 2 - lock in. The phase 1 - discovery stage is all about rapid-fire experimentation and iterations, a whirlwind of changes and tweaks. Traditional physical sampling here has often been a roadblock, curbing the creative process, adding avoidable costs, and generating substantial waste. It also, at times, can unintentionally limit the very vision of the designer due to looming logistical challenges. Virtual Sampling, with its speed and flexibility, especially with Vsamples©, changes this narrative completely.
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Fast forward to the phase 2 - lock in stage, and we see the crystallization of the client's vision. Here, after achieving client buy-in in the virtual realm, the transition to physical sampling takes place and this is where the magic happens. Having navigated through the initial phase of design, designers are now in a position where every physical sample they request is backed with high conviction. The wastage that typified the phase 1 - discovery stage? It's virtually eliminated here.
Key Take-outs:
To simply accelerate the process of physical sampling to a shorter turn-around time, is not a net positive result. This approach, though seemingly efficient, spikes costs for brands, leading to a reduced ROsI and encourages designers to ship more samples for material concept design at the phase 1 - discovery stage.This is where the concept of Virtual Sampling, Vsamples© and virtual mood boards, truly shines. They can present a near-final design to clients, securing their approval even before moving to tangible, physical samples.
Key Take-outs:
For brands, the stakes have never been higher. The sustainable approach of Virtual Sampling, especially its strategic deployment in the phase 1 - discovery stage, ensures a monumental drop in physical sample wastage. This is not just an environmental win; it's an economic one as well. Brands now stand to save significantly by curtailing unnecessary physical sampling while reaching more designers. Finally, Brands can begin to understand how their products are being used and paired within the design industry.
Key Take-outs:
For brands, it's time to redefine their sampling strategy. Mattoboard is the future with Virtual Sampling, an industry-wide revolution that promises efficiency, sustainability, and expansive reach.
Suppliers and Brands? We’d love to talk, get in touch here.
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