How 3D Technologies are Helping You to Tell the Story of Your Design
Updated: Mar 22
Virtual Portfolios and presentations are transforming the way
you communicate with your client.
#VisualStorytelling #InteractiveVisualization
As the world of Architecture and Design quickly moves towards interactive visualization solutions, it is important to know how they can be leveraged in the internal and external communication between your team and your client. What are the new doors that these technologies are opening for you? And what are these technologies?
3D Interactive Maquettes + Augmented Reality
Maquettes - or scale models - are often used in validating the overall external design with a client. A virtual maquette is a perfect tool for showcasing all the major design elements and the scale of the project. It allows the client to engage with the model, see it from different perspectives, and understand the overall design.
When presented in Augmented Reality, a level of interactivity and engagement is added. When the client can view and manipulate the model through a mobile device, they are bound to be truly engaged with the model. This also allows the client to place the maquette in the intended space of the project and see how it fits into its surrounding environment.
Realistic 3D Images
The most known and used tool of 3D visualization is 3D images. They have been widely used by architects for years now, and are more of a rule than an exception in the design process.
3D images are a great tool in showing the overall design and project. Especially when used together with other interactive visualization solutions, 3D images complement and highlight the most important parts of the design. They are an ideal tool to make the client or investors excited about the project.
Interactive Navigation with material changes + Virtual reality
Interactive Navigation or a 3D walkthrough creates a game-like virtual environment. It allows you to navigate and engage with the interior and exterior spaces of the project like you would in real life. Information boxes or material changes can be added to the model. These give your client an opportunity to explore the different design options and finishes available.
When brought into Virtual Reality and viewed through a headset this interactive navigation is taken to a whole new level. The immersive nature of VR makes you feel like you're inside the project, allowing you to walk through it like you would in real life.
Video Renders
3D Videos are the next step from static images. Videos are the perfect tool to communicate the general atmosphere of the design, as well as, showcase the highlights of the design.
They are also proven to be more engaging than images on platforms like social media and your website. Visitors spend 88% more time on a website with video and Facebook posts with video have the highest engagement rate at 13.9% when compared to only image content. (Irfan Ahmad, 2019.) Video renders are an ideal tool to catch your audience and clients' attention in social media, your website, or your client presentations.
How are you going to tell the story of your design?
There are many ways you can communicate your story, and interactive visualizations are only some of the options. However, as we're quickly learning about the possibilities of these technologies and the ways they enhance and speed up communication, it only makes sense to incorporate these technologies into your workflow as soon as possible.
Interactive 3D visualizations have proven to be an efficient tool of communication between architects and their clients. As communication flows both ways, it is important for you to show your client you have understood them. And for your client, it is extremely important to understand the design well enough, so they can give instant, direct, and honest feedback to you.