What is 3D visualization? This term refers to the process of creating a volumetric digital model of a real-life object or one that isn’t produced yet. Still, it’s a very general description, as 3D visualization implies many ways of use, techniques, and benefits to be discussed.
However, the main thing about modeling for visualization is that it’s a fantastic tool for boosting the engagement of your target audience. Hence, it’s worth the time to master this field’s essentials and best practices because it’s a promising investment in your future business success.
As an experienced 3D modeling company, we’ve prepared this pro guide allowing you to pin down the best 3D visualization techniques and their usefulness. Are you ready to learn new ways to level up your business? Then, let’s dive into detail!
What Are the Different 3D Visualization Techniques Used for?
Choosing the proper technique is important indeed. However, it’s better to define how to apply visualization in your business first. That’s why we’ll start with 3D visualization examples describing how different industries can get the most out of this solution.
Architecture & Interior 3D Visualization
A proper and detailed design of a future building’s architecture is the key to a successful project and a happy client. However, schemes and 2D sketches can’t convey a comprehensive conception to most people as these visuals aren’t strong enough, unlike true-to-life 3D visualization.
For example, this real-time interior visualization made in Unreal Engine 4 showcases the design of an apartment so that a person could imagine themselves in this environment. A client can walk through each room and examine the interior in detail. The best part is the ability to easily make edits, explore new project variants, and compare the before and after options. You can also learn more about how to create a 3D interior design that stuns.
Visualization for eCommerce
Online shopping is one of the main fields that gets a significant value from 3D product visualization. The use of this method in eCommerce is broad, as it can be a photorealistic render or a 360-degree 3D-view for a digital catalog, as well as a digital twin of a product showcased at a metaverse marketplace. In addition, you can use 3D models with a product configurator, allowing you to customize goods before making an online purchase.
Another great option for eCommerce to apply product visualization is augmented reality (AR). For example, one of the eCommerce leaders, Amazon, has just announced its AR-based solution called the virtual try-on for shoes. Now, Amazon’s clients can visualize different pairs of shoes on their feet, choosing among multiple brands and models. Thus, the company aims to boost customer engagement and conversion rate.
Marketing Visualization
Before people get on a particular brand site, they usually find out about it through advertising. Thus, marketing is another popular way to employ 3D visualization, gaining an advantage for a business.
Usually, specialists animate a product’s digital twins and add stunning VFX (visual effects), engaging music, as well as descriptions to create an impressive commercial video that draws potential clients. Sometimes, it can also be a small animated banner for placing on the internet, but both methods work.
Visualization for Entertainment Industry
The entertainment industry allows us to consider 3D visualization as the most global meaning of this term. Unlike in previous centuries, people are now capable of visualizing exciting stories through the art of filmmaking and game development.
Realistic 3D models allow us to see our favorite characters and worlds from books or scripts on screens. In addition, entertaining mobile applications enable people to create digital pets, use funny filters with 3D creatures in videos, and visualize their ideas from various fields and beyond.
Product Design and Presentation Visualization
Once upon a time, sketching and schematic design was the only way to visualize a future product. Fortunately, nowadays, specialists use professional software to design a 3D product model as it would look in real life.
In addition, working on a prototype in 3D format allows for an outstanding design presentation and easy editing. So, your colleagues, partners, investors, or clients will be able to immerse themselves deeply in a project, which increases the success rate of any of your intentions.
Popular 3D Visualization Techniques
There are multiple formats of 3D visualization, and each industry prefers something specific. For example, there’s an option to showcase a product as a 2D render — a photorealistic flat image with the 3D content. Additionally, you can create an animated 3D video, considered one of the most engaging methods for a presentation.
But what does the 3D visualization technique mean for achieving an expected result? The answer is by picking the right approach and method, specialists not only design more relevant models but also save resources. So, we offer to get familiar with the most efficient 3D visualization techniques and reasons to choose a particular one.
3D Realistic Visualization
When a modeler uses this technique, the goal is to create a digital representation of an object identical to an actual one. This process should be targeted to imitate real-world proportions, color schemes, textures, and the tiniest detail of an item.
Essentially, the realistic approach is integral for visualization products and complex projects that should display to a customer an expected result that will be represented in real life. Thus, a photorealistic presentation aims to draw new leads and provide a satisfying customer experience.
Minimalist Technique
At the beginning of planning a project, it’s common to make sketches to visualize its future look. However, the minimalist visualization is not simple illustrations but a high-quality render close to a photorealistic image.
The primary minimalist features are conciseness in details and materials. This technique is typically used for complex projects requiring the creation of a scene with multiple props and scenery instead of a single 3D model.
Complementing Reality
In case we need to imagine how a particular object will fit into an existing environment, 3D artists create a digital twin of a required surrounding, model an object that is planned to implement into it, and create a realistic visualization of the expected result.
On the other hand, it’s also common to model a 3D object for AR apps. By using augmented reality technology, it’s possible to implement a digital model into an actual (current) environment in real-time. Thus, users can visualize a specific object in any setting.
Engaging Visualization
It’s often not enough to present a product on a monotone background, no matter how good this object is. So, if you want to show an armchair in your digital catalog, it’s better to put its 3D model into a pleasant environment, like a cozy room with a fireplace, soft carpet, and a blanket. As a result, your customers would picture themselves in this atmosphere and are more likely to make a purchase.
The Before and After Visualization
When offering renovation services or anything else making a client’s current situation better, it’s necessary to visualize the result of your assistance. For example, the before and after 3D render/video can demonstrate the renovation of a client’s house, new interior design, etc. Thus, it’s easier to see a final result, compare it to a current one, and make changes before starting project execution.
The 4 Main Strengths of 3D Visualization
Depending on the industry, there are different reasons to choose 3D visualization over 2D one. However, you can explore the most remarkable advantages of this method that apply to most companies visualizing their projects and products with the help of modeling.
- Increased conversion rate. When working in eCommerce, it’s crucial to not only present your product from the most favorable angle but also allow customers to examine it in all the details and sides. Thus, a digital twin creates trust in your company and encourages purchase. In confirmation, 60% of online shoppers say they’re more likely to buy a product if it’s shown in 3D or (AR) augmented reality.
- Customizability and reusability. Choosing a photo shooting of a product over its 3D representation limits your capabilities while causing significant resource spending. In contrast to this option, 3D visualization allows one to create a 3D model once and use it for different purposes: render it for a digital catalog or animate it for commercial video adding stunning VFX. In addition, it’s possible to make changes to a model by adding new features or removing outdated ones.
- Reduced cases of the product return. Consumers returned an estimated $428bn in merchandise to retailers in 2020, approximately 10.6% of total U.S. retail sales. Yet, detailed 3D visualization and AR capabilities allow customers to see a product close to the natural look and interact with it, so there’s no room for false expectations. Thanks to these preventative methods, product return can be reduced up to 22%, which is an important achievement.
- More engaging presentations. A detailed and fascinating presentation is vital if you work on a complex project requiring investors’ involvement or clients’ approval. Fortunately, realistic models in an engaging 3D environment can convey the gist and amaze viewers with a realistic look. In addition, a study shows that 3D visualization decreases the time taken for verification, validation, experimentation, and analysis of results.
Entrust Your Product Visualization to Program-Ace
Regardless of the industry, plenty of companies consider 3D modeling an up-to-date method for visualization, as their customers do. If you find it a valuable practice as well, the main thing left to do is find a reliable technical partner who will create 3D visualization for you in the best shape.
Fortunately, the 3D-Ace company knows how to make 3D visualization that catches an eye and converts leads into regular clients. In order to make your company stand out among competitors, we’ll perform a project of any complexity and detailing level, be it photorealistic visualization, digital twin, or AR/VR models.
Contact us to discuss the tiniest details and get an estimation of your project.
