When it comes to deadlines, the customer wants everything ready for yesterday. As for visualizers… well, they hope for more realistic deadlines. Let’s leave the jokes aside and look at 7 factors that shape the time of 3D projects.
There is a Time for Everything: 7 Factors that Affect Project Delivery Time
In modern architectural design, 3D visualization has become an important tool that allows you to accurately convey the ideas of designers and architects. It provides an opportunity to see the project in detail before it is implemented, which helps to avoid mistakes and make informed decisions. However, in addition to image quality, meeting deadlines is also important. Even the most impressive 3D visualizations lose their value if they are not delivered on time.
The timing of 3D visualization projects depends on many factors. Some of them just need to be taken into account to get the result on time, while other factors can be used to speed up the process. Understanding these aspects will help you plan and organize your project more effectively. So, if you’re interested in what exactly affects the timing of 3D visualization and how it can be optimized, this article is for you.
1. Project complexity
One of the key factors that affects the timing of 3D visualization is the complexity of the project. The more complex the project, the more time it will take to complete it. For example, visualization of a small room with minimal decor can be completed in a few days. However, when it comes to a large commercial space or the exterior of a large building, the lead time can increase significantly.
The complexity of the project is determined not only by the size of the object, but also by the detail and style. A simple, minimalist interior takes less time to visualize than a luxurious space with numerous decorative elements. Given this, it is important to plan the time required to complete the project according to its complexity.
It is also important to consider the possibility of unforeseen circumstances, such as the need to make changes to the project during the work. This may further affect the timeline.
2. Type of 3D visualization
Another important factor that affects the project timeline is the type of 3D visualization. There are different types of visualization, and each of them requires a different amount of work. The fastest are static renders that show an object from one angle. They usually take less time to create than more complex types of visualizations, such as interactive images or 3D animations.
Interactive CGI allows users to interact with the visualization by changing angles and exploring the space from different points. This is a much more complex task, as the artist must create a detailed model of the entire scene, not just the part that is in the frame. It takes more time and resources to create such a visualization.
3D animation takes the longest to create, especially if it includes additional elements such as voice acting or music. It is important to keep in mind that it can take several weeks to create a high-quality 3D animation. Therefore, if you plan to use animation in your project, you should think about the timeline in advance and prepare all the necessary materials.
3. Additional angles
Often, when working on a project, there is a need to create additional angles or perspectives of an object. For example, a client may want to see a close-up of interior details or a view of an object from a different angle. While adding new angles can greatly enhance the overall visualization experience, it also affects the project timeline.
When an artist is working on texturing and detailing a scene, they usually focus on the parts that will be visible in the final render. If you ask to add a new angle, it means that the artist will have to finalize scenes that were not previously visible, which requires additional time and effort.
To avoid delays in the project, it’s important to discuss all the necessary angles and types of images from the very beginning. This will help you plan your work more efficiently and avoid additional edits during the project.
4. Number of edits and adjustments
Edits and adjustments are an integral part of any creative process, especially in the field of 3D visualization. However, each additional adjustment affects the project timeline. Making changes to an already finished visualization takes time, and the more edits you make, the longer the project will take.
To minimize the number of edits, you should provide a clear technical task and describe your requirements in as much detail as possible at the beginning of the project. This will allow the artist to better understand your expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
It’s also important to keep in regular contact with the team working on your project. Frequent communication will help to avoid inconsistencies and make the necessary changes in a timely manner, which will allow you to complete the project on time.
5. Modeling the environment in exterior visualizations
Modeling the environment is an important element of exterior visualization, and creating it can be time-consuming and difficult. This is especially true when it comes to complex cityscapes or large-scale objects.
One way to reduce the time required to create an environment is to use the AVR (Accurate Visual Representation) technique. This method allows you to embed a 3D model of a building into a real photo of the environment. For example, if you want to show a future object in its real environment, you can provide a photo from the desired angle, and the artist will add a 3D model to it.
AVR allows you to significantly reduce the time to create an environment and reduce project costs. It also allows you to get a more realistic result because the building model looks like a part of the real environment.
6. 3D modeling of individual elements
3D modeling of a special type of furniture or decoration can significantly affect the project timeline, especially when it comes to creating complex and detailed models. If the artist needs to create models from scratch, it can take a lot of time, especially if the object requires high detail.
If your task is not to actually create a 3D model of an object for further use, there are ways to speed up the process. If you have ready-made models (you should check with your project manager for the required format), be sure to provide them to the team working on the project. This will save time on creating new models and use ready-made solutions.
You can also use ready-made models from a 3D resource library. Many studios have their own libraries where they store high-quality models of furniture, decor, plants, and other objects. Using such models will significantly speed up the process of creating visualizations and reduce the time spent on point modeling.
7. Workflow organization
Workflow organization is a key factor that affects the timing of a 3D visualization project. It is important that the studio has a clear structure and a well-established project management system. This will help avoid delays and ensure timely completion of tasks.
It is also important that the studio has a team of professionals who can quickly respond to changes and resolve any issues promptly. Regular communication with the client, project monitoring, and support at all stages of work are the key to timely and successful project completion.
Creating photorealistic 3D visualizations is a complex and time-consuming process that depends on many factors. The complexity of the project, the type of visualization, the number of additional angles, the number of edits, the need for individual modeling, environment modeling, and the organization of the workflow all affect the timeline. Understanding these aspects will help you plan your project better and ensure its timely completion. Choose a reliable studio with experience and a well-established workflow to get high-quality and realistic 3D visualizations on time.
If you follow these recommendations, your project will be completed on time and the result will exceed your expectations.
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