Construction and operation
Augmented reality facilitates design processes
Visualization is the be-all and end-all in design. Tools such as printouts and sketches, PDFs or moving images in the form of animations and films were and are commonly used for this purpose. But the possibilities are not yet exhausted: designers can take a step towards the future with the use of augmented reality.
Design and development require visual processes. Technology is constantly evolving and digitalization is creating new possibilities here: Sketches and drafts on paper can long since be replaced by 2D and 3D models and renderings in programs such as Auto-CAD; this allows drafts to be optimized with design and construction data. Moving images with animations or short clips are also commonplace in the process today: no one has to click through draft stages and design variants for the presentation - the film presents the details and holds the attention of customers, investors or colleagues.
In the process of approving and releasing various design stages and project phases, it is important that the forms of visualization suit the decision-makers - client, design team and management - and meet their information needs. This is where augmented reality (AR) comes into play. It can replace analog or digital 2D representations with 3D models. This makes virtual product presentations possible. The models can also be integrated into the real world so that it is immediately clear what their dimensions are and how they will function in the planned environment.
For the customer, such a presentation is associated with decisive added value: They can see their product in the early stages of design, test out different configurations and explore the details - 3D models in augmented reality can also be animated to showcase the functionality of the product - and operation becomes possible. Regardless of whether the model is projected into the real room or on the screen: The viewer can walk around it, approach it and move away. The entire team can participate in this, so that the experience can be shared. The model can be evaluated, the functions can be discussed - without having to keep a large number of product configurations as images or renderings. They can all be played through using augmented reality.
Digital prototypes
Prototyping is a key added value in design processes that are supported by AR. By using 3D models and software platforms for management, the number of physical prototypes can be reduced. There is a massive cost-saving potential behind this: prototypes are expensive, they take a long time to produce and they are location-bound or have to be transported at great expense once they have been produced. AR prototyping is not only suitable for products that are difficult to transport or are made of expensive materials, but especially so.
AR can also shorten the time to market, as product development cycles are simplified and time can be saved. The precise visualization creates a better understanding of the product and the design can be quickly adapted in terms of user-friendliness and user orientation. Testing in the development phase and adaptation are much easier, and new insights are made possible by product simulations.
AR also simplifies the workflow and collaboration of design processes: As part of projects, the various design stages are repeatedly discussed and viewed together. AR makes this easy - even across locations and departments. This makes it easy for everyone involved to come together in a virtual meeting, review the designs and test and further develop the product.
The usual procedure with a graphics tablet and 3D software and the resulting interface problems can be eliminated. Visualization and editing can take place directly on the 3D model, making workflows faster and more efficient. If it is possible to visualize the objects on site using AR glasses, the added value is even greater.
Documentation and marketing
In addition to development and presentation functions, augmented reality can also improve product documentation: User notes or instructions can be visualized more easily and presented clearly so that maintenance and repairs, for example, can be explained and the user no longer has to rely on operating instructions that are often difficult to understand. Various components can be visualized and the necessary steps can be easily illustrated. There is also added value for marketing: the 3D models created for the design can be used in advertising and sales - for example on your own homepage or in social media channels.
Augmented reality with software platform
A software platform such as Holodesk from AR specialist Plansysteme is ideal for implementing AR in design processes. 3D models from the Auto-CAD design program can be uploaded here and automatically converted into the appropriate format. This allows them to be viewed via an app on a smartphone or tablet, as well as published and integrated into other digital formats. Users can move around the platform, models can be shared with customers via the cloud and customers can be invited to meetings. Adaptations to customer requirements can be made immediately and easily. HoloDesk has its own engine that generates the images, which makes them performant and significantly reduces loading times.
The following conclusion can be drawn: simple product presentation, advantages in the workflow, virtual prototyping and cross-location collaboration via a digital platform - the use of augmented reality in design and development simplifies all processes and brings significant cost and time benefits. It is best implemented via a high-performance software platform.
This article appeared in issue 6/23
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