What is 3D visualization and how is it different to photography?

For manufacturers, being able to present their products as effectively as possible is vital to successful sales. In this article we’ll be taking a closer look at 3D visualization, and explaining why it’s being used increasingly by small and medium enterprises as well as large businesses to optimize their products.

What exactly is a 3D product?

Creating a 3D product means producing a three-dimensional model in digital format. Having access to a three-dimensional model provides a range of visualization options: manufacturers can display static images (just like real photos), make videos in different settings or offer interactive visualizations, enabling users to explore the product by rotating it through every angle and zooming in on every last detail.

Photography versus 3D

3D visualization is rapidly replacing photographs (and videos) due to the direct benefits it brings, a fact that’s becoming increasingly clear to experts in the field and marketing managers alike.

Let’s consider the motorbike industry. Leading manufacturers have always spent large sums of money on their advertising campaigns. Before the advent of 3D, capturing a motorbike in a range of settings meant organising photo shoots on locations across the globe: deserts, Alpine landscapes, tropical forests, the great cities of North America...

3D modeling makes it possible to create a three-dimensional model of a motorbike and position it in any setting imaginable, all from the comfort of our computers. Just think what this means in terms of time and cost savings, avoiding dozens of photo and video shoots around the world.

In fact, a 3D model of a product provides much greater flexibility than photos alone: it’s incredibly easy to make changes or design new product variations. The product no longer needs to be shot in different colourways or fitted out with different accessories. A 3D model of a motorbike can be used to visualize the same product in different ways, with alternative colour ways, finishes and configurations, for example by changing the material for the saddle, the colour and design of the tank, or the type of tyres.

All this leads to significant improvements in the user experience: users can view the product from every possible angle, scrutinize and appreciate as many details as they like.

While traditional photography remains an excellent visualization tool, 3D modeling is taking an increasingly central role since it guarantees greater flexibility and lower costs, while providing the same standard of visualizations.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries about 3D visualization or the Missoun 3D CPQ product configurator. We’d be only too happy to get in touch and answer your requests.