Companies are now using games, films and virtual reality (VR) to communicate information in much more engaging and impactful ways.
In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, this is helping organisations tackle issues like data-wrangling, system performance, process improvement, employee development, and visual fidelity vs interactivity.
The success of visualisation as a tool is revolutionising the industry. Recently, we have helped a number of companies empower their people by creating meaningful, interactive, and intelligent training experiences using VR.
Working with both government and private organisations, we have been able to build simulations for assisting emergency services in incident command and developing a digital twin of a working mine site. These programs have helped our clients drive an improvement in safety and a cost reduction of on-site training.
Game engine technology allows us to integrate CAD level design with simulation data outputs (like vehicle simulations) to create more contextual models.
It’s all about the data
It is critical to keep relevant data connected to the right departments when automating custodianship. For this reason, the consistent use of object metadata throughout a project’s entire life cycle is paramount. At GHD, we are able to connect metadata directly with the 3D model, allowing for access to critical information through digital twins and interactive experiences.
The way an object is created and organised has a dramatic influence on downstream operations. For example, by performing a data analytics and hydraulics study, we are helping a pipeline operator reduce operating costs by 46 percent and increase throughput by 40 percent, saving our client millions of dollars annually.
Pedestrian simulation integrated with a real-time environment.
Keep it in memory
In a world where memory, hard drives, and graphic processing is faster than ever before, you would think recreating reality was simple. However, this is not the case. As 3D datasets grow and memory capacity increases, so too does our desire for detailed geometry along with enormous virtual environments. Our expectations are outpacing technological advancement.
Visual tools such as real-time raytracing and procedural modelling are ways in which we are able to better manage increasingly massive memory requirements, and are quickly becoming the mainstay of project communications.
Recently, two things have greatly improved the quality of what can be delivered with interactive models:
- By taking the “level-loading” concept from games, we can stream in massive datasets via cloud computing. This removes the constant strain on system memory and keeps the right data loaded at all times. Getting it right takes optimisation and careful planning, which opens the door to a real-time register of your global assets.
- Virtual machines have become so powerful your entire project dataset can be available in an interactive viewer online, with collaboration tools and virtual reality. Studies show using gamified activities such as these increases employee motivation by 48 percent, while 90 percent say they feel more productive.
Storytelling is key
The most important lesson from these luminary industries is regardless of the content, it’s how you tell the story that will make or break your connection with the intended audience. By creating gamified content, Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads increased engagement with more than 5,000 downloads with positive comments and interactions from the community via online feedback tools.
To ensure clients see this success and more, our approach to using these new storytelling tools is a little different to most. Far too often we see companies focus too heavily on the technological capabilities, losing sight of what is truly important - the narrative itself. With this in mind, we put our clients' story first and look beyond computer-aided design plans. Whether you are voicing a community's concern, highlighting a project’s benefits, or improving your internal design-review processes - it is important to take a tailored response.
At GHD Digital, we believe each story is unique, defining our unrelenting dedication to finding the best way to reflect yours.
That’s a wrap
Our visualisation capabilities and team have extensive experience in AEC, film, advertising, and games development. We bring together the best knowledge from these domains to continuously push what’s possible (for budgets of all sizes). Whether it is discussing design intent, evaluating geological surveys, integrating fluid modelling into an online engagement portal, or creating a fully interactive world for your clients to explore — we are here to tell your story.
For more information, please contact:
David Campbell
Design Solutions Head of Production - Immersive Digital Solutions
David.Campbell@ghd.com
T: +61 7 3316 3407
