We’ve all seen the progress made by 3D technology over the last few years. From printing guns to replacing organs, the potential unlocked by 3D is becoming obvious across a range of industries. As 3D technologies continue to improve we must begin to ask ourselves what this means for events planners.
Never miss a detail
Earlier this year Google announced Project Tango, a new mobile device that uses two cameras to create digital 3D images. The first obvious use for this technology is that an event planner can take a digital image of the room on a site visit and immediately begin working with the precise dimensions. Bespoke set designs can be tailored to the surroundings and everything from the number and size of the tables to the amount of video cable needed can be measured.
The image can contain all the little details such as marking where the power sockets are, meaning that your AV team can use the room to its full potential.
The video below shows the smart phone’s 3D mapping feature in action:
Augmented reality
But this is really only the beginning of the changes that this technology can bring to the events industry. The video below shows augmented reality specialists Inition showing the applications of augmented reality on a 3D printed model.
As the price of the technology decreases, events planners may well find themselves called upon to show set diagrams, based on a 3D printed model of the room, with the design superimposed over the top. Imagine being able to take an image of a well known conference venue in your area, printing the model, and then being able to present personal designs to clients about what you can deliver in terms of set design and visual effects.
Recently design publication Dezeen teamed up with Inition to use augmented reality to sell watches at the Clerkenwell Design Week Festival. The technology allows small jewelers to showcase watches that are too expensive for them to keep in stock for risk of security. Likewise in events planning, companies can show any designs or equipment they like, even if they do not yet have it. A video of the augmented reality watches is available on the BBC Website .
Conclusion
Project tango is still a long way off being finished, augmented reality is still rough around the edges, and 3D printing is still way beyond the reaches of smaller events companies. There has been no word from Google about the release date of Project Tango but that doesn’t mean that events companies can’t already begin preparing. Practicing computer aided design skills in free programs like Google SketchUp can open you up to the new world and the possibilities that come with it. Making contacts with 3D specialists now could be a very smart move.
If you work in any sector of the events industry, 3D technology is definitely something that is worth keeping your eye on. Getting ready now could put you head and shoulders above your competition when this technology is out.