QUESTIONNAIRE FOR A NEW PRODUCT
SAVIOLI
Architecture Studio
Software development
PiazzaCorvetto, 3/ 4
16122 GENOVA (Italy)
Tel. +39.010.543.305
Fax +39.010.570.88.90
e-mail in...@savioli.it
Web: www.savioli.it/architecture
RealVue FLIGHT 3D
3D digital architectural models presentation, analysis and editing software
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR LAUNCH OF A NEW PRODUCT
Dear architect,
We have developed an application, for WIN98/ 2000 platform, that allows you
to analize, visualize and present your 3D digital architectural model in
real time, in a professional way . In addition yuo can edit the digital
model inside the presentation environment.
The difference between this application and other 3D model viewers existing
on the market (like VRML browsers or other application you can find on the
Internet), is that this software is specifically addressed to help the
design process and perfectly fits the architect demand in relation to work
presentation, in architecture, urban and environmental design.
Here are some functions that characterize the application:
1. Loading of most diffuse models format: MAX (3D Studio MAX ), 3DS (3D
Studio), NFF (WTK Neutral File Format), WRL (VRML), OBJ (Lightwave 3D)
2. Menu driven views of the loaded architectural model: plan/bottom,
N,S,W,E elevations
3. Use of predefinite views (cameras) created during the modeling session
on standard modelers
4. Continuous visualization of cross-sections (during the navigation) and
definition of the section plan
5. Virtual walkthrough with walls collision detection
6. Creation and save/load paths in order to obtain repetitive predefined
presentations
7. Production of bitmap images (freeze) during model observation
8. Movie files production (AVI) of model walkthroughs
9. Insertion and editing of lights (location, intensity, direction)
10. Use of lights inserted in the modeling software
11. 3D objects insertion (3DS, NFF, OBJ models/blocks) in order to create
composed scenes
11. Materials/colors editing of model elements (textures, surfaces)
12. Background color or image selection
13. Saving of created scenes in 3DS, WRL format
14. Use of motion controllers for navigation (joystick, joypad,
optic/magnetic tracker, etc.)
15. Optional stereovision capability with shutter-LCD electronic glasses,
head mounted display for virtual reality, screen projection in mono or
stereo
16. Modification of the visualization parameters: angle of field, parallax.
Having the intention to launch FLIGHT 3D as a product, can you kindly answer
the following questions in order to help us to define better its position on
the market?
We hope that, thanks to your participation too, you will find this
versatile, simple and inexpensive tool in few moths on the shelf!
General consideration
This questionnaire addresses architects and architectural firms using CAD
system for architectural, urban and environmental design. In succession we
list some notes regarding different hardware platforms used in computer
design and the related issues.
1. Standard CAD (Computer Aided Design) 2D representation
System based on standard PC, CPU with medium elaborative capability,
(Pentium II/AMD-K6 type or higher), 2D or 3D software (Autocad, Allplan,
etc), software for architecture if required (ArchiCAD,etc).
2. Image rendering and dynamic simulation (movie walkthrough)
System based on standard PC, CPU with good elaborative capability, (Intel
Pentium III/AMD-K7 type or higher), video card for image rendering
(RivaTNT2, Voodoo 2), software for architectural modeling with movie
walkthrough capability (3D Studio MAX, Lightwave 3D, etc).
3. Dinamic simulation in real time (Virtual Reality)
System based on standard PC, CPU with high elaborative capability, (Intel
Pentium III/AMD-K7 type or higher), video card for real time rendering with
texture mapping (Voodoo 3, Matrox G400, Ge Force 256 cards or other last
generation card for gaming). Optional hardware for stereoscopic viewing: LCD
shuttering glasses, Head Mounted Display with head tracker.
QUESTIONNAIRE (please, set a X close to your option)
Can you please give us some of your personal informations? (OPTIONAL):
Age: from 0 to 24
from 25 to 35
from 36 to 55
from 56 to 75
Your function:
How many employees does your organisation count?
1 - 5
6 - 10
11 - 20
21 - 50
More than 50
Which are the proceeds of your organisation? (in US$)
20.000 - 50.000
50.000 - 100.000
100.000 - 300.000
300.000 - 500.000
500.000 - 1.000.000
More than 1.000.000
1.
Which CAD tool do you use to design ?
a. CAD 2D
b. CAD 3D
2.
For which reasons do you use the computer in the design?
(you can answer more than a question)
To lower the working times
To improve the design quality
To project aesthetical solutions
To improve comprehensiblity of the project
Cause its flexibility
For the iteration in reaching the final project solution
To obtain much more material for presentation to the customer
3.
How do you present your job to the customer?
(you can answer more than a question)
2D views
3D views
Photomontages
Renderings of the project
Movie walkthrough
Virtual Reality presentation
4.
What do you think about the modifying of project features (regarding
colours, materials and functionality), directly manipulating the 3D model
with the mouse or another pointing device while observating the project?
Very helpful
Helpful
Not important
A little helpful
Useless
5.
If you usually present digital simulations of the projects, which is the way
you create the 3D model?
a. Prepare the model in my firm
b. Ask support to external service
6.
Do you think useful that the customer could participate directly to the
project editing, asking modifications in real time during the presentation
session?
a. Yes
b. No
7.
Do you think innovative to visualize/present your 3D architectural model on
the computer monitor in real time (or, in alternative, by mean of
video-projection)?
a. Yes
b. No
8.
If yes, which dimension of the display system do you think it fits better to
your job?
a. Standard monitor (17"-21")
b. Maxi TV screen (> 42")
c. Video projection onto wallscreen
9.
Do you know or do you use the electronic glasses that allow the stereo
three-dimensional vision of the 3D digital models on the monitor of the
computer?
a. Yes
b. No
10.
Do you think they could be useful for the analysis/presentation of the
project?
a. Very useful
b. Useful
c. Not important
d. A little useful
e. Useless
11.
Although in many fields of the design (especially mechanics) the LCD glasses
are already used, do you think that they could be used for architectural
design?
a. Yes
b. Not important
c. Not at all
12.
Do you think that accessories like the electronic glasses could be of
obstacle to the presentation of the project?
a. Yes
b. No
13.
If you would buy this application, how much would you spend for it
(excluding the hardware accessories)? (in US$)
a. less than 250
b. 250 - 500
c. 500-1000
d. over 1000
14.
Would you prefer to buy complete kits like:
a. software-joystick (monoscopic vision - startup solution)
b. software-joystick-LCD glasses 3D (stereoscopic vision)
c. software-joystick-LCD glasses-head mounted display
Thank you for your collaboration!
Please, if possible, diffuse this email to your friends.
We invite to visit our site www.savioli.it/architecture