Virtual Showroom for Godrej
- Jan 29, 2024
- 2 min read
OVERVIEW
The virtual showroom was developed to showcase Godrej’s range of door handles and locks in an interactive environment on a browser-based platform.
The project’s objective was to drive product engagement through Web3D technology, with customers given agency to explore the product in 3D and browse its specifications before purchase.
THE CHALLENGE
The main challenge was deploying a lightweight, accessible and scalable application that, by design, effectively and intuitively guides the user through different product ranges while running efficiently on both high and low-end devices.
ROLES & FOCUS AREAS
I served as Production Art Lead for the project’s development, supervising the design, production and optimisation of the virtual environments for the experience. Additionally, I supervised an external contractor’s production and optimisation of 100+ virtual counterparts of the company’s products to align with web platform specifications.
With my expertise in production art and design, I ensured the deployment of high-fidelity virtual assets that reflected the aesthetics and quality of the client’s products, establishing the visual standard for future projects on the Web3D platform.
SOLUTION & PROCESS
IDEATION
The virtual environments were envisioned as a means to frame and showcase the products in the most appealing manner without eclipsing their design and aesthetic.
As a designer, my philosophy revolves around sophistication through simplicity. This narrative served as a foundation for the spaces’ designs, materials and lighting.
DESIGN
The design featured realistic setups such as rooms in a domestic environment and spaces resembling a more commercial setting.
As mentioned in the previous section, the environments were merely a canvas to showcase the products, using rustic materials and subdued colours that highlight the products against their backdrop.
DEVELOPMENT
Prototyping of the virtual environments’ layout, materials and lighting was done using Blender. With optimisation being a priority, baked lighting was used with texture resolutions capped at 2K. 3D models were exported as .GLB files and textures were uploaded as WEBP files, reducing the large memory requirements from the devices.
In addition to baked lighting, augmented HDRIs were used to drive accent lighting onto the products, eliminating the need for real-time lights.
PROJECT OUTCOMES & NEXT STEPS
The project helped streamline workflows for large-scale web development and established their visual standard and quality.
From a learning and development standpoint, the project served as an opportunity to elevate my skills as a Designer, 3D Technical Artist and Manager.