Before augmented reality (AR) and its 3D representations, interior designers were typically relegated to marketing 2D models of their projects. This isn’t bad per se, as interior designers are experts at translating their designs into 3D reality. However, 2D designs struggle when conveying designs to the people who have contracted a designer. You typically need a moderate degree of expertise to translate a 2D design into a 3D image.

This expertise gap leads to some confusion, and confusion eats away at confidence. Fortunately, the development of AR has enabled designers to construct 3D models of their plans. These are much better approximations of their projects. As a result, AR has become more prevalent in interior design. Here’s a more detailed discussion of AR’s rise.

Augmented Reality and Interior Design

AR refers to applications that overlay reality with some digital elements, and one of those elements can be design. Interior designers typically leverage AR to show their clients what the completed project will look like. Previously, 2D designs were used. However, not only are 3D designs much more accurate than 2D designs, but they also inspire significantly more confidence.

Customers without the expertise to understand 2D designs can get a clear idea of what they’re paying for with 3D designs supported by AR. Besides that, there are product configurators that enable clients to edit the designs for which they’re paying.

Client Benefits

The main benefits of augmented reality to consumers are increased agency and clearer communication. Using 3D product visualizers, consumers can get a clear view of the designer’s vision.

Since AR can paint a more realistic and comprehensible picture of the project’s finality, there’s much less miscommunication.

Additionally, using rule-bound configurators, clients can make changes to their ideal interior design.

Designer Benefits

The benefits to the designer generally follow from the benefits to the client. Since 3D designs clearly communicate, designers face less miscommunication and, as a result, happier clients. Besides that, virtual tours are significantly cheaper than physical tours, so designers can also save money. Since virtual tours typically only require an appropriate phone, the designer can reach geographically-peripheral clients for whom physical tours aren’t feasible.

AR applications and 3D configurators offer numerous benefits for interior designers. If you want to leverage them, get in touch with us at Elementals Studio. We provide augmented reality application development services and 3D product visualizers and configurators.