AutoCAD lets users turn their models into virtual prototypes. You have the ability to change the materials of a product to test certain configurations in real-world scenarios. With that, you won\u2019t have to create as many physical prototypes, or any, for that matter.<\/p>\n
But another huge benefit of software like AutoCAD is being able to use the 3D models for marketing purposes. Having a ready-to-go photorealistic representation of your product gives you an advantage in the marketplace. Here, we\u2019re going to look at what exactly you can do with your new 3D model.<\/p>\n
Gather Feedback from Potential Customers<\/h2>\n
Think about it \u2013 you\u2019re designing your product for your customer, so it makes sense to involve them in the design process. Allowing them to provide feedback at every step of the product development process not only benefits them, but it benefits you and your business.<\/p>\n
With 3D models, you can get customers involved at the very beginning, allowing them to influence what new products your business designs through crowdsourcing. By fulfilling their needs, you\u2019re ensuring a successful product launch and a loyal customer base that will be ready to pre-order your product right away.<\/p>\n
Basing your product launches off of real customer input is invaluable. Once the idea is set, you can use virtual prototypes to design your new concept<\/a>, 3D models, and other resources to show off your product throughout the development process. Gather feedback from your customers on what they like and dislike about the product design and look for ways to improve it before production.<\/p>\n If you were designing a new coffee cup, you could post the design your team has come up with on social media and your website. Then, listen to what customers are saying and allow that to shape the end product.<\/p>\n Some questions you can consider asking your customers include:<\/p>\n This method has many benefits. First, you\u2019re saving yourself a lot of brainstorming effort as well as the costs associated with it. You\u2019re also getting your marketing information from the best source. You get free, instant feedback and ideas without paying for focus groups.<\/p>\n Secondly, the buzz generated through your crowdsourcing campaign on the internet and social media is a marketing campaign in and of itself. People engaging with your brand online will increase your visibility and allow you to launch your product to success. As individuals share your campaign online, you\u2019ll see more success.<\/p>\n If you intend to get your product design onto store shelves, as opposed to strictly selling it online, there\u2019s a whole lot of convincing you\u2019ve got to do. For product designers who don\u2019t have an established brand name backing them, it can be even harder.<\/p>\n There are a few things you\u2019ll need to convince a retailer to bite. First, if you\u2019ve already had a successful launch online \u2013 that is, your numbers are impressive \u2013 then you\u2019re more likely to get a retailer to see the value of your product. After all, at the end of the day, it\u2019s all about money.<\/p>\n Secondly, you\u2019ll need a powerful sales pitch. You can, of course, show off your product in real life, since it\u2019s already been produced. After all, the retailer will need to know exactly what they\u2019re selling, including dimensions and weight of the item.<\/p>\n But there are cases where you can effectively use freelance 3D modeling services<\/a> to impress retailers. You can create a presentation showcasing how the product will look on their store shelves, making them believe that it belongs there. This will require an accurate model of the store itself, so be precise!<\/p>\n You can also use your 3D models to showcase different colors, materials, and configurations of your product.<\/p>\n Lastly, if your product is too large, or for some other reason impossible, to show to retailers in a meeting, a 3D model is the right tool for the job. Photorealistic representations of products effectively communicate information that a brief could not. And if you\u2019re showcasing something like a piece of furniture, you can take things one step further by creating a virtual 3D tour to showcase not only the one item you\u2019re designing, but the interior as a whole.<\/p>\n It will leave a lasting impression on retailers as they visualize your furniture in their homes and see just how beautiful it is. What\u2019s more, these virtual 3D tours can be used as marketing materials in the future \u2013 a real two in one job.<\/p>\n High-quality photorealistic images are the perfect tools to use for all marketing efforts, including your social media posts. They communicate a sense of preparedness and attention to detail that photos just can\u2019t, and they\u2019re also more flexible. That is, you can manipulate a 3D model to get the best angle, ideal lighting, and perfect background environment.<\/p>\n Using Instagram, you can publish multiple photos in one post. With each photo displaying a different angle or use of the product, a potential customer will be able to see all the different ways the product can and should be used. This is perfect for convincing them to buy your product.<\/p>\n It can also be used to create a scrollable catalog. For brands that have more than one product to highlight, this can allow you to effectively market multiple products for a low dollar value. Customers won\u2019t be debating whether to buy your product but will be asking themselves which one is perfect for them.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t limited to just Instagram. You can use these 3D models in other marketing campaigns that show up on your other platforms. Create a video using your 3D models for Facebook or use one of the images in a Twitter post. The opportunities are endless.<\/p>\n With 3D models, you can do more than just make a static image to show off like a picture. 3D modeling programs like V-Ray and SolidWorks allow you to turn the models into animations, so the customer can visualize themselves already using a product.<\/p>\n An animation is not simple to make and requires a skilled expert, but the results make it worthwhile. Imagine yourself shopping for a new couch. You\u2019re online browsing a furniture store and come across a couch that you love. The picture looks nice, but it\u2019s not enough for you to purchase it online \u2013 after all, furniture shopping is traditionally done in person.<\/p>\n RELATED: 10 Steps to Turn Your Idea into a Product<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"coffee](\"https:\/\/cdn.cadcrowd.com\/blog\/uploads\/2018\/12\/coffee-cup.png\")
\n
Use 3D Modeling to Convince Retailers<\/h2>\n
![\"dresser](\"https:\/\/cdn.cadcrowd.com\/blog\/uploads\/2018\/12\/dresser-ed.png\")
<\/p>\nMultiple-Image Posts on Instagram and Other Social Media Outlets<\/h2>\n
Appealing Posts with 3D Animations<\/h2>\n
![\"3](\"https:\/\/cdn.cadcrowd.com\/blog\/uploads\/2018\/12\/3-model-thing.png\")
<\/p>\n