Just as an architect creates and manipulates blueprints to shape real-world environments, spatial computing uses augmented reality (AR) extended reality (XR) to blend digital content with the physical world. It allows users to interact with and envision 2D drawings in a 3D setting.
This blog explores how immersive media like spatial computing provides innovative solutions in designer workflows. I’ll share how these advancements alter the way architects and designers collaborate, develop, and deliver designs for clients.
What Is Spatial Computing?
Spatial computing technology blends the physical and digital worlds. The most universally recognized devices in this realm include XR headsets, such as the Apple Vision Pro or Microsoft HoloLens. However, spatial computers are not virtual reality (VR) gaming headsets, but rather enterprise-level devices that enhance work productivity.
What Are Extended Reality Workflows?
Spatial technologies offer the freedom to create designs in an XR workflow by removing limitations like physical desk space and 2D displays. A new innovative workflow can balance the technical and creative sides of design, making many existing processes more efficient.
XR workflows use intuitive spatial computing principles to bring digital workflows beyond the 2D display and into physical space. In addition, these upgraded workflows easily intertwine technical and creative tasks.
Most of the 2D display software that professionals are familiar with, such as Microsoft 365, is already optimized for XR technology. New software in development across the industry aims to evolve designer workflows, including Autodesk Workshop XR, Arkio, and SketchUp.
Envisioning the Future
In the past several years, designers have seen a rise in the application of spatial technologies to better equip development teams. Recent innovations have made spatial technology less of a gimmick and more aligned with real-time work and productivity.
With the introduction of the spatial computer platform, most technical computing tasks can be done with the added benefit of immersive experiences. Such leaps in computing power encourage once unimagined exchanges between the client and the design team, creating a platform that offers fascinating opportunities.
Prior to this technology, designers faced communication barriers when describing complex concepts to clients. Now designers can incorporate immersive design reviews and 3D presentations to communicate their vision to clients. Teams and clients can clearly visualize what the other is describing, allowing more dynamic conversations compared to what’s possible on a 2D display.
A New Version of Remote Control
In the past, designers spent much of their production time circling back to fix errors. Spatial computers allow us to take back that time with more efficient collaboration and design work.
They also eliminate the loss of valuable information by seamlessly connecting 2D and 3D work, making this technology perfect for integrating extended reality tools with traditional computing tools. Potential use cases include meaningful remote collaboration between designers and communicating conceptual ideas between teams and clients. XR vision boards can include 3D conceptual schematics. Immersive space planning allows remote teams to get a sense of the real-life scale of projects. Viewing components of the design that hold a life-like quality skips having to wait for a sample (interior finishes, furniture, architectural components).
Also, a designer can remotely assist an on-site contractor who has questions about a component of the design or remotely jump into an immersive “on-site” review of ongoing construction. The limitless functions of spatial computers provide accessible, inclusive, and sustainable tools for remote and in-office teamwork.
Conclusion
The most exciting part of these advancements in spatial technology is that the use cases are not limited to what we can imagine today. Spatial computing acts as an incubator to dream up new tools for tomorrow’s work.
One thing is certain—with an easier way to meaningfully collaborate between designers and clients, teams using this technology are in a promising position to achieve bigger goals and even imagine new ones. The benefits of extended reality tools in accessibility, sustainability, and designer/client experiences have the potential to revolutionize current processes. As this ambitious technology grows, the industry will continue to define how it can improve its workflow.
Exciting new opportunities and innovations are on the horizon. Will you be part of that story?
