Interesting post. Yes, this type of capability — to present 3D models into more traditional 2D layouts — has been around for some time. Just take a look at eDrawings. It is going to be a long time before 2D ever goes away… but we’d be foolish to deny the ever-increasing interest, appetite, and need for the superior communication abilities delivered by 3D information. This is not simply 3D for the sake of exploring a design… but “intelligent” 3D that has interactivity, links, information — intelligence. Whether it be immersed in a product, or in an environment, 3D is the way of the future.

In 1/2 a generation this is the way that everyone will be working, just like 3D design is the predominant way of working today (it was only 15 years ago when the design systems of today were just being rolled out). And it won’t be document based, like a PDF. It will be live, real time, and delivered over the web — just like everything else in our lives.

Nobody is doing more in this area than 3DVIA. (OK, that’s a plug, but I’m passionate enough to write this post at 1:16 AM on New Year’s Day, so I figure I get one for that!)

Happy New Year!
Garth