“There’s an app for that” tends to evolve towards “there’s an augmented reality app for that”, and, since January 16, graphic designers have a new tool for realistic visualization of their CAD/BIM object projects. Vectorworks, a company specializing in graphic design software development, has launched Nomad AR – an app for iOS which offers realistic, 3D rendering of product designs by superimposing them into real life environments.
Nomad – an Augmented Reality App Specially Developed for Designers
There are many AR apps available in the app stores which are capable of offering realistic and immersive experiences, but Nomad is the first one which can process and render CAD and BIM objects. The app is compatible currently with proprietary Vectorworks graphic design software and can be used with Apple iPhone and iPad models running on iOS 11 and which support the ARKit.
Thus, the compatible devices for Vectorworks Nomad augmented reality app are:
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPad Pro 9.7, 10.5, 12.9
- iPad 2017 model
Nomad was already available with full 3D rendering capabilities. With the addition of augmented reality, designers can scale up their product designs to fit an actual space where they could be installed. This offers both designers and customers an excellent opportunity to note how the 3D objects relate to the other furnishings and to the available space, and allow making changes to the design before moving on to the production phase.
This video demonstrates how the Nomad AR app works:
Key Benefits of Augmented Technology for Graphic Designers
The Nomad augmented reality app is not simply a fancy tool to impress clients. New technologies have proven their usefulness in many industries, and product design is one of the key fields where augmented reality helps professionals.
Being able to place 3D CAD and BIM objects in a real-life environment at 1:1 scale offers designers a never-before-seen perspective on how their work complies with the client’s requirements. They can improve and add innovative touches to the projects they work on and can also improve communication with their customers. Instead of a basic 3D model, they can present customers with a real-life experience of having the products in their homes or offices and interacting with them.
And the work to improve the app is still ongoing. “This is the first iteration of AR for Vectorworks, and we won’t stop here. As users begin adopting the new technology, we’ll continue making enhancements based on their feedback,” said Alex Nicol, Vectorworks’ Mobile Team Manager.
The Nomad augmented reality app is free and can be installed from iTunes.
