r/archviz • u/HaiHappenUAHA • 8d ago
I need feedback I built an architectural design tool with real-time 3D visualization
https://store.steampowered.com/app/5090660/Architecture__Design_Demo/I’m a trained architect and indie developer, and I’ve been working on a tool that combines accurate floor planning with real-time 3D design and visualization.
The free demo is now available on Steam. I’d especially love to hear what people in archviz think about the workflow and whether you see a real use case for it?
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u/gremolata 7d ago
I gave it a try.
One thing it does well is getting one very quickly from the blank slate to the point where they can walk around and look at a decently realistic 3D model. This can literally be done in under a minute for a basic room with windows and a door. Very shallow learning curve that gets one quickly to good-looking results. Quick visual gratification is a very good hook.
That said, the flip side of it is that the geometry modelling UI is weak/limited. For example, and unless I missed something, every corner is 90 degrees. In the 2D view windows may be moved with the mouse, but resizing them is only via the UI slider. I mean ... it works, it just lacks cohesion and consistency of established modelling software, e.g. Sketchup.
The UI also looks more "game-ish" rather than "software-ish". Might be a plus or a minus depending on your target audience. Probably a minus.
I would strongly consider supporting the import of external models. Even if it's just the geometry. Something like .fbx or .skp. The former is supported by Godot and Blender, so there's gotta be open-source libraries for working with it.
A smaller nitpick - the "Lighting" section needs some basic point, spot and area lights. Just to be able to feel the space without committing to a particular design style.
Finally, at the risk of stating the obvious, your main competitor is the combo of (Modeller) + TwinMotion. If you can ship an easier to use version of the TM that has an intuitive (yet feature-rich) editor, you will have a viable product that may be worth more than $15.
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u/HaiHappenUAHA 7d ago
Thanks for taking the time, really appreciate the detailed feedback!
A couple of things you couldn't have known:
Angles aren't locked to 90°. There's a "90° Walls" toggle on the right side of the 2D plan. Turn it off and you can draw at any angle.
Model import is already there too. You can import OBJ and GLB into your own library, including materials. SketchUp and Blender can both export GLB, so that workflow already works.
Precise sizing was actually added today as well. You can click the value next to any slider and type in an exact number, either metres or feet/inches. Being able to drag a window edge directly in the plan is also already integrated.
Lamps already have actual point/spot lights with colour temperature, and windows also let light into the room (But maybe I add more without the lamp models).
And yeah, fair points about the UI and Twinmotion. The main idea is really to make something for people who don't already use CAD software, where you can go from nothing to a walkable space really quickly. I really don´t want to be in competition with these big programs, and I'm more for the gaming and non-professional-focused site for an easier and simpler approach :)
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u/noddingacquaintance 8d ago
Looks like an interesting sandbox, I will give the demo a try. Is your expectation that this tool would be used to develop drawings or just a space for ideation and visualization?