Comparison between lightweight presentations and PC-based VR walkthroughs for client presentations

Snapshot

• Challenges of High-end PC-tethered VR workflows

• How to effectively use Sentio VR for 360 lightweight presentations?

• Addressing client comfort with 360 panorama

• Comparison of presentation tools

• Comparing scenarios of two workflows

• Conclusion

If you're an architect looking to create immersive walkthroughs for client presentations, certain essentials are non-negotiable. The quality of experience must be high fidelity, capturing materials, textures, and lighting with precision. Much of this work is done using rendering software like Lumion, V-Ray, and Enscape. Consequently, content often needs to be exported from these tools rather than importing files directly from Revit or SketchUp.

Let’s understand and compare the two workflows: lightweight presentations and PC-based VR walkthrough and learn which is better for immersive client presentations.

The Challenges of High-End PC-tethered VR Workflows

In high-stake client meetings, a lightweight presentation workflow is crucial. There's no room for the complicated High-end setup of GPUs and tethered VR headsets. Such setups can be frustrating for clients and can bring friction the presentation itself. Quick, easy-to-setup systems are essential.

The following are the most common challenges our users have reported:

1. Complicated Setup that requires powerful PC

High-end VR setups require powerful GPUs and tethered VR headsets eliminating the ease of use and mobility that standalone VR headsets like Meta Quest offer. This can be frustrating for architects and clients bringing friction to the presentation experience.

2. Difficulty in setting up VR with existing tools

Tools like Twinmotion and Enscape that offer VR require connecting standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest to high-end PCs. This requirement is a time-consuming and technical process making it hard to use with clients.

3. Lack of VR Options in Major Rendering Tools

Major rendering tools like Lumion and V-Ray do not offer direct VR walkthrough options, limiting the ability to bring these detailed designs with materials, textures into immersive environments, generating a lot of rework to build VR experiences through game engines.

4. Accessibility Issues

Not all clients are inclined to wear headsets or have access to them simultaneously. Therefore, the ability to share these experiences across various devices such as PCs, tablets, or mobiles becomes vital for broader accessibility and engagement.

How to effectively use Sentio VR for 360 lightweight presentations

To address these challenges, top-tier Design and Architecture firms globally are turning to platforms like Sentio VR which simplifies the process of creating and presenting 360 lightweight client presentations from rendering tools like  Enscape, Twinmotion, D5 render, Lumion, and V-Ray making it easier for designers and project managers to deliver immersive experiences without requiring any complex setups and additional technical knowledge. 

1. Standalone VR App on Meta Quest

All you need is a Quest headset like Meta Quest 2 or 3 with the Sentio VR app and a six-digit code to take your designs to client meetings with minimal preparation.

2. Cloud-Based and Scalable

Sentio VR's platform is cloud-based, enabling designers to upload their designs directly onto the Sentio VR web platform. This allows project managers to access and present these designs using VR headsets during client meetings, even when away from the office. This scalability ensures that presentations are seamless and can be conducted from virtually any location.

3. Controlled Presentation

Sentio VR provides the ability to control and restrict the parts of the design through pre-rendered 360 images to be shared during a presentation. This feature ensures that clients see only the prepared, polished sections of the design, enhancing the overall experience with photorealistic visuals and maintaining the presentation's focus.

4. Real-Time Casting

With Sentio VR, you can share the VR experience with stakeholders who may not have a headset. The real-time casting feature allows you to project the VR content onto a screen, enabling everyone in the room to view the presentation simultaneously. This is particularly useful for large meetings or remote presentations, as it ensures inclusivity and engagement.

5. Collaborative Sessions

Sentio VR supports real-time collaborative sessions, allowing clients and team members to engage with the design together, create annotations and notes within the experience. This feature facilitates real-time feedback and discussion, which can significantly shorten the design iteration cycles and lead to quicker decision-making and project approvals.

6. Offline Access

Sentio VR allows you to download content for offline use. This ensures that you can present your designs without relying on internet connectivity, which is particularly beneficial for on-site presentations or meetings in locations with unreliable Wi-Fi.

Addressing Client Comfort with 360 Panoramas

Some of our clients have reported that using 360 panoramas as static experiences helps clients who are not familiar with VR, experience the immersion without feeling nausea. Around 40% of the customers do not feel comfortable moving in a 3D walkthrough, making a strong case for 360 panoramas.

Comparison of Presentation tools

Parameters	Sentio VR	Enscape	Lumion	Twinmotion	Vray
Standalone app on Meta Quest	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
No Need for High-End PC	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Real-time collaboration in VR	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Download projects offline	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Cast VR view to a URL	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
User Management for business	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Share as a web link	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
High-Quality Visualization	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

Comparing scenarios of the two workflows: Lightweight Presentation and PC-based VR walkthrough

Here are two scenarios showcasing the differences between using high-end VR workflows and 360 lightweight client presentation workflows.

Scenario 1: High-End PC-tethered VR Workflow

Architect John: John is preparing for an important client presentation using Enscape or Twinmotion and brings a high-end PC to showcase the design in VR.

Challenges Faced:

1. Complicated Setup: Requires significant time setting up the powerful PCs, and high-end GPU with cables.

2. Single-User Experience: Only one person during the presentation can wear the VR headset at a time.

3. Level of Comfort: Customers can feel nausea while walking inside a 3D design in VR

4. Limited Collaboration: Difficult to collaborate with multiple stakeholders simultaneously.

5. Accessibility Issues: Clients uncomfortable with or without access to headsets miss out on the immersive experience.
   

Scenario 2: 360 Lightweight Client Presentation Workflow

Architect Sarah: Sarah uses Sentio VR for her client presentations with 360 lightweight client presentation workflow. She prepares her designs using rendering tools like Enscape and Twinmotion and uploads the 360 panoramas to the Sentio VR platform.

Advantages Experienced:

1. Easy Setup: Only need a Meta Quest headset and a six-digit code to easily setup a presentation in minutes. 

2. Cloud-Based and Scalable: Designs uploaded to Sentio VR web platform, accessible anywhere.

3. Level of Comfort: Customers experience VR without nausea as they review static panoramic images

4. Controlled Presentation: Can restrict and focus on pre-rendered views for the presentation

5. Real-Time Casting: Share VR experience with all stakeholders without the headset simultaneously on a URL

6. Collaborative Sessions: Engage clients interactively with real-time feedback which shortens design iteration cycles and facilitates quicker decision-making. 

7. Offline Access: Present designs without relying on internet connectivity.

Client testimonials

Here are some testimonials from our clients who have successfully integrated Sentio into their workflows:

• Fredblad Arkitekter: “A lot of people don't understand how easy it is, and especially it doesn't need a laptop with a good graphic card. It doesn't need cables. It doesn't need sensors. It even doesn't need WiFi because you can internally save the pictures in Sentio.” Says Olle, Digital Developer at Fredblad Arkiteketer
  

• Windover Construction: “The nice thing about Sentio VR is its quick processing, ease of use, and high compatibility with Meta Quest which makes it easier to conduct client presentations without any high-end computer”- says Amr Raafat, Chief Innovation Officer at Windover Construction
  

• Harris Doyle Homes: “My experience in using Sentio VR  was really fun because I was trying to find a product that was able to provide clients with an immersive experience without requiring extensive training and understanding of the product” says Augustine Martinez, a BIM specialist at Harris Doyle
  

• Warfell Construction: “The web version of Sentio VR has contributed greatly to our workflow. It’s just a shareable link that you can send out to people and it’s great for the times when you don’t have VR goggles. The driving force behind going for Sentio was the fact that it’s cloud-based and gives everybody access to the information that we want to share with,” said Rick Carter, Director of Virtual Design & Construction. 
  

Conclusion

These advantages make lightweight VR with 360 panoramas a leading workflow for top-tier design firms globally. It enables quick, immersive presentations that can also be shared as links, allowing architects to focus less on technical setup and more on the design itself.

By embracing this lightweight VR workflow, you can enhance your client presentations, impress stakeholders, and streamline your design process, making a lasting impact on your projects- Get in touch with us!