A. Product Evaluation

This step gives us a chance to review your product line(s) and assess the size of the catalog. It also gives us the opportunity to begin to assess the complexity of the catalog, which is determined by the products' behaviors (how many characteristics should be able to be changed by the user).

We will need the following:

• A list of exactly which products you would like in YOUReality
• Complete product catalog(s) (PDF preferred)

B. 3D Modeling

The 3D models are the visible pieces of the catalog, and need to strike a certain balance of visual accuracy vs. visualizer performance (more detailed the model = larger model file size = slower performance). Many manufacturers have 3D models of their products for manufacturing purposes, which are extremely detailed. YOUReality does not require that level of detail, so we need to pare down the models to optimize performance of the software or recreate them, depending on the effort required to optimize them.

We will need the following:

• Representative samples of model files (preferably in .WRL format) so we can determine if they can be used directly or if adjustments need to be made.
• If 3D models are not available, we will need to review the catalog and/or website for this information.

C. Product Programming (Intergration)

Each model must be encoded properly in order to function in the Visualizer. This encoding is dependent on the number of variables available to each model — most often, textures and colors of parts of the product (for example, a chair might have a Frame Color and a Fabric Color). In order to accurately determine development time, we need to understand the number of variables desired. More variables mean more complexity, which requires more development and therefore more time and cost.

Product Programming (Integration) for YOUReality Professional

YOUReality Professional was developed for creating complex configurations where multiple products interact together. Think of planning a kitchen, for example. Therefore, it is extremely important that we understand the behaviors and interdependencies of each product in the catalog.

Once we have all the models, we need to program them into the system with all of their characteristics and interdependencies in YR Pro. For example, each object has certain basic characteristics (length, width, depth, price, etc.) and most have additional characteristics (i.e. part of object moves). In addition, many objects are interrelated (object X cannot be put next to object Y, object A must only go on the Left side of object B, etc).

This built-in logic adds to the complexity of the databases that run behind the Planner module in YOUReality Professional and takes time and effort to get it right. The cost of bringing a product catalog into YOUReality Pro is not as simple as (number of items) x (per-item cost) and an investment of time will be necessary on the part of the client in order for us to properly quote development.

Once we receive these materials and have detailed discussions with the technology team, we will evaluate the catalog and get back to you with some questions. When we have all the details we need, we can give you a cost and timeline. After that, we will begin modeling and programming, and will need more information from you about the objects (exact dimensions, prices, etc.).

If you have any questions about this process, please contact us.