The Future of Bids and Proposals?

I have to say that this week I've been impressed! I've presented to two potential clients recently who have both used digital visualisation technology with their prospects. One, a well known global building contractor, the other a major European engineering firm. Both create 3D models of their products as part of the design process (e.g. BIM - Building Information Management) so it's relatively easy for them to then use these assets as part of their presentation.

The problem with these approaches is that these are based around their products, and not around a story that relates to the prospects problems. It's tempting to create lots of cool 3D models, video or augmented reality walkthroughs, push button demos etc. There is certainly a place for that, for example in explaining how construction might unfold for a building project using timeline approaches like that of V5d...

But... imagine using these 3D models to really tell a story - perhaps from an end user's perspective. Even using Augmented reality. Imagine a defence contractor's story unfolding a bit like this:

At the APMP show in San Diego, after a panel session on using innovative techniques for bids and proposals, I was approached by a company looking to use Augmented Reality for a huge upcoming proposal (>$1B). As someone with a background in virtual worlds for IBM, and an interest in all things digital experience: Virtual Reality, avatars, virtual events, augmented reality etc. I was delighted to consult for them. As these technologies, toolkits and approaches become more developed expect to see them being used in higher end bids - and in particular where the existing 3D models already exist.

Combine those models with Microsoft's Hololens headset which allows users to see digital objects combined with the real world:

to create mixed reality 3D stories on a boardroom table that everyone can see from their own perspective - that they can look around and perhaps interact with the way this demonstrator is showing at around 3mins in.

Now... as long as you start with a great script focussed on the clients' needs as the bedrock, imagine the impact of a presentation like that when you're selling a large engineering project!

Unforgettable!