Envision First Impressions and Thoughts

[josephkim626]

I had sent Envision feedback in an email, but wanted to copy it here with some edits for a bit more visibility.
Please understand that I am coming from V-Ray and Enscape background and am trying to see how Envision can play into my workflow.
My thoughts are somewhat scattered here as I am still trying things in Envision.

1. I've had an issue in exporting the vrscene file from Enscape (with SketchUp), this issue has been reported to the dev.
   • Basically, my tester model 'Pavilion' (which I often use for my presentations and videos) would not export using Enscape.
   • V-Ray's export of this model behaves fine.
   • All other tester files seem fine in exporting, not sure what in the 'Pavilion' model is causing it. It does not prompt any errors or crashes, it just freezes SketchUp.
2. My first impressions of Envision.
   • I do understand that we are quite early on, so I have to hold back some thoughts until things unfold. Let me list a few things that come to my mind
   • It is great that Chaos offers a standalone software to AEC industry to collect and combine models from different software.
     • But so far, it only imports vrscene, vrmesh. which have to be exported from each modeler (this can be a huge pain point)
     • 
     • I wish it was just plain file formats such as .skp, .rvt, .dwg, .blend, .3dm. other AEC model types.
   • The interface feels modern and cohesive to other Chaos products.
   • Because the purpose of Envision is to continue the work of other AEC products such as Enscape, the first render shot as you open the vrscene should closely match the look of Enscape.
     • currently, the two renders are vastly different due to missing visual settings.
     • Envision Render
     • Enscape Render
     • I'd say Envision offers more realistic looks and is quite preferable, but there are some areas that may need some improvement (ie. car and water reflection)
     • I know this is somewhat controversial, but I sometimes prefer the fuzziness of Enscape as it is helpful to sell the 'idea' of design, not realism. This is especially more true in live presentations.
   • I really wish that Envision would offer 'outline' style like Enscape.
     • This is actually what sold me on Enscape and that's part of why I still prefer the look of Enscape over Envision.
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