Virtual prototyping agency Eclat Digital

Embracing the innovative spirit of the Tech Vision theme, we speak to Louis Dellieu from virtual prototyping agency Eclat Digital, to explore the colours and textures we see online in product libraries like Axalta’s BIM Objects.

Based in Nantes, France, Eclat Digital combines the skills of scientists with those of software developers and graphic artists. The company has been helping product manufacturers to communicate material properties online since 2014.

“The perception of the human eye is amazing but, perhaps surprisingly,  it’s not our starting point for representing colour and texture online,” says Louis. “Instead, we base everything on scientific optical measurements of the true physical characteristics of any given object, using these measured properties as simulation inputs. So, if a product or swatch contains a metallic pigment or has a high-gloss finish, our calculation will consider these properties. The resulting images will display those features as they behave in real life.”

The agency works in sectors including architecture, construction materials, product design and the automotive industry to accurately represent a wide range of materials, from glass and plastics to coatings, for online audiences.

Digital twin

“It’s a bit like creating a digital twin,” says Louis. “We adapt our measurement approach to match the attributes of the product. If we’re working with glass, our specific measurements will be chosen to capture reflectivity and transmission of light whereas a product like powder coating can be more about communicating hue and what we call topographical qualities – or texture.”

By integrating 360º photography of any given environment at any time of day or night, the latest virtual prototypes allow the end user to specify the lighting conditions of the visualisation – whether that’s a cloudy day or a moonlit night.