AI’s race to convert your images to 3D and videos: Meta vs. Google

For the first time, text-to-image AI has evolved to video, all out of the box in a matter of seconds.

Can a zebra walk on the surface of the moon alongside an astronaut? Can high rise buildings that are 80 stories in the middle of the Saharan desert sway dangerously?

None of these have ever occurred in the past. In theory, perhaps, they should not. What stops anyone from creating simulations to demonstrate such possibilities; what if they are possibilities in the future?

While text-to-image capabilities have been remarkable for “visualizing” ideas and simulations, image-to-videography will become the next trend.

First, some facts to sweep out of the way. Google wants to help you translate your text to video: at this link. Second, Meta AI is right there with them: here is theirs (at this link). I will not deconstruct their AI solutions in terms of how they function, what they look like, and so forth. Rather, the goal of this post is to underline (by doubling down) the importance of UX/UI (now more than ever) in the context of the future progress of AI in this implementation landscape (text-to-video et al).

UX design inspired, not only integrated with, 3D design by establishing a user interface that is intuitive and provides users with the necessary information based on specific methods. UX designers also construct prototypes of prospective ideas based on 3D animation to test with users prior to finalization.

Just as text-to-image solutions based on artificial intelligence have evolved methods on how to render images, so too are the time and effort required to create even the most basic environment for launching 3D modeling.

A UX/UI subject matter expert may not be arranging “buttons, icons, and other elements” across a program or bespoke digital environment in logical areas for design and animation optimizations in the present day. They cannot since these AI, image-to-video capabilities are still in the alpha and beta testing phases.

When these new AI capabilities become more pervasive and customizable for designers, animation specialists, and a variety of tradecraft professions, many of the present interfaces may still be relevant (e.g., very simple generation opportunities to take an image and simply create a video render of its 3D design.)

How, for instance, might a UX/UI lead combine AI skills that enable image-based videography renderings?

There are future developments to anticipate, particularly those that will aid experts. As an illustration, back to navigation (how a professional will interact with the software solution) since it begins with this: artificial intelligence solutions must provide adjustments with buttons, icons, and other video-related features. In the use case of establishing a seamless transition between distinct areas of a 3D design, users should not feel bewildered or lost.

In addition, the following concepts and methodologies may be significant in the future when AI is widespread for 3D or videography based on text or images as the input source: (1) the gestural control theory; (2) action-based design; (3) model hierarchy; and (4) spatial mapping. In other words, the following well-recognized ideas, theories, and methods will not change; if anything, they may become even more crucial to future software developments in the AI videography domain.

1. According to the Gestural Control theory, the way in which individuals control real-world objects may be adapted to manipulating virtual 3D objects on a computer. The advantage of employing this concept is that it reduces the learning curve for users, as they are already experienced with controlling physical objects. This strategy is vital for 3D design since it determines how a user interacts with an object, which impacts the overall usability of an animation or program.
2. Action-based design focuses on the actions and interactions that users will have with an animation or program, and then generates a design based on these interactions. This method is advantageous because it enables designers to build animations that correspond with user objectives and assure a high degree of usability. This method guarantees that animations are designed with the aims and interactions of the user in mind, as opposed to being only ornamental features. Finally, this methodology produces designs that are more useable and better match user requirements.
3. Model Hierarchy separates an animation into several levels or layers to facilitate the creating and editing processes. This framework is useful for huge animations or ones with several moving pieces, since it assists in keeping track of all design aspects. Additionally, it aids in keeping track of the many moving pieces inside an animation, making big or complex projects easier to manage and modify.
4. Spatial mapping takes into account the relationship between various animation elements in terms of space, distance, and scale in order to generate realistic movement and believable interactions between objects. Using this method leads in animations that run more smoothly and appear more natural. In addition, it enables designers to generate realistic movement and plausible interactions between objects by considering their positioning in space and distance.

In contrast to the prevalent belief that AI would lessen the importance of UX/UI specialists, their jobs will become substantially more vital and elevated. They are necessary regardless of the future direction of AI in the creation of 3D designs and animations.

There are functions that must be fulfilled; these skill attributes will always remain essential:

— UX designers consistently demonstrate they have a solid knowledge of animation concepts (if they operate in this professional space) and how to build visually appealing and user-friendly animations.
— UX designers may collaborate with 3D animators to assist with the planning of the overall animation experience, as well as offer input on individual scenes or instances.
— UX designers may utilize their knowledge of user research to predict how viewers will respond and interact with an animated product, and then alter the design process appropriately.
— By collaborating closely with 3D animators throughout production, UX designers may help ensure that possible issues are recognized early and resolved before it is too late (and costly) to make adjustments.

Parting Thoughts

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References: this post contains text-embedded citations.