Mockups help clients visualize concept ideas into a creation in design and branding. Mockups have long evolved from static images to interactive tools. This transformation helps designers work on their projects and helps clients brand their products without having to photograph prototypes. Let’s discuss mockups’ journey, which can help designers in the design industry.
1. Starting mockups from static images.
Design mockups were initially flat images used to show clients how we see them in real life. Many of us know that mockups are made in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator by creating 2D images of business cards, t-shirts, and websites and attaching them to our designs. This mockup lacks depth, dynamic shapes, and other interactive elements, making it boring. Revisions to this mockup are difficult for designers because we must recreate different elements.
Let’s examine flat image mockup characteristics:
– 2D images.
– Low mockup interactivity.
Revisions that burden designers because manual elements are time-consuming.
2. The smart object mockup follows the flat one.
This smart object, introduced by Adobe Photoshop, is very evolutionary for mockups. If you use this mockup, enter the content into Photoshop without changing anything else, and it will appear on the mockup display. Energy and time savings benefit designers.
Instead of manually editing the mockup, this feature makes it faster and more efficient. Simply set it on the smart object to change it automatically. This feature helps model t-shirts, business cards, packaging, and digital products for exhibition.
Look at this mockup’s features:
Editable links and screens that automatically act without additional editing.
The design process is fast and efficient, as time is money. It is typically used in Adobe Photoshop to create realistic products.
3. Moving to 3D mockups
As technology and design needs advance, 2D mockups are becoming 3D previews. This change is driven by client demand for more realistic product results. Designers are now using Blender, Cinema 4D, and Adobe Dimension for 3D modeling.
We and our clients can see the product from all angles, textures, and in real life with this 3D mockup. This tool helps product packaging, interior, and fashion designers show how a product should look realistically.
Online mockup generators that have pre-made 3D templates make designers and non-designers look professional. We just need to upload our design, and it will be applied to the mockup. Smartmockups and Placeit usually provide this.
The characteristics of a 3D mockup include realistic previews from various angles.
– Texture, materials, and perfect lighting.
Used in fashion, interiors, and product design.
4. Interactive 3D mockups
Real-time 3D mockups let us rotate, zoom, and see products from different angles. This technology is supported by web, AR, and 3D rendering advances.
Electronic commerce products like Nike and IKEA use interactive mockups so customers can see the details and rotate shoes and furniture from every angle. Smartphones can simulate real-world products if AR goes further. This web tool improves user interaction with Figma, Sketchfab, and WebGL.
The characteristics of an interactive 3D preview:
You can rotate, zoom, and shift objects.
E-commerce shopping experience improvement
Supports AR product visualization
5. How mockups have changed branding and marketing.
After mockups evolved from 2D images to interactive 3D previews, branding and marketing changed drastically. This makes it easy for clients to have an interesting experience, and designers can simplify the design process, allow for quick client feedback, and increase approval.
Client pitches and presentations.
Instead of giving clients a 2D mockup, it’s better to present a realistic 3D mockup. This makes it easier to explain the design’s purpose and helps us get client approval.
Online shopping.
Mockups make it easier for customers to find products and avoid e-commerce refunds. They allow us to see in detail and gain trust in trading, making design iteration more efficient and effective.
Efficiency, design iteration.
Smart objects and 3D mockups allow direct change, saving time and money and making design collaborative and dynamic.
Conclusion
After the explanation above, we can conclude that mockups have evolved from static images to interactive 3D previews, depending on our needs. As we advance, it becomes easier to visualize our designs. All that improves designer-product-client communication.
Mockups can be obtained in various formats, and as technology advances, we may be able to present a more interactive mockup experience through AR, VR, or holographic displays. As more modern tools make it easier for designers and marketers to visualize their ideas and creations, the creative market will become more competitive.
