Becoming 3D: The Next Dimension of Creativity and Engagement

zamchick
3 min readAug 1, 2023

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In the past few weeks and in the time it takes to peel an orange, I’ve used Mid Journey to put a bespectacled tadpole in a pond, made a summer blockbuster movie poster, pit my tadpoleon self against a brick wall, embedded myself in a whirlpool of uncertainty, and put a robotic frog with glowing red eyes on the edge of a pond.

And the experience has left me feeling pleasantly amphibian and a bit flat.

In our current 2D-dominated world, the allure of generative 2D art has captivated us all with its ability to algorithmically produce stunning visuals with a turn of phrase. The simplicity of language has democratized image generation, offering endless variations of artistic creations.

However, while the brilliance of this moment is undeniable, it is important not to take our eyes off the circle…er…the ball and remember the untapped potential of the z-axis.

In the visionary book “Flatland,” the protagonist Square encounters the transformative Sphere, who reveals the existence of a third dimension.

Much like Square faced skepticism and rejection in convincing others of his discovery, companies have been slow to embrace the Metaverse, choosing instead to remain secure in their two-dimensional perspectives. But to unlock a new era of experiential innovation, it’s time to transcend our current limitations and venture into the immersive world of 3D.

The power of 3D generative art lies in its unique capabilities, setting it apart from its 2D counterpart:

  • Independent Composition: Unlike 2D images, 3D allows for the independent positioning of elements, enabling precise arrangement and strategic swaps to create specific scenarios and scenes.
  • Immersive Interactivity: 3D worlds invite users to click, enter, and interact with the generated content, fostering engagement and enhancing user experiences.
  • Meaningful Lighting: 3D imagery and how its illuminated conveys the hierarchy of meaning within a scene, increasing emotional impact and enhancing storytelling.
  • Continuity of Characters: 3D enables the seamless integration of characters, establishing a coherent narrative that captivates and resonates with audiences.

With this level of control available to gamers, artists, influencers and brands, we’ll soon be ready to unlock a world of possibilities. The prompts for the 3D scene below were simply, “The giant frog is on the throne. The princess is in front of the throne. If you click on the frog, then hide the frog, and show the clown.”

My own journey into 3D began with two events: contributing to an “Electronic fishbowl” that displayed real-time events throughout NYC’s World Trade and World Financial Center, and encountering a computer scientist’s vision for and prototype of a prescient 3D platform.

That e-fishbowl had words, always in the process of forming and informing, burbling up from its depths. And it stood in stark contrast to the static displays of the day.

The visionary 3D platform, called WordsEye (www.wordseyeworld.com) allowed language to position objects in 3D worlds, paving the way for immersive experiences that are impossible to do with current 2D generative tools. What’s more, unlike generative art which uses patterns, styles, and features from datasets trained on the works of existing artists without permission, the WordsEye platform is populated with 3D models whose creators will share in the value created through their use.

By dramatically simplifying the generation of interactive 3D worlds, businesses will engage customers like never before, facilitating dynamic storytelling and captivating virtual experiences.

While Square in “Flatland” was imprisoned for spreading the 3D word, I think its time to challenge corporate resistance and open the door and propel enterprises into the future where immersive experiences redefine the landscape of business and captivate audiences worldwide.

We are on the cusp of evolving from flat to 360 degree thinking — a time when words become the blueprint for entire worlds, environments, and narratives that envelop us in rich, interactive stories. The possibilities are limitless.

Please connect with us on http://www.wordseyeworld.com and please follow my Zamchick Group LinkedIn page. 🐸

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zamchick

Innovation strategist. WordsEye Co-founder. Author of “Everyday Superhero” (Penguin Random House) Contact me at zamchick@gmail.com