6 Int. J. Product Development, Vol. 11, Nos. 1/2, 2010 Towards an interactive spatial product visualisation: a comparative analysis of prevailing 3D visualisation paradigms Eliab Z. Opiyo* Department of Design Engineering Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering Delft University of Technology Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands Fax: (+31) 15 278 1839 E-mail: e.z.opiyo@tudelft.nl *Corresponding author Imre Horváth Department of Design Engineering Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering Delft University of Technology Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands E-mail: i.horvath@tudelft.nl Abstract: This paper reviews and analyses the emerging three-dimensional (3D) displays, categorises them according to criteria that describe the common features of target applications and identifies the appropriate type of 3D visualisation paradigm for spatial visualisation of products. The desirable features and requirements for spatial product visualisation technologies are compiled and used as the basis for comparing possible visualisation paradigms. Comparatively, the devices that display accessible images in an actual volume of space better match spatial product visualisation demands. However, only a subset of these demands is met. A more robust 3D visualisation means is therefore required. What is actually needed is an interactive 3D visualisation means that allows viewers to access 3D images directly in 3D space (e.g., by using natural modes of communication such as hand motions), facilitates collaboration and shows virtual products in their real context. Keywords: spatial product visualisation; interactive 3D product visualisation; computer-aided design; CAD; product development. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Opiyo, E.Z. and Horváth, I. (2010) ‘Towards an interactive spatial product visualisation: a comparative analysis of prevailing 3D visualisation paradigms’, Int. J. Product Development, Vol. 11, Nos. 1/2, pp.6–24. Biographical notes: Eliab Z. Opiyo is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. He earned his PhD degree in Computer Aided Engineering from Delft University of Technology in 2003. His current research interests include product visualisation, development of CAD/CAE systems and conceptual design. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.