Super Nintendo World™
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka, Japan
2018-2020
The team before me had attempted to create a 3d model of the land in SketchUp. They struggled to handle the amount of data for such a large model, the model didn't allow for multiple users, and it took over 1.5 hrs to open. Beyond the pretty picture it produced, it didn't do much more.
I spoke with the team and understood their frustrations and how they wanted the tool to be used. I developed a game plan to create a scalable model, handle large amounts of data without crashing, and collaboration.
I also wanted to make sure the tool was usable by all parties in the company and valuable during all stages of development.
As part of the 3d Modeling team, I led and managed the team. I implemented management styles from scrum and agile to assist the team in completing more than 7,564 modeling task.
I started by trying to find the right tool to create the MVP in. I had a series of modeling tools in my arsenal that could get the job done but decided to go with 3dsMax, a tool that the company already had licenses for, was able to use x-refs, and could handle rendering/animations.
I then because to layout my folder structures similar to Information Architecture. I had to break out the large file into smaller files that could be referenced together. This helped reduce the files to more reasonable sizes and reduced the overall opening time.
I converted the entire existing model to 3dsmax overnight. This allowed for the least disruption among the team and a clean transition. I created a flow chart that explained how to utilize the model to the team. This was the first time the creative team was given a 3d model that they could collaborate on. This led to a few bumps in the road, but they understood the process after a week and enjoyed the new tool.
Because of the success of the MVP, I was allowed to create a 3d modeling team that would help with the backlog of changes and other department needs. I recruited an existing team member, hired a new member, and two contractors to help with the overflow.
From there my team took the MVP and by adding small steps and utilizing other software was able to create additional tools from our MVP.
I created the creative model to allow for full texture and color. The model acted as a high-fidelity prototype for the land and was given to fabrication vendors to match. The creative team was able to iterate in model space reducing physical waste
Each team created a 3d model of their scope, and because of the varying programs, the best software to use was Navisworks. Each piece was merged into a single Navisworks file, allowing easy clashes visualization. This tool helped detect significant issues early instead of in-field, saving millions in on-site adjustments.
Super Nintendo World was our client's first theme park project, and they had a hard time visualizing the land from 2D construction documents. I quickly realized that the best way to communicate with them and mitigate the tension was to create a VR tool. I took the creative model and converted it into a Unity model. The VR experience helped create a better relationship and allowed the client to quickly understand the land and collaborate on issues with us in a medium they understood.
The VR tool wasn't only used to show the land to our client. Our internal departments also used it, including Tech Services and Operations. They utilized the VR tool to help train employees to perform maintenance on certain elements, get the park staff familiar with the land, teach different emergency routes, and more. This tool trained the team earlier, reducing the downtime needed for training after construction.
Using a tool in Unity, my team took 360 photos throughout the model and brought them into a software called Eopan. Eopan allowed us to utilize our 360 photos and go on-site and overlay them in AR. The tool helped the construction team understand the creative intent and see what was on top of the erect steal.
The renderings taken from the creative model were used for Marketing campaigns to create buzz before the land was complete.
The Creative Model was a huge success. I don't remember a meeting where that model wasn't open and used or a shop review where someone wasn't referencing a rendering from the model. It became the standard for future projects. Looking back at the progress and tools I have now, I would have changed the program used to Rhino3D. Rhino3D was a tool I had been pushing for since I got to USJ, but they didn't have the budget to make it work because the project was already in progress. It was a tool that most designers could easily pick up, and with the additional plugin of Enscape, I no longer had to import the model into Unity.
After creating The Creative Model, I led two more projects to develop similar tools. The park also asked me to create a similar tool for the entire park to allow future projects to use as a reference. I enjoy leading projects like this and hope to design more in the future and explore additional tools to speed up the process.
