Autodesk needed a video targeting Mechanical Engineers to promote a key new feature available in Revit 2020.1, their new and enhanced Revit building software. The objective was to generate excitement and encourage downloads of the latest version. The new feature allows users to run MEP systems analysis on building models directly within the software – a game-changer that had previously been impossible.
We began by holding discovery sessions with a Revit product manager to gain a clear understanding of the key features of the update, how it added value to the users and what types of visuals and information Revit users would engage with when telling the story using motion. The greatest challenge was finding the balance between using abstract design principles to tell an engaging story and incorporating actual engineering and Revit (UI) User Interface elements that would connect the story to the product.
Core to the concept was our development and manipulation of an existing 3D Revit building model, enabling us to visually represent the different states that a Revit model goes through in a design and systems analysis process. Using a 3D model also enabled us to generate different views and even enter the building to see the pipework which was being analysed.
To ensure that the video was engaging and relevant to the target audience of MEP engineers, and true to the Revit software, we incorporated familiar Revit UI elements to make the creative more realistic and recognisable to the audience. Additionally, we incorporated subtle engineering algorithms throughout the video – equations these engineers know – to highlight the fact that the analysis can be run flexibly depending on their needs and to comply with best practice.
The video was universally received with excitement from both stakeholders and our audience, with positive feedback coming from all directions. In its first two months on YouTube it has 13,600 views and 117 likes and is performing much better than other Autodesk product release or feature focused videos.