Isometric Design in Presentations

Isometric design is currently the hottest thing in the design world.

This ultra-modern design can be seen on many websites and in PowerPoint presentations. Our world is three-dimensional, so it is not surprising that graphics that appear to have depth are better perceived by Internet users than flat objects.

Isometric graphics are simple but 3D. Based on the tried and trusted trend of minimalistic flat design, these graphics don’t need complicated effects, such as shading. Using isometrics, you can create professional, unique, and realistic 3D graphics. This new design trend opens up an exciting world of display options, especially for product and company presentations.

Isometric Graphics: 3D Done Differently

Isometric designs are a further development of flat design. Other 3D designs use the traditional view of perspective — vanishing lines and converging perspectives. In isometric design, all surfaces are either at right angles or 30 degrees. This is a bit technical, but it means that it’s very easy to set up and very clear for the viewer. It allows even complex 3D structures to be shown clearly but in detail. Additionally, all isometric graphics and designs are compatible with each other and can be combined as desired.

Why Are Isometric Designs So Popular?

Isometric designs are a great way of creating customer-oriented graphics. They allow you to create clear, realistic, and quickly understandable 3D structures, which are now more popular than the hyper-realistic variants of skeuomorphic design (that is, design which purposefully mimics real-life objects). While 2D graphics used to be relatively low-contrast and boring, isometric variants can be crafted with high contrast and detail. In marketing, this design trend opens up new possibilities for adapting content flexibly to reflect customer needs and incorporate your own corporate design.

Changing Perspectives with Isometric Graphics

Previous graphics, primarily produced in flat design, struggled to represent certain objects, like a curved screen. With isometric illustrations, this limitation is eliminated. What previously appeared flat can now gain impressive depth. You can literally show things from a different perspective, allowing viewers to see the design from multiple sides. This approach is excellent for companies looking to present a service or product graphically and understandably.

For businesses in marketing wanting to offer customers various design options, isometric design can create powerful visual offerings. Compared to flat and skeuomorphic designs, isometric technology provides a 3D design that is actually easier for the brain to process than traditional perspectives.

Flat Design vs. Skeuomorphic Design

Flat designs avoid imitating reality by steering clear of shading and employing even blocks of color, presenting schematic representations instead of realistic views. This simplification has its advantages, allowing for straightforward communication without distractions.

In contrast, companies like Apple utilize skeuomorphic design, evident in their iOS elements. For example, their calendar app features a quilted leather look, and the address book design mimics a real open address book.

The Simplicity of Flat Design but Better!

As mentioned, the simplicity of flat design is advantageous, but skeuomorphic graphics can seem more “real” to audiences. Isometric design merges the simplicity of flat design with the depth and “reality” suggested by skeuomorphic design. This combination opens up exciting possibilities, enabling the creation of icons with raised or embossed effects.

The clarity and realistic depth of such icons make it easy for users to interact with them. The 3D effect allows for more complexity than simple flat design, giving the impression of depth. Rather than representing an object, like a building, as a flat rectangle on a map, isometric design can depict it with a flat rectangle for the roof and distinct sides.

How Do Isometric Designs Work?

Isometric designs utilize straightforward techniques that are easy for experienced designers to implement. For those looking to experiment with isometric design, a few basic rules apply. Isometric design techniques rely on an isometric grid to ensure that no lines converge.

A design qualifies as isometric only if it adheres to the isometric grid; vertical lines remain vertical, and all horizontal lines slope at 30 degrees. This adherence is also known as the 120-degree rule, which indicates that the angles between the X, Y, and Z axes must total 120 degrees.

A Quick Overview of the Rules for Isometric Design:

• It must follow an isometric grid.
• It can’t include converging lines.
• Vertical lines stay vertical while horizontal lines are at 30 degrees.
• The X, Y, and Z axes together must add up to 120 degrees.

The Confusion of Conventional Perspective

Traditional perspective techniques, with their converging axis lines, create confusion in the human brain when used for 3D objects. Interestingly, isometric design, with its simplicity and absence of traditional perspective, is often easier for the brain to comprehend. For instance, when observing a street that runs toward the horizon, it appears narrower with distance. However, isometric design presents it consistently wide, which reflects reality more accurately.

Isometric designs can effectively represent objects as they are, providing a simplicity that our brains appreciate. Nonetheless, the 3D element should be used judiciously to avoid compromising clarity with excessive detail.

When to Use Isometric Design

Isometric design excels in logos and icons, providing an illusion of depth and a fresh, modern aesthetic that surpasses flat design. Its applications extend further, including:

Bring Your Old 2D Maps to Life

Isometric designs can revitalize older maps, allowing for the display of more details. For example, they can clearly show customer parking locations, making the information much more accessible than a traditional 2D map.

Infographics

Infographics benefit greatly from isometric techniques. The added depth and perception of 3D enhance interest, encouraging viewers to engage more and leading to increased clicks online.

3D Hero Images

Hero images, which are large web banner images typically featured prominently on a homepage, have traditionally relied on flat design. Isometric techniques enable the creation of playful 3D hero images with simple colors that invite viewers to interact with individual elements, drawing them into the narrative your website presents.

Is the Isometric Trend Right for You?

3D graphics designed using isometric techniques encourage user interaction and exploration. While they are precisely crafted, they create an illusion of reality, offering designers a broad range of creative possibilities.

Isometric techniques are valuable not only in marketing but also across various fields, including medicine. They are particularly beneficial wherever clear information is essential. However, as with all trends, isometric design should not be overused.

Conclusion

Isometric design is an excellent technique for transforming 2D flat design into engaging visuals. Its innate advantage lies in the perception that graphics created through isometric drawings are clearer and more realistic than traditionally “realistic” 3D graphics that rely on perspective.

Isometric designs craft a reality in which we can perceive things as they truly are, making them a worthy addition to your design toolkit.