PRODUCT CONCEPT - DESIGN PROCESS - DELIVERY

When embarking on a project, I frequently maintain a list of tasks to stay organized and achieve the desired outcomes. Additionally, I enjoy creating opportunities for projects to intersect, enhancing their uniqueness and making them stand out.

The virtual world of Second Life serves as an excellent platform to test my designs, allowing me to apply my existing skills in design, leadership, and business ownership. It offers an opportunity to explore new concepts that reach a vast audience. By the end of each endeavor, I gather numerous data points that provide insights into areas for improvement and identify what is successful.

To make sure that I keep myself and my partners organized, I have developed a repeatable 21-step system to launch new products into the game, allowing me to keep track of my progress and ideas.

Phase 1 - Idea / Concept

Research / Come up with an Idea / Come up with a Concept
- Google / Pinterest / Instagram / Sketchfab / TurboSquid / SLMKT
Draft Product Functions Sharable instructions for other Partners
Sketch the product with all Parts needed. Drawn in Procreate / Blender
Prepare a list of Animations necessary for the Project

Phase 2 - Blender 3D

Gathering of Images - Blueprints / References
3D Modeling - Rough Model
UV Unwrapping
3D Modeling - Refine Details
Save and Export Files for Texturing
Save and Export Files for Second Life

Phase 3 - Texturing Process - Substance Painter

Importing files
Creating a Texture Base - Masks, Materials, Details
Texturing product lineup - Model Variation
Exporting Textures / Materials

Phase 4 - Animations - Blender 3D

Making changes if needed, then Saving and Exporting Files for Second Life
Creating Animations Based on the Project Concept

Phase 5 - Second Life and Script

Importing Mesh .dae - Normal LOD
Importing Mesh .dae - Low LOD
Applying Textures to Normal LOD Mesh
Applying Textures to Low LOD Mesh for Display
Importing .anim files into Second Life and Testing
Fixing Animation details
Create Info Notecard with Textures/Sounds UUIDs for Scripter
Add to Info Notecard with Product info and usability for Scripter
Create a Product Development Folder with Info Notecard + Animations + Sounds + Mesh to send to Scripter
Talking to Scripter to work out the project Details

Phase 6 - Creating UI based on desired UX - In Illustrator

Creating HUDs / UI
Creating product Unpacker Artwork (Art for product Box)
Creating Video Tutorial HUD

Phase 7 - Product Photoshoot - In SL

Creating a 3D Scene for Photo/Video to have the Model + Product
Dressing up the Models
Taking Product Photos with the Model
Taking Product Photos without the Model

Phase 8 - Creating Ad / Vendor → Lightroom / Photoshop / Illustrator

Editing Lighting and details in Lightroom
Editing / Removing Glitches and Bugs in Photoshop
Importing Photos into Illustrator, add the Vector Product Info - Text / Branding / Details
Importing into Second Life

Phase 9 - Updating Development Folder - In SL

Importing HUDs texture into Second Life
Creating HUD Buttons with Second Life Primitives
Updating Development Folder to version 1.1, including new HUDs
Send to Scripter and workout extra details

Phase 10 - Creating Event Booth / Store Booth

Separating all Product Models to have on the 3D Event Booth
Creating Text Tags to describe Details / Product Name / Model Name / Details with transparent background .png in Illustrator
Import Product Tags / Name / Details into Second Life and add them to the Event / Store Booth

Phase 11 - UI - Product Validation - In SL

Creating Unpacker HUDs (Product Box)
Discuss project progress with the scripter and make changes if needed

Animations / Textures / Particles / Sounds
Receive Scripts / Product working
Extensive Testing to find possible bugs or make improvements
Double-check details with the scripter to apply changes if needed
Receive Product back and update Product Permissions (Making it NO TRANSFER, NO MODIFY, COPY)
Pack everything inside the Unpacker (box)
Add the final Product inside Unpacker in the Sales System (Caspervend)

Phase 12 - Product Listing - Sales System Caspervend

List each product model with its Price / Vendor Ad / Details to the Sales System.

Phase 13 - Event/Store Booth Placement

Finishing all details into the Event Vendor and Packing it
Finishing all details into the Store Vendor and Packing it
Placing Event Vendor into the Event
Adding Caspervend Script to setup a Working Vendor in the Event
Linking the previously created Vendor with the right products inside Caspervend Website
Test Event Vendor to make sure it's ready to be bought
Placing Store Booth into the Store
Setup into the Store Vendor a Landmark Redirect to the Event

Phase 14 - Creating ChrisTwoDesigns Page

Creating the Website Page with all Product information Written / Video Tutorial
Linking everything to all pages
Include the Link into the Information Notecard that goes with the Product

Phase 15 - Video Tutorial

Record the Video Tutorial with OBS, including Face Cam and Game
Edit Video Tutorial In Premiere Pro
Add Effects and Export 4k Video YouTube ready
Scheduling YouTube Premiere
Adding YouTube Link to Second Life Video Tutorial HUD
Adding Video Tutorial HUD to the Product Box and Updating it into Caspervend System
Adding Video Tutorial Link to all Vendor Displays

Phase 16 - Dropbox

Adding Vendors 2048p to the Monthly Event Folder
Using Photoshop Actions to Resize Vendors to 720p
Adding Vendors 720p to the Second Life MarketPlace listing Folder
Passing Video Tutorial Link to Social Media Manager and Communicating that files are ready to be posted

Phase 17 - Smartbots Notification System

Create a New Notification Sequence so the BOT can send about that specific product launch through that month.

Phase 18 - Blogotex

Add Pack with all Version to the Blogotex System, so Bloggers take and produce new Community Photos that are later reposted into different Social Media.

Phase 19 - Check Socials & Social Media Manager

Keep an eye on social media posts and customer engagement
Engage with the audience through comments
A brief check on product descriptions

Phase 20 - Adding product to SLMarketplace

Preparing the In-game folder with the product and approving for listing
Social Media Manager Creates Product Listing
Keep an eye on Second Life Marketplace Listing and Descriptions to ensure everything is correct.

Phase 21 - Adding previous products to Weekend Sales

Select previous products to enter the Weekend Sale of the current Week
On Thursdays - Signup for Weekend Sale Events with those items
Add Weekend Sales Ad / Vendor to Dropbox
Communicate that files are ready to Social Media Manager
Social Media Manager - posts Blogger Photos based on the Weekend Sale

Let's dive into the creative journey of two products developed simultaneously. These products have a fantastic story that revolves around bottles, tying them together uniquely and captivatingly.

CREATIVE PROCESS & CONCEPT

In the virtual realm of Second Life, there existed a Beer Factory known as CTwoD Brew. It was a place where players gathered to fill up their Beer Karts to enjoy a cold beer and indulge in chaos, courtesy of the legendary Molotov.

Molotov - Patreon Pack - [Chris Two Designs].png

CREATIVE PROCESS & CONCEPT

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Phase 1

The initial stages of a creative process often involve using photo references and sketches as a starting point. These references serve as visual guides and sources of inspiration, aiding in developing ideas and concepts.

Phase 2

Within the Blender software, the initial sketches serve as a valuable reference point for creating intricate 3D models. These models undergo a series of stages and modifications until they reach a state where they are considered complete and ready for the next step: texturing. The process of UV unwrapping ensures that the textures are applied accurately to the model, enhancing its visual appeal and realism.

Phase 3

Certainly! When working with Substance Painter, the next step involves importing the 3D files, specifically the ".dae files" in this case. Once imported, the shadows and intricate details are baked into the model, enhancing realism. At this stage, the focus shifts toward preparing the base texture set. It involves creating and organizing masks and PBR materials, which will be used as a template for future models, ensuring consistency and efficiency throughout the texturing process, and later exporting the Textures/Normals/Roughness.

Phase 4

After making the final adjustments within Blender, the files are prepared for their ultimate placement and positioning. They are then imported into Second Life. Once imported, the next step involves applying the textures to the objects to ensure no errors or issues in their appearance. Once the textures are successfully applied, it is time to create the animations. It involves defining desired movements and actions for the objects and avatars inside Blender, adding another layer of interactivity and immersion to the overall experience.

Phase 5

Now that most pieces are prepared within Second Life, the next step is compiling everything into a comprehensive Development folder. This folder includes all the necessary components, such as the 3D models, textures, and other related files. Additionally, an Information Notecard is included, which provides detailed instructions and explanations regarding the functionality of the products. This is a reference guide for the Chris Two Designs scripters, who will begin coding. Their role is to bring these products to life within the game by implementing the necessary scripts and programming logic to ensure seamless functionality and interactivity.

Phase 6

With the necessary components in the possession of the Scripter, it's time to turn to Illustrator for the creation of the HUDs (User Interface). This typically involves crafting the main HUD featuring the product functions, an Unpacker HUD that mimics a box for customer product delivery, and a Video Tutorial HUD allowing players to view instructional videos within the game interface.

HUD

Minimized

The HUD (UI) enables user interaction, including setting delays, resizing the product, and changing product models. The user can also maximize or minimize the HUD to occupy less space on the screen.

Maximized

Unpacker HUD

BeerKart-Fatpack-Unpacker-[ChrisTwoDesigns].png

Product MENU

A HUD may not be necessary for specific projects; instead, the "Popup Menu" can be utilized. In my work, I employ a combination of HUD and Menu functions. Considering the Beer Kart product requires three attachment points, I saved one extra attachment slot by exclusively using the Menu function.

Video Tutorial HUD

Phase 7

In the next phase, the Product Photoshoot takes place, creating an engaging 3D scene, appropriate dressing of Avatar models, and capturing multiple product photos for each product variation. These images are then utilized to develop distinct advertising vendors for each product.

Phase 8

The product photos are now edited using Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop, followed by their incorporation into Illustrator where vectors are added, along with essential product descriptions. Additionally, various supporting images are created to enhance the decoration of the In-Game Event and Store Booth/Display.

Phase 9

Now it is time to have all HUDs imported into Second Life for the creation of the HUD Object with all buttons needed, and then do another double-check on everything created so far, updating the Development folder and checking how everything is going with the Scripting process.

Phase 10

While waiting for the finalized scripts, it is time to create the Event Display and Store Display and start placing them in their final position inside the game.

Phase 11

While waiting for the finalized scripts, it is time to create the Event Display and Store Display.

Phases 12 & 13

With the Scripts prepared, it's time to commence the product assembly process. It involves organizing each piece corresponding to its respective model, adjusting the product permissions to prevent resale or modification by other players, and packing them into individual Unpackers (Boxes).
Once the Unpackers are prepared, they can be integrated into the Sales System (Caspervend) to initiate the listing procedure, which entails providing a description, pricing, and specifying product variations for each item.
Upon registering all the products in the System, the Vendors (objects used for purchasing the product) are equipped with the Sales system script, establishing a connection with the Sales System. This makes the Vendors live and ready to facilitate product sales to in-game users.

Phase 14

It is time to create the product Web Page at https://www.christwodesigns.com, with all product Specifications, Product Variations, Functions, Video tutorials, and Extra photos from the project development. One of the main reasons for this webpage is to serve as a guide for customers and create a track record/portfolio of my creations.

Phase 15

Now that we have a working product, items inside their boxes, and everything ready the way customers will receive it, we can record (with OBS), edit (in Adobe Premiere) the video tutorial, and then schedule a Video Premiere on YouTube to then engage with clients during the video launch.

Phases 16 ~ 19

Now it is time to add all Product Vendors/Ads to Dropbox so that the social media manager can post them on the store's Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr). After posts are ready, I can double-check everything and engage with customers in the comments section.

Phase 20

After a month of the product launch, the items will leave the Event and return to the In-Game Store. They also get registered into the Second Life Marketplace, which gives players a secondary place to buy it.

Phase 21

After three months of a product launch, they are allowed to be registered for Weekend Sales, an In-Game event, where one of the models of that specific product gets its prices reduced to promote more sales and more traffic in the store.

Conclusion

These 21 steps happen to every product that is designed for Second Life. From March 2020 until today, the Chris Two Designs made over 210k transactions, with nearly 30m Lindens in Sales.