Recommendations for Legal Professionals

Each case needs to be individually evaluated as to what the visualization strategy should be.  However, the following list of general recommendations can help when narrowing down your case needs.

1) Choose Media Technology that Compliments Your Case

Example 1:  Static View v. Dynamic Motion

Static views are a wise choice when accurate motion data cannot be produced because of the lack of evidence.

Example 2:  Realistic v. CADD style

A conceptual style can be more effective for cases involving complex mechanisms in which objects need to be color-coded.  Realism can be more effective for site models that need to show contextual location using aerial photos, background photos or texture materials.

Example 3:  Simple v. Sophisticated

Some cases may not warrant the cost of sophisticated animation because of damage limits or caps. Instead, simple animation may be more cost effective.

2) Produce Separate Individual Animations

• Tells a story through a sequence of events
• Allows you to add impact at the end
• Helps with admissibility
• Enables minor differences of each scenario
• Interchangeability right up to the last minute

3) Keep the Animations Short

• High impact - no longer than 1 to 2 minutes
• More cost effective and flexible
• Exceptions include timed events (i.e. voice recorder)

4) Make Computer Modeling/Animation a Part of Your Creative Process

• Enables you to discover new possibilities
• Refines your visual understanding and provides a clear picture, which accentuates your ability to verbalize
• Puts everyone on your team on the same page

5) Don’t wait until the last minute

• At least one month before trial
• Preferably three or more months