3D
Three dimensional (3D) visualizations—from individual objects to full scenes—help us to represent complex concepts in a more tangible way. 3D allows us to still be stylized like illustrations, but represent concepts more realistically like photos—helping us to bridge the gap between intangible concepts and reality.
3D also helps us to bring visual concepts together in our hybrid style—introducing depth and perspective to a scene in a stylized and more customizable way that looks and feels like Red Hat.
Attributes of 3D at Red Hat
Our 3D visualizations underscore our brand personality in the way they are created and used in compositions. Like icons and illustrations, 3D helps to bring concepts to life in ways that feel meaningful and authentic to Red Hat.
Our 3D visualizations are explanatory, but not diagrammatic
Our 3D visualizations help us tell conceptual stories about the complex nature of our technologies and the real challenges users face in their work.
They have meaning and use the same visual metaphors for technology concepts as other parts of our design language, like icons.
Our 3D visualizations are plausible, but not perfect
Rather than recreating the exact details of real objects, our 3D visualizations are designed to be approachable and inviting in form.
They strike a balance between cartoon or toy-like forms and hyperrealistic CGI. Either end of the spectrum is too far for Red Hat 3D models.
Our 3D visualizations are opinionated, but not rigid
Our 3D visualizations use a limited color palette and consistent materials and lighting.
This helps us bring our 3D visuals to life, strike the right tone with our audience, and consistently feel like Red Hat.
Materiality, color, and lighting
Our 3D visualizations should all align to the same materiality and lighting schemes to create consistency and ensure assets look and feel like Red Hat.
Materiality and color
Use our color palette to create satin and glass shaders.
Check color accuracy in the final rendered output against our exact values. Lighting and rendering affect the render, even if the hex value of the material matches.
Glass material and reflections
Using clear or frosted glass materials add a sense of lightness and transparency. It's important to take time and care when lighting and using glass materials. It connects to our open source ethos, but shouldn’t feel breakable.
Create subtle (or no) reflections. Do not create sharp reflections or completely glossy materials.
Lighting
Don’t use one global light, we start with a 3-point light system and layer in other bounce lights or reflectors to achieve a look.
For our hybrid style approach, we use 3-point lighting to help collage different mediums like photography together with 3D renders.
Types of 3D at Red Hat
Depending on the project, it may make sense to use one of several different types of 3D visualization. Some topics may have specific 3D representations that should be used consistently—like our object library or platform art—while others benefit from more flexibility to provide depth, perspective, or help set a scene.
Simple objects
Many of our 3D objects are simplified, stylized representations of a specific topic. They’re often a real-life object that relates to the technology or vertical.
Some are metaphorical, representing the concept or the way the technology works (like a shield for security, or sparkles for AI experiences).
Detailed models
These models are designed to target specific technical functions and subject matter experts (like objects representing the automotive industry, telecommunications, or specific topics such as the internet of things).
Technology icons
The technology icons representing our 4 platform sub-brands are available in 3D. These are the only icons available in 3D.
3D platform artwork
Visualizing abstract technology concepts in 3D artwork allows us to better explain what our products and solutions can do. Each category of platform artwork aligns with a specific Red Hat technology concept.
3D fully animated scenes
Full-frame 3D environments offer the most control over camera movement and animation. This abstract space is best used for visualizing and helping to explain the benefits of our technology.
This is an animation-only approach and should not be used as a static design.
3D in use
Use 3D objects to show a simplified representation of a specific topic or technology.
Use 3D objects with photos of real people to highlight the products, solutions, and ideas they work with everyday.
Use 3D platform artwork to represent abstract technologies and put the focus on our products and technologies.
Use fully animated 3D scenes when you need control over camera movement and animation for richer storytelling or explaining technology concepts.
Do this: Use 3D objects to represent a concept and in the colorways provided.
Not this: Do not use or recolor 3D objects arbitrarily. 3D objects are only provided in select color ways.
Do this: Use our custom Firefly models to create new 3D objects quickly.
Not this: Do not use untrained AI models or image generators to create 3D objects.
Do this: Use the four 3D technology icons as provided.
Not this: Do not create 3D versions of other icons (use the 2D version instead).
Do this: Combine 2D, 3D, and photography to create hybrid style collages.
Not this: Do not use or create 3D objects or people not in our style.
Do this: Use 3D platform artwork in the style provided.
Not this: Do not use or create 3D platform artwork in other styles.
Do this: Use consistent lighting and perspective across all 3D elements in a scene.
Not this: Do not combine multiple individual 3D elements to make a scene. The lighting, perspective, and other details may be fixed and not consistent with one another.
