LOD creation introduces a structured step in the 3D production workflow by requiring the development of multiple detail levels for models, balancing visual quality and performance.
- **Upstream modeling**: Artists must plan for LODs during initial design to ensure simplified versions retain key features, avoiding later rework. - **Downstream optimization**: It adds steps for testing LOD thresholds and ensuring seamless transitions between levels, critical for real-time applications like games or AR/VR where performance is prioritized.
Early alignment of LOD requirements streamlines the workflow, aligning modeling and optimization efforts effectively.