Get ready to revolutionize your live event design game! Real-time visualization is no longer a futuristic dream—it’s here, and it’s transforming the industry. Meet David S. Perkins, the visionary founder and lead architect of Imaginary Labs, a company pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in live and virtual event design. But here’s where it gets exciting: David isn’t just innovating; he’s democratizing access to cutting-edge tools with Carbon for Unreal, a DMX toolkit and library powered by Unreal Engine. And this is the part most people miss—you don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it. But is this the future of design, or just a flashy trend? Let’s dive in.
At LDI 2025, David will be leading a series of classes tailored for anyone curious about rendering, design, or integrating Unreal Engine into their workflow. Use promo code CARBON20 to save 20% on these game-changing sessions—trust us, you won’t want to miss this.
Live Design: What’s the buzz at Imaginary Labs this year?
David Perkins: ‘We’re finally unveiling Carbon, and it’s a game-changer. After years of refining the tech behind our Carbon for Unreal plugin, we’ve crafted a user experience that’s unlike anything else. It’s intuitive, approachable, and requires zero Unreal Engine knowledge. Think of it as the tool you’ve always wanted but never knew existed. This isn’t just a launch—it’s our statement to the world. And yes, our to-do list is still massive, but that’s what makes it fun. I can’t wait to hear your ideas at the booth!’
LD: How has your approach evolved over the past year?
DP: ‘The biggest shift? We’re discovering endless possibilities for visualization technology. What started as a previs tool has evolved into something far more playful and intuitive. Built on a game engine, Carbon taps into the overlap between design enthusiasts and gamers. Design should feel like picking up a new game—exciting, intuitive, and guided by experience, not manuals. That’s where Carbon is headed: more fun, more creative, and more connected to why we fell in love with this work.’
LD: What can attendees expect from your LDI classes?
DP: ‘This year’s lineup has something for everyone. The first class, *Unreal Engine + Carbon Plugin: Best Friends for Flexible Design, is perfect for tech lovers who aren’t developers. It’s your gateway to real-time design. The Carbon.show classes? They’re a big deal—your first chance to get hands-on with Carbon. Since collaboration is at its core, we’re encouraging teamwork and community-building. And the final session? Think of it as a creative sandbox where we’ll push Unreal Engine to its limits. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a class for you.’*
LD: Where is real-time visualization headed? Is AI the answer?
DP: ‘Real-time visualization is empowering designers in two key ways. First, tools once reserved for the end of the process—like previz and technical renders—are now invaluable at the start. You can test, break, and refine ideas before committing. Pair that with real-time collaboration, and it’s a game-changer. Second, AI is a double-edged sword. While it can generate stunning images, they often lack practicality. Carbon keeps you grounded in reality, ensuring your designs are not just visually impressive but buildable. We’re bridging creativity and craft, giving designers a platform they can trust from day one.’
Controversial Take: Is AI a designer’s best friend or a recipe for unrealistic expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Don’t miss David Perkins at LDI 2025—this is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of live event design. Will you be there?
