Object Interaction Methods for Interactive walkthrough

Development Programming & Scripting Blueprint
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Hello fellow devs,

I recently started building a reusable template for client projects — specifically for interactive architectural walkthroughs (non-VR). The experience allows users to walk through a space and interact with objects, including furniture swaps and material variations.

I have two questions I’d love some input on:

1. Material Swapping — Blueprint Array vs Data Table For material variations, should I hardcode a set of materials (say, 5 options) directly into the Blueprint and swap between them, or is it worth setting up a Data Table system similar to an inventory structure? The Blueprint approach feels simpler upfront, but the Data Table route seems more scalable long-term — curious what others have found works best in practice.

2. Interaction Detection — Overlap Events vs Line Trace For triggering object interactions, should I go with Overlap Events or a Line Trace system? What are the trade-offs for an architectural walkthrough context specifically?

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A data table seems like the way to go if the materials are going to be used on more than one item. I suppose you could even include materials for different types of items (upholstery, wood, etc.) and only return the ones that can possibly be applied to whatever specific piece you’re interacting with

Line trace is probably the right call, especially if your objects are using simple collision. Otherwise you might want to consider a sphere trace. I think your biggest consideration should be ease of use, since your clients don’t necessarily have experience with the tropes of games.