Think Outside of 2-D
For anyone who has ever wished they could hop into their computer and tweak the design with their own hands, well, that may be more possible than you think.
Currently, 3-D design is essential to anyone in the engineering, architecture, animation, or video game design fields in order to concept complex designs that need to go beyond the standard two dimensions. Additionally, usage of 3-D modeling is expanding outside of the typical design fields—in 2020, Veronica Falconieri Hays used 3-D modeling to map out the details of the structure of the COVID-19 virus.
There are various desktop applications that allow designers to use a mesh system to create their 3-D models, such as Blender, Cinema4D, and Maya.
However, there are limits to design on the desktop. Even though the designer is able to create their 3-D model, they still have to experience their design from behind a screen. Additionally, there may be a need to add intense detail to the model or to interact with the 3-D model.
Gravity Sketch is a free 3-D design platform that can be used across devices. Whether you want to look at designs from an outside view using your iPad or Steam on desktop or get up-close-and-personal with your design with your Oculus or Oculus Rift, Gravity Sketch offers ways to create 3-D designs while collaborating with your team. Whether you’re a product engineer, an interior designer, a scientist, or just someone with big ideas, Gravity Sketch empowers users to interact with their 3-D designs to get every last detail right. To get the best experience and truly interact with your creation, put on your VR goggles, and let’s go.
Set-Up
The opening screen of Gravity Sketch, as seen through Oculus Quest
When first using Gravity Sketch, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. When you enter the app through the Oculus, you’re suddenly transported to an empty white room—aka your canvas. The app offers quick tutorials about each tool, which should let your mind fill with the possibilities of creation. Despite your apprehension, it’s best to just jump in and explore. Start simple with sketching an ink stroke with your controller. To create 3-D shapes, use both controllers to set the object at the right size and to your desired position on the plane. This action allows you to interact with your object as if it’s right in front of you—only you’ve seemingly made it appear out of thin air, thanks to Gravity Sketch.
If available to you, first download the app on your iPad. Create an account and get familiar with the basics of the app layout. However, to get the full experience of this app, login to the app via your VR headset.
Gravity Sketch does a sufficient job of teaching you the basic mechanics of how to navigate the system through video tutorials. However, the best way to learn about this tool is to explore. Draw a line through the air. Move it around. Select it and delete it. Create a 3-D shape and adjust the size. Place it somewhere and then move it. Walk around. The best way to get equipped with this software is to ignore your apprehensions and just dive in.
However, once you’ve played around with the different features, it’s best to stretch your mind and use these tools to create something from your imagination. But staring at the seemingly vast, blank room that Gravity Sketch features through the VR Goggles can lead to designer’s block. So, make sure you enter the software with an idea top-of-mind.
With Gravity Sketch, you can build and lay out 3-D shape to appear as they would in real life. This is a concept I created based on a futuristic sitting area.
Users can also sketch out their ideas using the Stroke tool.
User Experience/Interface
Within both the iPad app and through the Oculus, the user interface is clean and organized, allowing the designer to be focused on the design in front of them. Through the iPad application, the tool bars are around the canvas’ perimeter. However, on the Oculus, the tool bars are only visible when you want them to be. To pull them up, simply click a button on a controller, and they’re visible in the lower half of your vision. When you select your desired tool, simply click the same button and the tools are out of sight. This is optimal for the user because it presents them a clean canvas so they can be fully immersed in their design.
The tool bar as seen through the Oculus Quest.
The User Interface as seen from the iPad.
Final Thoughts
Something users should keep in mind is that when first using this app, it’s okay to get frustrated. Building design skills through any application takes time and effort. The Gravity Sketch website offers learning tools and a blog in order to give users the best experience.
If you are just starting off using this tool, go in with an open mind. Expect a learning curve when it comes to producing your product with Gravity Sketch, but also expect to feel a rush of accomplishment and satisfaction when you create a design that looks even better than expected.
Bibliography
Hays, V. F. (2020, June 25). How I Built a 3-D Model of the Coronavirus for Scientific American. Scientific American. Retrieved September 26, 2021, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-i-built-a-3-d-model-of-the-coronavirus-for-scientific-american/.
Petty, J. (n.d.). What is 3d modeling & What's it used for? Concept Art Empire. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://conceptartempire.com/what-is-3d-modeling/.
Think in 3D. Create in 3D. . Gravity Sketch. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.gravitysketch.com/.