Enhanced software tools for early 3D design process

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Today, 3D design is important to many application areas, such as architecture & interior design, industrial & mechanical design, simulation, training, entertainment, etc. Most current 3D design software is targeted at the late design process, where refinement happens. Few tools can be applied productively in the early design process, where ideas are generated, alternatives are investigated, etc. The consequence of this is that designers do not explore the design space well, which leads to suboptimal design results. The insight behind the current proposal is that different tools are needed for the early phases of the 3D design process to enable people to be creative, explore the design space better and hence generate better designs, which in turn leads to more competitive products. While tools cannot directly be creative, they can stimulate creativity. For example, software tools for the early design stages need to be simple to use - so that users can concentrate on the design, not the interface - yet powerful and need to foster creative exploration. My previous work has already yielded 3D software that is easy to learn and simple to use.The current proposal will develop enhanced software tools for the early 3D design process. In particular, it proposes novel techniques to create and modify common object shapes such as slanted surfaces and curved objects. Also, we will look at efficient methods for the easy manipulation of large-scale designs. A second area of research will develop software tools to make work with several versions of a design easier, as early design work rarely involves only one design alternative. Another aspect will focus on merging different versions and investigate techniques to support the iterative nature of the design process better. The third area of research will target collaborative design, as most 3D design projects involve several stakeholders. Due to limitations of existing systems, collaboration is usually limited in the design process. Based on a novel interactive table and wall infrastructure, the research will evaluate in collaboration with professional designers how design is affected by systems that allow participants to freely collaborate during a meeting.