CMU School of Drama


Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Why is 3D Modeling Software Important in Design?

Fusion 360 Blog: With advances in design and 3D CAD software, prototypes can now easily come alive on a computer screen. Modern workflows have ushered in a new class of richly-functional applications, which have redefined what can be designed in a given length of time. 3D modeling has resolved many shortcomings associated with outdated processes and has increased functionality across design teams.

3 comments:

Elliot Queale said...

I really think the rise of 3D modeling has ushered in a new era of making and engineering. People used to spend months not only conceptualizing designs, but also figuring out how to flatten those ideas into something that can fit on a paper. Now, we have millions of 3D models of anything from small trinkets to full-scale buildings and mechanical systems. Not only that, but many of these packages will help you do the analysis that used to require a 4 year degree to understand. I also really like that this article points out the value of communication with non-technical people, something that is deserving of a whole class. Technical drawings can scare so many people, but a colorful 3D model with textures and graphics helps everyone get on board with the product. 3D modeling and CAD is only going to become more important and integrated into every industry's workflow, especially our own. I appreciate having Roger come teach a 3D CAD class, but it cannot just be a one-time thing. It is clear from this article and others that this is the future, and we should prepare to embrace it.

Katie Pyzowski said...

There’s no doubt that 3D modeling is now an essential skill for technical designers. 3D modeling being an important precursor to manufacturing or prototyping makes lots of sense, there are some things that the 2D world just can’t capture in the same way a 3D model can, and the digital 3D model eliminates the need to manufacture a prototype. However, I think that there is also an important point to be made about whether a 3D model is worth the time. I think there are still plenty of cases where sketches are the better way to go when generating drawings, rather than taking all the time to generate a 3D model. There also seems to be a large push to switch to digital modeling in the creative design side of scenery too, and that gives both the design and production sides of scenery an overlapping understanding of the modeling world. I think the 3D model will become essential in making sure all of our scenery fits in the right places, but I don’t think it will be a platform to replace paint renderings or modeling the final look of scenery. There is a difference between the CMY coloring of a computer and the RYB coloring of paint.

mia zurovac said...

I think 3-D modeling is important for many different reasons. I think seeing something visually and being about to hold and touch it, has a big influence on the result of the product. It’s how you can truly see what you’ve created- this is true for so many people, outside of theatre. Architects, scenic designers, costume designers, engineers, etc. all benefit from 3-D modeling and consider it one of the crucial steps in perfecting the final product in the making. I think especially in an educational setting, having the ability to create and learn how to create and 3-D models is really important because it allows for a whole other level of hands on education and understanding for the student, especially when dealing with a field that is so visual- it’ll allow for better engineering and more efficient processes. I think 3-D modeling will benefit many makes, not only technical or practical but for artistic and creative purposes as well.