3D Sketching

EverybodyLovesSketch is an intuitive program that allows the user to create 3D models and sketches using concepts from perspective drawing. Artist and designers have several techniques that help them draw things properly in a perspective view. (Vanishing points, perspective grids etc.) These things help artist visualize planes in a 3D space on a 2D surface. EverybodyLovesSketch allows the user to specify, select and draw directly onto these planes in order to draw 3D curves using 2D techniques. (Like drawing on a graphics tablet).

By making a small tick mark on a curve, a horizontal sketch plane is created at the level in space of that curve. By making two tick marks across curves a vertical plane is created that goes through both tick marks. Three tick marks are used to create an arbitrary plane. By selecting one or more curves and using flicking gestures, the user can create orthographic sketch planes or orthographic extruded sketch planes. Users can also select one or more curves, copy them and then project them onto a different sketch plane. Users can also select multiple curves that form a closed loop and create a surface from those curves. Then the user can draw curves on that surface.

A study was conducted to see just how intuitive the program was. 49 high schoolers were taught how to use the program and worked with the program for 75 minutes a day for 11 days. In most cases, students were able to create decent 3D sketches in the first 3 or 4 days. Many students began with an actual 2D sketch and then translated it to 3D using the program.

Having taken drawing classes, I am familiar with techniques used in perspective drawing. I found this paper to be really fascinating. This program uses the ways that artists create the illusion of 3D space to create something that is actually in a 3D space. Another beautiful blend of art and technology. If I were to add a feature to this program, I would probably add a texture and shader brush that allows you to draw on the surface of your sketches. The program already is able create surfaces between the curves and draw on them.

Link to the paper

http://tinyurl.com/yl7fvvk