My first experience with 3D modeling and animation began 20 years ago while studying biomedical communications at UTSWMC. My thesis topic began with an extremely boring lecture in cell biology. My professor was studying caveolae, a cell structure thought to be involved with cellular processes such as folate uptake and cholesterol uptake. But his lectures were lacking in good visuals and not promoting the exciting and innovative aspects of his research. I decided he needed help with his visuals so I approached him and told him how interesting I thought his topic was and how I would like to create 3D animations and incorporate the animations into a learning module to teach the structure and function of caveolae. He thought it was a wonderful idea and so began a partnership for me to attempt to convey his developing and ever changing research into animations. The first time I showed him the animations, he expressed excitement in my different thought process and how he had never thought about cells and cell structures in color. The project was a success and I went on to present my thesis defense and present my project at the Association of Medical Illustrators Convention in Toronto that year.
Fast forward to 20 years later and I am relearning 3D modeling and animation after being inspired by the User Experience Design Certificate Program through SMU. How does one get from UX Design to 3D modeling? Preston McCauley is teaching a UX Design as applied to VR/AR/MR/XR workshop at Big Design Events in Dallas and it has reawakened my interest in 3D modeling and animation and Virtual Reality Experiences. The technology has now improved to make these, not only possible, but center stage at Siggraph 2017. My dreams of Virtual Reality cells and environments and anatomical models are all coming true. Blender 3D is making 3D modeling accessible to a wide audience without investing in expensive programs such a Maya and Cinema 4D.
The learning curve is steep and I continue to question why I didn’t continue with my love of 3D animation but I remind myself of the challenges I encountered such as the expense of 3D software and the hardware required to run and render animations as well as the lack of opportunities in the 3D industry in Dallas, TX at the time. My intent is to understand the virtual reality and augmented reality environments in order to apply UX principles to these emerging fields. I have always been a spacial learner and thinker and look forward to applying these skills to the Virtual Landscape. My knowledge of the medical world could play into this emerging technology as well. Medical use possibilities of virtual and augmented reality are endless.
I can’t wait to hear what expertise Preston will share with aspiring UX designers such as myself. His 20 years of experience in UX Design and multiple years of experience in the VR/AR trenches should make for an exciting and educational workshop experience. Check back here in September for a report on the workshop details. And if you are interested in UX design applied to Virtual Reality, sign up on Big Design Events before it is too late!
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