First steps towards the characterization of virtual and physical 3D sketches during ideation

Abstract

The ideation phase in the design process includes ambiguous, quick, and exploratory representations: sketches and models. A sketch in perspective visualizes a single view, lacks dimensions, and is not to scale. Models at full scale are not always viable and printing them in 3D requires CAD models whose level of definition is premature in ideation. Virtual Reality (VR) and mixed reality allow for immersive and fullscale 3D sketching. 3D printing these “virtual drawings” turns models and sketches into a single representation existing simultaneously virtually and physically. This article reports two exploratory exercises in industrial design in which three types of 3D sketches were used: virtual on tablets, mid-air with controllers and a VR headset, and 3D printed. Reflections by researchers and participants about these exercises were used to begin elucidating the impact of this new media for ideation in the design process.