Virtual Reality Revolutionizes 3D Modeling

Virtual Reality Revolutionizes 3D Modeling according to new Shapelab study

 Leopoly, a leading VR 3D developer company, is breaking new ground in the world of 3D design with its innovative software, Shapelab.  Their recently published study, “Virtual Reality: The Gateway For Non-professionals to Solve Complex Design Problems, “ sheds light on how virtual reality (VR) is transforming the way people learn and apply 3D design skills.

The demand for 3D design skills is surging across various industries, including gaming, movies, healthcare,  and  education.  However,  for  professionals from diverse  backgrounds,  mastering these skills can be a daunting challenge. Leopoly recognized this gap and leveraged the power of VR to democratize 3D modeling, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Shapelab started out as a VR 3D creative software prototype, available from 2017 on Steam for enthusiastic early adopters. For a few years, it remained an early-access software, and features were gradually implemented as it attracted more and more interest. It wasn’t until 2020 that the   software became a focal point for the team. Since then, they have continuously enhanced it,

culminating in the release of the latest version in July 2023.

The article published in the Association for Computing Machinery’s Digital Library showcases how VR has opened doors for users from diverse professional backgrounds.

Virtual  reality caters to  beginners  in 3D design and aspiring digital sculptors who create 3D models for their projects, such as indie developers, students, and hobbyists. VR eliminates the steep  learning  curve  associated  with  traditional  3D  software,  allowing  users  to  immerse themselves  in a 3D space, engage with their work at life-size, and create concepts and 3D assets with ease.

Another example is in the film industry, where often there is a need to create lifelike props from natural  assets  and  environments.  This  process  can  be  digitized  thanks to  photogrammetry. Cleaning  up  and  editing  3D  scans  is  another  process  where  VR  could  offer an advantage compared to traditional 3D software, as it provides spatial vision, simplifies the inspection and editing processes for 3D scans, and makes the cleaning process faster.

Traditional sculptors are also benefiting from VR, as it provides them with the freedom to work without  the  constraints  of  physical  materials.  Sculptor  Tom  Aust,  an  interdisciplinary  artist, describes VR as “a wonderful extension” of his work, enabling him to create digital sculptures with lifelike precision.

Another  promising  area  described  in  the  article  is  healthcare,  specifically  prosthetics  and orthotics. Traditionally, practitioners in this field relied on physical molds, but the digital workflow is proving to be more accurate and efficient. Clinicians with craftsmanship backgrounds used

Shapelab to edit 3D body scans in VR and found VR interactions to be intuitive, enabling them to create prosthesis sockets digitally with ease.

Summarizing  the  findings  from  their  users,  the  Shapelab  team  highlights  the  challenge newcomers face when navigating 3D design on a 2D screen. VR, on the other hand, places them in an immersive 3D environment, providing an intuitive experience and a sense of success from the start.  Moreover, virtual  reality offers an enjoyable and  relaxing experience for both beginners and professionals.

While  VR  3D  creative  applications  have  made  significant  strides,  they  have  not  yet  fully replaced traditional 3D  modeling tools for professionals. However, the VR market is evolving rapidly, with innovative applications like Shapelab continually expanding their capabilities.

Leopoly’s vision for Shapelab is clear: to develop tools that maximize virtual reality interactions, providing an intuitive experience for organic sculpting. Shapelab stands out among VR creative tools  with  its  polygon  mesh-based  engine,  offering  both  professional-grade features and an intuitive interface for beginners.

Shapelab’s aim  is to  lower the barriers of entry to 3D design. The team believes that virtual reality  will   empower  a  wider   audience,  including  aspiring  creatives  and  specialists  from non-design-related fields, to contribute to and shape the future of 3D modeling.

At  SIGGRAPH  2023,  Leopoly  had  the  opportunity  to  showcase  Shapelab  in  two  official programs.  Their  presentation  at  the  Educator’s  Forum  delved  into the  potential of VR as a gateway for non-professionals to solve complex design problems, highlighting use cases where Shapelab has provided invaluable tools for users from various backgrounds.

About Shapelab by Leopoly

Shapelab  by  Leopoly  is  a  VR  design  application  that  uses  polygon  mesh-based  sculpting technology  to  empower  everyday  users  to  become  3D  creators.  Shapelab’s  robust suite of efficient tools and ease of use make it accessible to beginners while accommodating the needs of  3D  design  professionals.  For  more  information  about  Shapelab,  please  visit  Shapelab’s website: https://shapelabvr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShapeLabVR/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shapelabvr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shapelabvr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapelabvr/

Leopoly: https://leopoly.com/products/shapelab

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leopoly/

Source：Shapelab