Will Professional 3D Design Move To VR?

We know 3D modeling as that lovable scamp filled with rogue ngons, overlapping faces, double vertices and the Purgatory simulator known as UV mapping. It’s an art that’s open to amateurs, but one that’s also really harrowing on the way up. The question is, then, will it ever make the leap into VR? Will professional 3D modelers make the transition to VR to make their art?

One of the planned killer apps for HTC Vive is the Tilt Brush. This piece of software will enable people to draw pictures in VR. 2D pictures on a canvas that is actually 3D. So it’s not exactly 3D modeling, but we can see how it can have uses for professional 3D artists. Much like various styluses and tablets, it enables greater control and greater fidelity of movement. It also allows the artist to step into the painting and work on the details. All in all, an app that shows some potential applications in the professional 2D art field.

With 3D, it seems the best application of VR is 3D sculpting. Unlike the regular modeling process, it seems to rely more on feel and tactile response, and demand less in the way of precision. It comes even closer to clay sculpting that we could achieve with mouse. Already there are apps like VRClay that capitalize on this capability. It works well with Razer Hydra controllers, and similar capability would be awesome with Vive’s controls. Sculpting seems to be the order of the day for VR 3D sculpting.

However, there are also the more conventional, newbie friendly apps like MakeVR. This app lets people manipulate shapes in various simple ways, at times allowing for some pretty serious in-depth precision. The controls use both hands to make the process more intuitive than it usually is with, say, Blender. Yet it still doesn’t look powerful enough for professionals.

There are other options, though. VR can be used to enhance the experience of the existing 2D desktop software. MOculus.io with dOculus desktop overlay allow you to work with virtual 2D desktop pane while also seeing the mesh nearby in VR, allowing you to appreciate its scale, as well as scrutinize it with simple head movements. Or you can use the same methods for easier rotation and overview of the object inside the software windows.

And that is just it: VR 3D modeling is going to be an additional tool for 3D modelers, but it will not replace 3D modeling wholesale. VR sculpting and shape manipulation tools will be great for developing early prototypes and sketches, but the more in depth work will require you to return to 2D and mouse. The most intricate work requires the precise control only allowed by mouse and solid, flat surface. This would be hard to accomplish while flailing around with controllers. However, like I said, VR is good for rough sketches and prototyping.

2D, mouse and keyboard combo also lets designer control hundreds of menus that make up the 3D modeling experience. The menus offer too many tools to be keyed to visual shortcuts in a 3D modeling environment, and the 3D manipulators don’t look like the most comfortable means of using the myriads of menus and dials. You are going to miss all the keyboard shortcuts, too.

It's also a great tool for 3D modelers who will be designing for VR. They will be able to see firsthand how their model will be experienced by their audience. With 3D modeling for VR having its own quirks and peculiarities, that is one advantage they would like to have. It’s also easier to present the models for clients, especially where buildings and interiors are concerned.

So while 3D modeling has something to gain with VR integration, there doesn’t seem to be a revolutionary technology that would change the entire field. What VR will do is open new horizons for creative expression (and business) and bring a set of new requirements for modelers. Make sure to be the one riding the wave, and not just playing catch up!

Agree? Disagree? Discuss your opinion on our forums!