Dec 16 2013

Overall personal reflection ART3041

I have signed up for a 3D design class, expecting to learn designing on computer software, or computer aided development software to be specific. I have always thought in the world of bits, just like most of the other classes, the final outcome is ink on paper or bites on the computer.  But this class was quite different, it had a new kind, for me, of outcome. By the end of the semester I had a feeling that I have produced something tangible, a useful prototype and a potential business model. Maybe the class didn’t break away from the world of bits and utilizing the greatness of technology to speed up the pace of our fast already lives, but it went further in transforming bits into atoms. What I didn’t realize in the beginning is the process of making something in atoms after planning in bits, and that was a unique experience.

It has been a long time since I have created something in a class. Since I was playing with origami, argil and other similar tools back in primary school, I haven’t deliver a tangible outcome. But this time my outcome was not just a product of messing around, it was based on brain storming gatherings and long sessions of planning, even if we still played around sometimes. Perhaps its due to a long time of getting used to a certain way of learning, or perhaps it’s due to the unique nature of this class, that there were moments of ambiguity. However, later during the semester, and the more we start understanding the concept, the misery was replaced by a feeling of enthusiasm to create something real for the first time, or since a long time. At the end of the semester, I told myself; I wish I’ve had more time to spend on this project, I wish I knew what we are up to, I’d have planned it differently. But then I realize that I would have never thought this way if I hadn’t had the experience of this class. With no doubt this class has altered the way I used to think, and I’d love to have more of creative classes that focus on delivering a complete outcome, at least a complete prototype phase.

Last but not least, I am proud to be among the group whom created the scup. Down there are some pictures of our model, which represent the product of our effort and our pride.

I have also included a link to our presentation. (make sure you are logged in to blogs@ Baruch to access the presentation)

https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/3dfall2013/?page_id=479

Picture2 Picture1

 

 

 

Dec 16 2013

Milestone #6

12/16/2013 Find an entrepreneur or a committed group who share the same interest and join them.

I think that I underestimated this mile stone to be included in the near future of my steps toward my goal as a software developer for open source community. While I am still satisfying the previous milestones, I have come to a conclusion about the open source community. The membership of those communities, either restricted or open to the public. In other words, an open source community could be a group of people whom are working on a complete product, which its components are classified material among the members but the final product is available for the public. Or, an open sourced product could be the collaborative work of the public who volunteer to the contribution to the final product. Those who decided to share in the process of developing, enhancing or correcting open sourced software are usually at a very high technical level. Many of those are practicing their expertise to be credited for their work in return. While closed communities go through the regular process of hiring and open communities require a certain level of experience, beginners, like me, will have a long way of learning before involving in such communities.

The following image shows some of the well-known software that have been developed or enhanced by open source communities.

 

open-source-software

 

Along my research I have come across some interesting articles and websites that explain more the open source community and open sourcing in general. Some of them are actual websites for open source communities and has explanation for ways to join them.

 

http://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/sourceforge/wiki/Overview%20of%20Open%20Source%20software%20development

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source

http://www.nasa.gov/open/plan/open-source-development.html

http://opensource.org/

https://developers.google.com/open-source/

http://oss-watch.ac.uk/resources/communitysource

http://oss-watch.ac.uk/resources/developers

http://opensource.com/life/12/2/does-open-design-hardware-have-place-manufacturing

http://opensource.com/about

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Valve_Developer_Community:Community_portal

 

Dec 15 2013

Area of expertise

I have always knew what I wanted to do, as a career, IT. I found a pleasure working with computer and getting involved in software installation or hardware deployment. That was during an earlier stage of my life, and as I advanced towards achieving this goal. I start exploring new areas in this field and narrowed down my choices. I have always been interested in software and learning as much as I can from them. Also it always attracted me how to manipulate some of them and get the most out of them. I have played around some programs, some times end up messing them up, until I start wondering what it takes to make my own program. Consequently, I carried on some research and found out that developing a software nowadays is easier than ever. There are many tools available today, for even not so technical users, to help them building software. Of course, I understand that building a software on a professional level requires a high level of technical skill and a collaborative work of many experts, and that is the kind of environment that I would like to spend the rest of my life in.

Over the past semester and during my design class, I have been exposed to a new kind of software that I have never touched before, the 3D design tools. Unlike most of other software that deals with computing functions in an imaginary environment, the design programs are an illustration of ideas to be created in real life. That concept attracted my attention and aroused my curiosity. I haven’t lost my interest in software, so I decided to merge design tools to my interest in software. I was also inspired by the concept of open sourcing, which I have learned about from the book, “Makers”. It wasn’t the first time I hear about open souring but I never knew about the higher purpose it is serving. I would love to be one day a part of this community and share the experience of sharing my success with the public.

The development of free software, specially the open sourced ones, have answered the demand of many students and learners for affordable tools for success. Likewise, many young developers have found great help in open source materials to develop their own work as well. In return they end up aiding back the original work and adding value to it. My main concern is how the open source communities can help beginners who have nothing to offer in return, at least in the short run. Many people, me included, would give time and effort in exchange for knowledge, yet there is not enough opportunities out there for such an exchange.

image_gallery

Dec 09 2013

Milestone #5

12/9/2013 Learn the necessary programing skills to develop 3D design applications.

I have been advised that C++ is the most recommended programming language for beginners. C++ is driven directly from C, the mother language of Java, and include its entire library. So, I decided to go with C++, which I already start learning about. Perhaps each step towards my goal makes my goal seems further than I though it is. I understood that final end-user software might include more than one programming language. The final software tool is the product of a team of experts in different fields. And it is always appreciated to have different backgrounds in such teams.

I have also learned about object-oriented programming techniques, which are the base of practical programming. The main idea of object-oriented is to build up on the work of others. Just like the advantage of open sourcing, object oriented is rich with libraries of other people’s work. Those libraries are ready for developers to use and improve and not having to start from scratch. Professional 3D printing companies, like Shapeways, are using custom software. Mixing software requires mixing code, and when I searched different design tools, I have concluded that beaning exposed to different tools will result in a more useful and more inclusive experience. So, I am planning to go beyond C++ and start learning other programming languages as well.

learn-computer-programming

Dec 02 2013

Milestone #4

12/2/2013 Research different techniques and programming language that are used for 3D design tools.

Originally software for Computer-Aided Design systems was developed with computer languages such as Fortran, ALGOL but with the advancement of object-oriented programming methods this has radically changed. After some research I came to the conclusion that start learning about programming requires learning the more basic ones. The basic programming language is a low level language, which does not mean it is easier or less complicated than others, but actually means that it is closer to the machine code that the programming language will end up compiling to and then executed. One of the early languages that most of the current programming languages are based on is “C”.

Many developers nowadays prefer Java programming language, until it became the most popular among all programming languages. However, choosing a programming language will depend mainly on the nature of the project and the requirements of the outcomes. But what is good about programming that all languages are based on a basic methodology. Of course, the different syntax will result in different functionality, but it is not hard for a handy programmer to use other languages than the one of his expertise.

screenshot

Nov 25 2013

Milestone #3

11/25/2013 Practice designing using different software.

Along the process of trying to print our coffee project design I have come across some interesting article on Shapeways website, which I have posted the link to it below. In this article I have discovered the down side of some software and how to overcome these downs by “cross-platforming”. According to the article, I had to be introduced to Meshlab and Netfabb programs, in order to get our model ready for Shapways printing. Fortunately we successfully printed our model in school, but it was good to have a backup plan, beside it was a great way to learn about those tools. My curiosity did not stop at designing a model for our project. I was always interested in video games- not just playing them – I was also interested on what is behind this technology. I am probably still far away from getting involved in such an industry, but I enjoyed learning some tips about gaming development.

 

http://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/how_to_use_meshlab_and_netfabb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXv_brYeD_4

https://www.video2brain.com/en/3d-cad

http://gryllus.net/Blender/3D.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e16c8uaCwzY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lskdbcVjv2s

Nov 20 2013

My Makerspace Experience

 

During the class I have played with Makey-Makey software, origami, spinners and the Skallops cards.

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What arouse my interest in those was the ability to create something out of them, which I found true for all the others.

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I have played a lot during my childhood with the origami and the Skallops   cards, but it was my first time to see the spinner and the Makey-Makey software.WP_20131111_003
I really liked the flexibility of the origami and the open possibilities it has in making deferent 2D and 3D models. What is good about the Skallops cards was it is structural but not limited. The connectors had differnet angles that help you build up your shapes. It also stimulate one’s creativity in planning their design.

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I used the Skallops cards to build an aircraft. And with the origami I built traditional paper airplane. After that I attached the paper plane on the front top of my Skallops aircraft for the aerodynamics

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In the begging it seemed to me like we are just having a “back to the old days” session and just have some fun. However, after starting the process of making, I recalled the same process from mu childhood. And I realized how complicated this process is. This complexity requires hard work, but it usually ends up with an amazing creation. Even if the attempt failed, the process of making itself is a learning experience. Identifying a need, planning designing and finally implementing a product, are basic procedures in all life’s activities. The more you exercise these procedures, the better your management abilities will be.

I wish I had more time to recreate my childhood passion, Lego. I have spent years playing with those pieces, and created many models. I have always wished that I have endless supply of Lego pieces and create even more models.

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Nov 18 2013

Millstone #2

11/18/2013 Use and get familiar with different kinds of 3d design software

Throughout the process of learning 3D design, I have noticed the enormous amount of design software out there. Some of these software are open source ones, which are great way for beginners to start with. The fact that open source tools are free does not mean that they less capable than others. In fact they are well developed tools and good enough to get the job done. On the other hand, I have learned that, it is always useful to import your design into different programs to find out the defects and overcome them. Different software have different tools and thus give the user different experiences and different views. On my journey in the world of design tools I have watched tutorials about few of the available software. Maybe I have learned some of the differences but I also found that each one of them has its unique capabilities beside the basic common functions. The links below has a list of many design tools, it also shows the different platforms they are compatible with, the main features and the supported file extensions to import and export.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_3D_computer_graphics_software

 

Inivis game designing tool

3d graphics design software 4 3d-game-design-software3d-design-software-sy2hxrnw

3D max

3DS.Max.2012.ScreenShot.2.www.IR-DL.com

 

AeronavediseñadaconCATIA-V6deDassaultSystèmes-1024x819

 

Blenderblender_screenshot0-1024x626

 

Auto Desk

loads-of-autocad-civil-3d-2013

Nov 11 2013

Millstone #1

11/11/2013 Learn more about 3D digital design.

I believe that this class was a great experience on the 3D design topic. Maybe I thought I know about what 3D printing is when I stated this class. However, I had no idea about the process of designing, and the further I went into the course the more I realize how complicated the subject is. It worth mentioning that the coffee project was a great way of exploring the phases of design. When trying to “do it yourself” the theory defer from practice, and I started realizing the different aspects attached to 3D design. For an instance 3d printing was not just the matter of uploading a .stl file and expect the printer to the work for you. Just like any other machine, the user has to be smarter, and put himself in the boots of the machine. Furthermore, 3D designs could be easily messed up without the designer noticing. During my research about ways to improve my skills in 3D design I have come across some interesting sources that I would like to share with everyone whose reading this post.

http://glenmoyes.com/articles/to_those_learning_3d.shtml

http://www.makerbot.com/support/guides/design/

Nov 08 2013

6 weeks Dream

My goal is to contribute to the development of open source 3D digital design software.

So, I have set this millstones to be met over the next 6 weeks.

11/11 Learn more about 3D digital design.

11/18 Use and get familiar with different kinds of 3d design software.

11/25 Practice designing using different software.

12/2 Research different techniques and programming language that are used for 3D design tools.

12/9 Learn the necessary programing skills to develop 3D design applications.

12/16 Find an entrepreneur or a committed group who share the same interest and join them.

Nov 04 2013

Future Vision

In a fast pace world, the need for technology and information is at its most. That explains the lighting speed that this industry is growing at. The way 3d digital design is right now is exactly how technology, represented in computer industry, started. With the importance of these two industries, I can see a tight relationship in which both are influencing and enriching each other. As someone who is interesting in IT, I would like to focus on the development part of 3D design, especially the development of software tools.

In the software market, there is a lot of high tech sophisticated tools for 3d design. Some of these tools are open source tools that has been created by generous developers from all over the world. Open sourcing was the main concept the helped the evolution of software, and it is the same for hardware and particularly the 3D designed. In open source products, the public share in the effort of creating something useful for themselves. In this process the people interested in a certain subject would put their ideas and effort into real product. The product created is no more than a prototype or an elementary version of the main purpose of the project which, will be added to it by others of the same interest.  The good thing about open sourcing that it is a win, win situation for both users and developers at the end.

As most people, I have used open source products. It was always useful, and I’d love to give something in return. I consider myself lucky to be interested in the field that contribute the most to the open source community, information technology. I have a passion to be one day a part of that community and get the chance to share in making the world a better place and building the future of innovation.

Here are few links to articles and information pages on 3D design software that I wanted to share with everybody. I hope you find them useful.

Free 3D design software

Comparison of 3D computer graphics software

Creative bloq (free 3D software)

A digital Dream

what is new in 3D printing

Nov 02 2013

Personal reflection

When I first registered for ART3041, I was attracted to the title of 3D design. It was my first time to hear about this class. Indeed, it was one of the elective, special topics classes that have unique – and maybe experimental – materials. My expectations from this class did not exceed learning the technicalities of 3D design. After I read the course description which, indicates that we will be learning CAD programs, I was more interesting in this class more than ever before. I have heard about CAD programs before and I always wanted to learn how design models myself, but I wasn’t sure about what kind of models we are going to be designing and what is 3D design is all about at the first place. One my first day of class I heard that we will be joining another group from the management department whom interesting in 3D design as well. I believed it was a good idea to share this experience with students from a different discipline. What I never thought of is the kind of unique experience we had so far in this class, where we were exposed to different aspects of 3D design. After moving along the class and reading more in The Makers book, it start all coming to me. We have learned about 3D printing which I have never heard of before this point. We also learned about different kinds of 3D design machines – or as the author calls them “Desktop factories”. Of course working in groups might be a challenge, especially if most of the work is done in groups. By challenge, I meant individual timing and schedule wise, particularly for busy college student in busy city. However, I have to mention that I had an awesome group, everyone was helpful and cooperative, and we have proven that personal differences is an advantage.

Nov 02 2013

5 x 5

Cookie cutter knob phrase phrase_3 phrase_D ring vase

Studio exercise 5 Models x 5 Materials

Nov 01 2013

First Model

shap

 

This shape is a model built from blocks created by students of the ART3041 & MGT4093, 2013.

After sharing our blocks on 3D warehouse, we used these blocks to create a model. It was challenging to create a model while being limited to specific block shapes. However, after starting placing shapes next to each other, it was obvious what I could get from these shapes.

Nov 01 2013

welcome to SketchUp

The cylinder shown in the image was my first modeling of a real object. It was my first time trying to build a model based on actual dimensions of an object. Maybe it seemed easy in the begging to use sketch up, but being precise about the dimensions and having specific guidelines to work with was confusing. Before that point, I only build shapes on arbitrary scale. After overcoming this obstacle, I realized that paying attention to detailed scale is the basic of real life modeling.Cylinder