Creating a virtual art classroom for 3D models
Since launching our new 3D model viewer, we have noticed a significant increase in student engagement, along with an increase in course sign-up.
Caleb Jacobo, COO New Masters Academy
New Masters Academy (NMA) is an American online art academy that offers subscriptions to live art classes, video courses and workshops. The subjects range from perspective, anatomy and figure drawing to portrait or model drawing and painting. NMA provides photos, video and 3D models as reference material. Their existing viewer for the 3D models was heavy to load, difficult to update and unsuitable for mobile devices. NMA asked us to develop an improved viewer with some additional features. This required technical innovation to create full functionality for the 3D models for specific art educational purposes.
Discovery phase & prototype
We embarked on this project with a discovery phase, together with NMA, providing them with a fixed-rate, low-risk method to determine their wishes and estimate the development time and costs. As part of the discovery phase, we created a prototype to demonstrate that the 3D light editor we envisioned was technically feasible. After the go-ahead, our 3D developer Klaas Nienhuis built a first working version of the online virtual art classroom in just three months
Library of 3D models
NMA boasts an extensive library of 3D models that is being expanded continuously. These include simple objects for drawing exercises, such as cones or spheroids, as well as many 3D scanned objects. These include different skulls, muscle cadaver scans and full body scans of people. We uploaded all 3D models to Sketchfab with their original material and created a number of additional textures.
Technical innovations for art education
We put a lot of effort into getting the maximum possible from Sketchfab and enriching the 3D interface with additional features. Our technical innovations started with the precise positioning of the 3D models at the zero point and enabling easy 3D widget interaction. Pre-sets can be assigned to each model so they always open in the viewer with the appropriate settings.
We created menus with corresponding settings to easily set up the lights, material, camera, 3D model rotation and environment. Users can precisely set the position of the model using sliders for the X, Y and Z axis in the 3D model rotation menu. Using the mouse or touch function, users can also zoom and rotate the model 360 degrees. In the camera menu, the user can choose between perspective and orthographic projection, including a setting to alter the field of view in relation to the perspective.
3D light editor
Creating the 3D lighting editor was another technical innovation. Similar to Sketchfab, our 3D light editor has three individual lights: a key light, fill light and rim light that exposes the outline of the object. Each light can be adjusted individually. The individual settings include light intensity, colour and the lateral and longitudinal position to choose the direction in which the light shines on the object. Shadows on the object can be turned on and off. We created an additional overlay to show the position of the lights in relation to the 3D model, similar to an actual studio set-up.
Creating optimal settings for three individual lights is an art in itself. Therefore, we also created a rig function in which the first two lights are connected. This allows the user to easily create a well-balanced lighting set-up with one set of sliders for the light intensity, colour and lateral and longitudinal position, and a choice to turn shadows on or off.
Materials, textures and shapes
When opening a 3D model in the viewer, it is displayed with its original material. Depending on the object, the material can be customised in a different menu by choosing different colours and textures, such as reflecting surfaces. This allows users to concentrate more on the shape or study reflections. Likewise, certain models, such as spheroids, can be manipulated by stretching them horizontally or vertically. A measuring tool enables the user to take measurements from the model in either feet or metres.
Creating a unique set-up
A great feature for the virtual classroom is that teachers can create a specific set-up with the 3D model, including camera angle, lighting and material. They can then copy the settings, creating a unique URL for this set-up and send this to their students as part of a specific course or for homework assignments. This ensures that all students work using exactly the same model set-up with the same camera position, material, background, lighting and so on.
Inherent flexibility
The system that we created for the virtual classroom has inherent flexibility, allowing NMA to easily add menus in the future for additional functionality. As part of this project, we also created extensive documentation. This can be used by NMA as reference material for uploading new 3D models, setting menus and adjusting models. The design of the portal is fully responsive and can be used on desktops and mobile devices with the same ease of use and functionality.
Testimonial
“Klaas is not only extremely knowledgeable and professional, but he also provides quality work promptly, which makes him a standout developer in his field. The new viewer has ensured that all of our students have access to our 3D reference resources, levelling the playing field and greatly enhancing our educational outreach. The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the viewer’s ease of use and high functionality.
Since launching our new 3D model viewer, we have noticed a significant increase in student engagement, along with an increase in course sign-ups and a marked improvement in the quality of students’ work in assignments requiring the use of the viewer, as reported in course evaluations. Additionally, we’ve been able to feature the viewer prominently in marketing and outreach efforts, further solidifying its value to our programme. Klaas’s work has not only improved our educational tools but has also enriched the learning environment for our students.”
Caleb Jacobo, COO New Masters Academy