"The Scan+ project was designed to showcase the seamless integration of traditional sculpting with modern 3D modeling and animation technologies. The challenge was to create a series of hand-sculpted models, digitize them using advanced scanning technology, and integrate them into an animated digital environment."
Research & Discovery
"Initial efforts focused on selecting the right materials and methods for sculpting models that could be effectively captured using 3D scanning technology. This phase involved:
Material Testing: Experimenting with different sculpting materials to determine which ones provided the best results when scanned.
Scanning Technology Evaluation: Assessing various scanning apps and tools to find the most accurate and efficient solution for capturing detailed 3D models.
Software Compatibility Analysis: Ensuring the scanned models could be easily imported and manipulated in both Blender and game development environments like Unreal Engine and Unity."
Design & Development
"Once the models were sculpted and scanned, the focus shifted to digital processing and animation. This stage included:
Model Optimization in Blender: Cleaning up and refining the digital models to enhance detail and ensure compatibility with animation software.
Scene Assembly in Unreal Engine: Strategically arranging the models within a digital environment to create a cohesive scene that tells a story or conveys a theme.
Animation in Unity: Implementing dynamic animations to bring the models to life, focusing on creating engaging and smooth movements that enhance the visual impact of the models."
Testing & Feedback
"The final phase involved rigorous testing and refinement to ensure the highest quality of the animated scenes. This included:
Performance Testing: Checking the animation flow and rendering speeds across different devices to ensure optimal performance.
Feedback Collection: Gathering insights from peers and instructors to gain constructive criticism and identify areas for improvement.
Iterative Refinement: Making adjustments based on feedback and testing results, refining animations and model placements to perfect the visual storytelling."