Special Topics Module 1

Research & Activity Documentation

Lucy Warren & Natasha Alvarado Dubkova

Project 1

Design Statement

In this project (Module 1) we mainly conducted research exploration and a proposal for the future of this project. Through two weekly activities and one project proposal we will explore, ideate, research and document our chosen topic.

Activities include identifying tech, gear, software, and/or tutorials, and through the activities we will experiment and commit to a project concept to develop through the term into Module 2 and then Module 3.

After brainstorming we decided to move forward with a 3D design centred product with an emphasis on 3D modelling and HTML code.

Activity 1

Collaborative Research Content / Context

Looking for examples of combing website code + 3D
Decided on 3 general areas, then focused on a Character Creator
Testing existing Character Creator sites

Collaborative Design / Process / Research Image references

Moodboard of possible theme direction
Testing different technologies

Activity 2

Collaborative Research Content / Context

Early sketches (Lucy)
Early 3D website testing (Natasha)
Early 3D modelling tests (Lucy)

Collaborative Design / Process / Research Image references

Pitching idea to peers + professor
Re-evaluating the scope of our project
Creating possible UI wireframes (Natasha)

Project 1

Project Concept

Our original concept was to create low poly models to create a cute and simplified character creator that didn't involve too many details (similar to the Wii character creator style). However, after receiving feedback from peers we decided to switch from human models to ANIMAL ones. This would reduce the possible storage issues due to less accessory assets (e.g. clothes, hair...) and opens us to customization based on textures as well as simplifying.

These were the initial low fidelity wireframes (Natasha) and concept sketches (Lucy) made. New ones will be made after this pivotel design choice.

Testing Action Research

Our first steps of action research come from researching how to import 3D models into code / testing if we can execute this (Natasha) and researching what software would be most compatible and useful to learn in order to creat our 3D models (Lucy). Altogether we also researched existing Character Creator websites (as well as trend research for our initial 3 ideas) in order to test their UI and theming.

A collection of recorded screenshots from action research involving Three.js as well as the consultation of ChatGPT for coding errors. (Natasha)

A collection of recorded screenshots from action research involving the testing and exploration of different 3D modelling software such as Womp, Spline, and Blender. Some images were not included in this specific sollection but are visible in others above. (Lucy)

A collection of recorded screenshots from action research involving the identification of existing Character Creator websites specifically as well as the testing of these site and the study of their UI.

Research Reflection

Our original research began very broad as we were still deciding on how to combine an interactive website and 3D modelling since there were so many options. From there we discovered a more defined apporach as we identified the 3 strongest pathways for us to explore and narrowed our focus to trend research and discovering what was available to us. Next, after finalizing our main overarching concept to being a Character Creator we began to conduct action research.

Overall, our research process was pretty structured and timely as we began to further develop our concept and theme. We did have challenges with identifying recent tutorials and deciding on what software and technologies to focus on, however we later found more direction the more action research and peer feedback we conducted.

We've learned to continue with action research as it is a cyclical process and to continue to develop our learning skills along with our projects process.

Next Steps

Research going forward

Conduct more action research so that we learn as we create in order to continue to develop our skills and our product
Narrow in our focus, conduct less broad research and learn specific things for our end goal
We also published a survey to determine what preferences users may have in an animal Character Creator and will analyze the next steps in the future

Developing going forward

Start testing low resolution models we have made and see if any issues appear between the models and the website
Decide on what technology we want to move forward with so that we don’t start building in incompatible applications
Create mid-fidelity wireframes in order to have a better idea of how to organize our creative learning timeline