3D Modelling

Basics of Blender
3D Design
3D Modeling Development
Human Computer Interaction

About

3D modelling is the process of creating three-dimensional representations of an object or a surface. 3D models are made within computer-based 3D modelling software like Blender.

These models are used video games, movies, animation, architecture 3D printing and VR. Skilled 3D artists are in high demand and many Colleges and Universites now offer specific courses in the area.

In this course you'll learn how to make 3d models and create a portfolio of work that you can show off on you-tube and sketchfab and share them with the world. 

~~~ Big Ideas in 3D Modelling ~~~

The discipline of Digital Technologies embodies whanaungatanga. Outcomes are made by people, for people, within cultural, social, and environmental contexts

It's all about creating connections and relationships. 3D art can move us. Whether it's your favourite video game or VFX in your favourite movie, good art enhances it all. 3D artists need to consider the audience and the implications of their art. Through this course you'll consider people within all that you design and all that make. You'll be asked to consult with others throughout the development or your outcome and listen to their feedback. And in doing so, you'll make a better outcome.

Digital outcomes are created for a purpose by following established processes

Even the best artists follow a process. Gathering inspiration through moodboards, understanding color theory and actively seeking feedback are some of the processes you will need to do as part of this course. The whole year follows a design process and you'll have the freedom to design and develop any outcome that you choose for whatever purpose you find appropriate.

The discipline of Digital Technologies embodies auahatanga. Outcomes solve problems and enhance and expand human possibilities.

Before 3d artists and green screens, movies relied on expensive set design and scale models. Now an artist creates a world inside the computer and the actors can be placed into the world with a single click. 3D animations and video games require artists to bring their ideas to life and these technologies continue to evolve. VR, AR and AI are just beginning to impact what we see and how we interact with computer generated worlds. This course challenges you to find and solve problems through a design and development process that is entirely in your hands. 

All digital technologies are underpinned by algorithms and computer science principles

3D modeling utilizes algorithms and computer science principles to create a digital representation of a physical object or environment. The algorithms used in 3D modeling are based on computer science principles such as linear algebra, calculus, and geometry. The process of 3D modeling typically involves modeling, texturing, lighting and rendering, and understanding the underpinning algorithms and computer science helps you to be a better artist. And it helps you get better results.

OVERVIEW OF COURSE

The course starts with eight weeks of learning and skill development in Blender. This is an opportunity to develop all the skills that you'll need without any assessment or risk. 

After you have an idea of your own capabalities and the capablities of the software, you'll decide on what you'll make for your project and then design it. This will help you create your Design Portfolio that you must can use to help you answer the question in the Design DCAT, AS92007,  that will be held at the end of the year.

After you finish the design you get to make the thing you deisgned. This will be around 8 weeks of work where you will plan and develop what you designed, testing and getting feedbck along the way to make it better. This will be assessed by your teacher in AS92005- Develop a digital technologies outcome, for 5 credits.

By the middle of term 3 you'll have your outcome finished and you will move on to study for your two DCAT Exams. As mentioned above, one of the DCATS will be AS92007- Deisgn a digital technologies outcome and the other will be AS92006- Demonstrate understanding of usability in human computer interfaces. The content and knowledge for this is all contained in the unit shown below. This computer science concept is seen throughout all digital technologies and will help you get a much better understanding of interfaces as you move on to further study in digital technologies in following years. Each of the DCATs are worth 5 credits.

~~~ TIMELINE ~~~

~~~ COURSE MATERIAL ~~~

Learn to Model

(approximately 10 weeks)

Learn the basics of Blender a free industry standard tool for 3d modelling.

3D Design

(approximately 4 weeks)

Work out what you will make.

You'll use research, ideation and the principles of Kaitiankitanga and Manaakitaga to design a model that will stun your audience.

Development

(approximately 12 weeks)

Now its time to develop your project. You'll need to use planning and project management to make sure you deliver on time. And you'll need to test and deliver and various points along the way.

HCI

(approximately 4 weeks)

Understand Human Computer Interaction through Neilsens Heuristics and be able to identify good and bad interfaces in a variety of applications. This will assist in helping you design good webpages and applications in the future. 

NZ CURRICULUM

Digital Technologies Progress Outcomes

In authentic contexts, students investigate and consider possible solutions for a given context or issue. With support, they use an iterative process to design, develop, store and test digital outcomes, identifying and evaluating relevant social, ethical and end-user considerations. They use information from testing and apply appropriate tools, techniques, procedures and protocols to improve the quality of the outcomes and to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and meet end-user requirements.