3D modeling for the 99% - Joe MacLeod-Iredale - Masters Thesis.docx (3.23 MB)
3D modelling for the 99%: Enabling the public to benefit from 3d printing and modelling
thesis
posted on 2020-03-03, 09:47 authored by Joe MacLeod-IredaleThis thesis is a development of
an earlier piece of research by the author entitled ‘Barriers to participation
in 3d print making’ (MacLeod-Iredale, 2015).
The earlier paper identified 3d computer modelling as the most
significant barrier to participation in 3d printing for non-designers (other
than the socio-economic causes of disenfranchisement and disadvantage). This research will develop and test an
approach to introducing the layperson to generating 3d digital content. Until very recently, 3d content
has been the exclusive remit of professional designers and dedicated amateur
enthusiasts. The public are beginning to
have access to the much-vaunted technology (Kirkby 2015), with the nascent
democratisation of 3d printing via organisations including the FabLab movement, libraries and schools
(Compton and Walker 2014, Chung 2014, Griffey 2014, Moorefield-Lang 2014). Others can debate exactly how 3d printing may
affect the public (Chan and Smith 2013, Flanders 2011), it is clear however,
that it has the potential to provide a plethora of opportunities, especially
for those with needs poorly served by mass manufacturing (Manyika et al 2013;
NASA 2014; McCue 2015). If the public are to benefit from
these opportunities, then they must be able generate 3d content confidently;
this project introduces complete novices to 3d modelling. In a short period of time the project aims to
equip these neophyte designers with the basic skills and the confidence to
enable them to develop their own ideas independently.
The aim of this project was to engagingly introduce lay-people (the ‘99%’ who are not professional designers) to 3d modelling for printing. The primary objective to achieving this aim was to develop a short, introductory workshop-based course. This was delivered to small groups to train and inspire the attendees to develop these skills so they can harness 3d printing technology for practical or expressive purposes.