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Why designers should dive into 3D now

In the rapidly evolving landscape of design, the integration of 3D technology is no longer a niche reserved for animation or gaming

Meta
Image courtesy of Meta
Image courtesy of Meta

Yiqi is a thought leader in Digital Journal’s Insight Forum (become a member).


In the rapidly evolving landscape of design, the integration of 3D technology is no longer a niche reserved for animation or gaming. It has become an essential skill set for designers across all disciplines. 

As a design lead with decades of experience — from physical design to digital design, then to immersive design — I am witnessing a transformative shift where 3D design is becoming a cornerstone of modern creativity. 

Here’s why embracing 3D now is crucial for any designer aiming to stay ahead of the curve.

Future-proof your skills

The demand for 3D content is skyrocketing, driven by advancements in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the burgeoning field of 3D artificial intelligence (AI). 

As AI technology matures, I believe the next frontier is undoubtedly 3D, which promises to revolutionize how we create and interact with digital content. By mastering 3D design and adding a third dimension to your problem solving skills, you are not only enhancing your current skill set of user experience, visual design, or interaction design, but also preparing yourself for future opportunities in a world where immersive and interactive experiences are becoming the norm.

Meta
Image courtesy of Meta

Take one of Meta’s 3D technologies as example: Spatial anchors.

  • What can we do with spatial anchors? 
    Spatial anchors allow you to keep virtual objects in the same place across different sessions. This means you can create experiences like scavenger hunts or navigation aids by attaching virtual objects to specific physical locations. For example, the virtual game Slimeball! can stay on the same physical table across multiple sessions. 
    As a designer, I also explored the potential of spatial anchors in a concept: immersed cellular. This interface allowed me to augment my physical art pieces, creating an unforgettable experience for my audience. 
  • The concept: Art pieces as portals
    I wanted to push the boundaries of traditional art exhibitions by transforming my physical art pieces into portals that could transport viewers into an extended space. By leveraging spatial anchors, I was able to create an immersive experience that blurred the lines between the physical and digital worlds.
  • How I utilized spatial anchors in immersed cellular
    Physical art pieces: I created a series of physical art pieces that served as the foundation.
    Spatial anchors: I used Spatial Anchors to attach virtual content to each physical piece, effectively turning them into portals.
    Extended space: When viewers approached a physical art piece, they were transported into an extended space that existed beyond the physical environment.
    Multi-user experience: Multiple viewers could join the same viewing session, allowing them to interact with each other and the virtual content in real-time.

By understanding how to harness 3D potential, you can unlock new possibilities for storytelling, engagement, and community-building.

Unlock your creative power

Why confine your creativity to the limitations of 2D when you can explore the boundless possibilities of 3D? Designing in three dimensions allows you to craft immersive experiences that resonate on a deeper level with audiences. It enables you to tell stories in a spatial context, creating environments that engage users in ways that flat designs simply cannot. This shift from 2D to 3D is akin to moving from black-and-white to color television; it’s a leap that opens up new realms of creative expression.

Enhance collaboration with developers

Understanding 3D design is a game-changer for cross-functional collaboration. It bridges the gap between designers and developers, fostering seamless communication and cooperation. When building immersive content, having a grasp of 3D concepts allows you to work more effectively with engineers and other creatives, ensuring that the final product is cohesive and innovative. 

This synergy is vital in today’s fast-paced design environment, where interdisciplinary collaboration is key to success.

The future of design is immersive

The trajectory of design is clear: it is becoming increasingly immersive and multi-dimensional. 

As we move towards a future where digital and physical realities blend seamlessly, the ability to design in 3D will be a defining factor in a designer’s toolkit. By embracing 3D now, you are positioning yourself at the forefront of this exciting evolution, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Image courtesy of Meta

But what makes a good, immersive design? Insights from the XR Design Challenge

The XR Design Challenge has been a testament to the incredible talent and innovation within the design community. With over 3,000 participants and 200 projects, the diversity and creativity on display have been nothing short of inspiring. As a judge, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the potential of XR design to push boundaries and redefine user experiences.

What is it?  The XR Design Challenge is a six-week online event, hosted by immersive insiders, collaborating with Meta, ShapesXR, and IDEO that brings together designers, developers, and innovators to create innovative XR experiences. With a focus on creativity, accessibility, and impact, this challenge aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in XR design. As one of the judges, I feel such a brain-refresh by diving in all the amazing submissions.  Take a look here to find all the projects.

Key principles of effective XR design

Designing for XR (Extended Reality) presents unique challenges, but it is precisely these challenges that make it such an exhilarating field. From my experience, a successful XR design should adhere to the following principles:

  • Intuitive user-experience: The design should be seamless and easy to navigate, utilizing a mix of 2D and 3D interfaces to create a coherent hierarchy. The goal is to make the user’s interaction with the environment as natural and intuitive as possible.
  • Compelling storytelling: A good XR design tells a story that captivates and engages the user. It should have a clear narrative that guides the user through the experience, completing a journey.
  • Visual impact: The visuals should be stunning and immersive, drawing the user into the experience. This involves not only aesthetic appeal but also creating a sense of presence.
  • Problem solving: Beyond aesthetics, the design should address real-world issues, offering practical solutions rather than merely showcasing technical capabilities.
  • Accessibility: Inclusivity is paramount. The design should be accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the experience.

By adhering to these principles, designers can create XR experiences that are not only engaging but also meaningful and impactful. As we continue to explore the possibilities of XR, these guidelines will serve as a foundation for innovation and creativity in this exciting field. 

Image courtesy of Meta

Decades ago, designers worked in the 3D physical world, crafting and shaping objects with their hands. Then, the digital revolution brought us to a 2D screen-based world. But now, we’re on the cusp of another shift. In five years, will designers still be debating the value of 3D — or will those who didn’t adapt be struggling to stay relevant?

yiqi
Written By

Design Lead at Meta, specializing in XR and AI, Yiqi's background spans brain-computer interfaces, wearable AI. Her past work includes Unity platform efforts, shipping Destiny 2, and research at Harvard and MIT. Showcased globally, she drives innovations in Spatial Intelligence, advocating for the future of immersive tech. Yiqi is a member of Digital Journal's Insight Forum.

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