Challenge Summary
Welcome to "Cube3 - Rotational Print Plate Design Challenge". 3D Systems is the world leader in 3D printing technology and this is your chance to design a visualization element for them that can change how their users interact with one of their key desktop applications!
This challenge only requires one page of design, though we highly encourage you to show us different variations and angles of the interface you are creating - Good luck!!
Round 1
Initial Rotational Print Plate Submission for client review
Round 2
All requirements as stated in challenge details with client feedback applied
Background Overview
In this design challenge, we are asking you to redesign an existing 3D viewer interface in Web GL (see video linked below). This interface is where users printing on their Cube 3 printer will view and work with their model before printing. You may download the app for Mac or Windows at http://cubify.com/cube/cubifyapp. Please review and note the main functions Users may engage with in this view - moving, scaling, rotating their Designs, selecting materials in which to print, and adding multiple files to a print pad to print at the same time.
Most Users work with the App via desktop and the primary interactions are mouse and keyboard driven (Right click to rotate, mouse wheel to zoom, etc), but there is a mobile version that uses touch movements as well. Interactions are all determined and not a part of the challenge.
NOTE – we have provided you a 45 second video of the current interface. Please watch this video first to get a good understanding of the rotational interface we are asking you to redesign
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/22284242/Cubify%20App%203dTCdemo.mov
Challenge Goal
Currently, the interface is extremely simple, against a solid white background, with a rudimentary X,Y,Z axis display, and bounding boxes – see still shots provided with circled areas we are describing (attached).
We would like you to re-imagine what this can look and feel like. How can you design elements that make this experience more engaging, more beautiful! 3D Printing is new and edgy, so what kind of imagery can you create that will give this interface a modern, futuristic feel that holds true to the Cubify/3D Systems brand? This design challenge is all about an understanding of available 3D rendering tools and Web GL, how a scene is composed, and attention to detail.
Screen/Task Requirements
- Create a new design for our 3D viewer interface/rotational print plate for both Desktop and Mobile.
- What elements can be added to really make this interface interesting and contemporary while making sure it doesn't distract from the purpose of the interface? That is, to be able to cleanly and easily see and select an object from all angles and zoom levels that a user might print.
- How is the existing branding and hardware used to determine visual direction? The client suggests you look at the Cube 3 printer and pay attention to the industrial design and branding you can find on site.
- What can you create to enhance the bounding boxes and XYZ axis. How can they be updated, sharper, more modern feeling? The current solutions feel very technical - something professional CAD users would expect to see.
- How can light be used effectively? The client has asked you to look at the Cube 3 Machine (see images) and study how the machine itself illuminates objects on the print plate – Is there a way to introduce something from this to the print view?
Design Consideration
- Show us your thoughts and care through your designs.
- Spend time on the individual elements we have called out above and craft modern design elements that enhance the current version.
- Your designs shouldn't distract from the purpose of the interface, they should definitely enhance the elegance and sophistication, and by doing so, make the interface more enjoyable and memorable for the end user.
IMPORTANT
– The print pad (see image) must remain the same. That is a virtual replica of the print pad from the Cube 3 machine and the client would like to keep this element as is. There may be room to improve on how this is rendered, but it should be left as-is as a facsimile of the printer pad that provide context to the real world print experience.
Branding Guidelines
- We have run some previous challenges for 3D Systems and want to supply you with those creative assets for you to use in this design challenge.
- We like the general look and feel for these and want to see how you can apply this to this challenge. We're not looking for you to copy these challenges. We're looking for a fresh take for this challenge. The important take aways that you can get from these previous explorations is the use of color.
1. OpenHaptics
2. Touch SDK
3. 3DSprint Brand
4. Community Sample Sites
Target User
1. Aspirational Stylemakers :
- Including fashionistas, design enthusiasts, technophiles, idealists.
- They set trends and influence culture, spreading it down to the practical mainstream.
2. Practical Mainstream :
- Including DIY families, Hobbyists, Geek Culture
- They wait and see before jumping on a trend, when their need and want meets affordability and usability
3. Early Adopter :
- Professional and Educators
- They've used 3D printing in their work life for years. They're leading the way bringing 3D Printing into schools, giving students tomorrow's skills today.
Judging Criteria
- How well you plan the user experience and capture your ideas visually.
- A good understanding of the content considerations and the types of heuristics that are relevant to 3d printing and its possibilities.
- Though we do want to focus on deliverables for desktop, additional consideration will be given to solutions that don't include roadblocks toward a port to mobile.
- Cleanliness of your graphics and design.
Submission & Source Files
Preview Image
Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission File
Submit JPG/PNG for your submission files.
Source Files
All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Photoshop and saved as layered PSD file, or Adobe Illustrator as a layered AI file.
Final Fixes
As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify your graphics (sizes or colors) or modify overall colors. We may ask you to update your design or graphics based on checkpoint feedback.
Please read the challenge specification carefully and watch the forums for any questions or feedback concerning this challenge. It is important that you monitor any updates provided by the client or Studio Admins in the forums. Please post any questions you might have for the client in the forums.