CONSTRICTIVE 2D MODELING

Most of our input to computers is 2D. Why is the majority of our input not directly into 3D?

For our daily, run of the mill, typical interaction with 3D digital systems, we spend a significant part of our time working in 2D. To draw walls, we draw the element in 2D, and then typically state the height of the wall. Floor planes are drawn as a 2D object, to which we give a thickness and an elevation. Roofs are drawn in 2D, to which we then give a thickness and a slope. Objects such as wall openings are drawn in 2D, to which we give a thickness, and an elevation.

Of course this all seems obvious. It is how we interact with our machines. But what if this was not the way that we interacted? What if our machine interface was redesigned so that we only worked in 3D? What if in this new interface, a 2D view did not exist?

While this suggestion may sound ridiculous, or even pointless, I am looking at this in a transparent drawing state of mind. When I make an analogue drawing, it is always three dimensional. I have yet to make a 2D transparent drawing. And it is quite natural to operate completely in my analogue world in 3D. But when you think about it like this, doesn’t it seem strange that 2D data input has such a primacy over our fantastically powerful digital machines?

Or to ask this another way, how could it have taken this long for us to begin to get away from the constrictive 2D modeling interface? I’ve been using Macintosh CAD software with 3D capabilities since about 1988. That was 27 years ago.

Cases in point.

Solidworks offers what they call the 3D Experience Platform. From the text and pictures on their page, they talk about intuitive, conceptual, connected and social design. There is a picture of a 3D helmet that you might wear. So while I doubt that the 2D view has been removed with this interface, this seems to be moving towards an all 3D all the time worldview.

3D CAD spatial controllers have been around awhile. This device puts a 3D joystick in your left hand for spatial manipulations, while still keeping the mouse in your right hand for more mundane interface tasks. While I am sure that the joystick approach is fun and addictive, it is not an interface device that is optimized for direct design in 3D.

3D Direct Modeling Software permits a more parametric understanding of the design.  It promotes interaction with 3D CAD geometry.  And it is the exception rather than the norm.

And these are just three examples.

I am simply amazed by what I see as the wide disparity between what we can do with a pencil, paper, and transparency, compared with the current inelegant machine interface: 27 years in, and this is the best that we can do?

Bottom line, you can’t design in 3D without transparency. And I think it is our continued attachment to the pictorial mindset that pervades our approach, our thoughts, and yes our machines.