As is the case with film, video games, and landscape mapping, the past few decades has seen the automotive industry incorporate more technological advancements in 3D modelling to bring its projects to life. Nowadays, before a car can be sent to the production line, it must first be developed into a 3D model. This is done by Renault designers using a range of digital tools. One such tool involves 3D sketching – revolutionary technology that allows designers to draw with neither pencil nor drawing board.
Technocentre (Guyancourt), 01 December 2021. A person, with a VR headset and a controller in each hand, stands in the middle of a room gesticulating wildly. They appear to be drawing invisible lines in the air around them. A curious scene that is clearly reminiscent of the world of virtual reality gaming. And yet, the person– is not a gamer but a designer! And they are hard at work using ther latest gadget, a program for 3D sketching that is a innovative drawing method that is currently being rolled out at Renault Group's Design division.
“With 3D sketching, you are immersed in a space where there are neither constraints and limits” says Udo, Chief Designer ar Renault Group.
WHAT DOES 3D SKETCHING INVOLVE?
3D sketching is a form of intuitive technology that enables you to ‘draw in the air’ all around you. Pablo Picasso was already carrying out such experiments in 1949. The famous Spanish artist replaced pencil with a cigarette lighter to perform his ‘dancing light’ pieces. These ephemeral drawings were immortalised by photographer Gjon Mili, and the technique was known as light painting/drawing. It was an art form that, even back then, saw artistic ideas come to life out of thin air.
Today, 3D sketching is much the same idea, though minus the lighter and camera. The technique requires the use of a VR headset (virtual reality headset) which was invented 50 years ago. The technique then became more widespread about ten years ago, when it was implemented into consumer models for video games.
With the headset firmly on and plugged in, the designer is immersed in an entirely virtual 360° drawing studio. Using two controllers (one in each hand), they can then choose colours from a palette, draw lines, create shapes, fill surfaces, and much more. A computer program models and records each and every movement.
DIGITAL CREATIVE FREEDOM THAT IS ALMOST LIMITLESS
Near the end of the 1990s, the work of designers had already been through a first transformation with the popular use of drawing on digital tablets. Today, 3D sketching takes it a step further where designers no longer need a tablet, pencil, mouse, or even a desktop to work. Design is entering a new era; one where digital tools sit at the heart of automotive design.
“Renault Group has been harnessing digital tools for some time. Today marks the beginning of a new era for designers” states Udo, Chief Designer ar Renault Group.
As the technology continues to improve, digitalisation gives designers a considerable amount of freedom tenfold and makes their projects even more accessible. It has never been easier to quickly whip up a 3D sketch, create perspective, model shapes – even on a 1:1 scale – or fill volumes. "It saves time," continues Udo. "It takes at least four weeks to run a scan or data file through a machine, while everything here is in real time. That's a huge advantage." In short, 3D sketching makes it far easier to experiment with new ideas as they can be easily brought to life.
Only drawbacks: eye strain, headaches, and other back and joint pain experienced by some designers after prolonged use. "Drawing in 360° means you have to be in good shape and take breaks every hour," says Udo.
Engineers are already thinking about ways to make the experience more enjoyable and less restrictive. This includes making the headset lighter. For example, mixed reality headsets are being developed, so designers can draw in VR while still being able to see what is happening around them and interact with colleagues.
COLLABORATION 2.0
3D sketching means that colleagues can work together at the same time, on the same project, regardless of the distance between them.
"As long as you have an Internet connection, geographical limitations are a thing of the past. You can feel like you’re together even if you’re actually thousands of miles apart," says Udo. Two designers can communicate with each other via the 3D sketching tool using earphones and a built-in microphone in the VR headset. They can then share their own work and work together on joint projects. All without having to leave their home, offices, or wherever they may be in the world.
The outcome being that groups can work together all over the world, and people misunderstand each other far less often as designers can express themselves more precisely.
It also improves workflow as models are made using 3D sketching before being exported as a digital file. The files can then be used by all those who are part of a vehicle’s design and production line. For example, designers can hand over a digital copy of their work to a modeler who makes a physical mock-up of the design or to an engineer who will estimate its feasibility.
Much like digital modelling, 3D sketching removes obstacles that may arise from miscommunication and gradually breaks down barriers between professions.
THE AUGMENTED DESIGNER’S NEW PENCIL
For some time now, digital drawing has offered those working in Design the power to produce more iterations of their work, to work faster, and to go further, right from the outset. This trend has been taken up a notch thanks to 3D sketching. In addition to reducing costs and manufacturing times, this new technology makes it easier to view and review working sketches.
In concrete terms, designers can now focus in on specific details of their drawings with greater precision, experiment with different surface types, work with mirroring tools to stretch a 2D shape into 3D object, attain a better finish on sketches and models, present projects in real time, and even give life to their drawings thanks to the compatible nature of 3D printers.
Modern designers harness the numerous advantages of such technology, along with new skills and a wide range of tools to express their ideas and evolve into augmented designers.
We will always need physical mock-ups of working designs because customers want to buy a real product, something they can touch and feel.
According to Udo, “While 3D sketching is yet another tool to be used, traditional methods still have a role to play." Digital and physical techniques go hand in hand. They each play their part in the car making process. Modelers continue to use plasticine to make models. An ideal material to use when working on the silhouette of a new model, they are essential in determining the success a design during the final stages of the design process. Similarly, 3D sketching is not a substitute for the designer's talent when it comes to drawing, a cornerstone of the design process.
END
ABOUT RENAULT
Renault, a historic mobility brand and pioneer of electric vehicles in Europe, has always developed innovative vehicles. With the ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan, Renault has embarked on an ambitious, value-generating transformation moving towards a more competitive, balanced and electrified range. Its ambition is to embody modernity and innovation in technology, energy and mobility services in the automotive industry and beyond.
Renault Group designers aren’t the only ones to work with the new 3D technology. Already used in many design schools, it is now used by designers working on motorcycles, sports shoes, bicycle helmets, and backpacks. It is fair to say that in the future it will be a key to the success of numerous projects in fields as varied as fashion, interior design, medicine, architecture, and video games.
For further information, please visit www.press.renault.co.uk or @RenaultUKPR or contact:
Lauren Prema
Press Relations Manager
lauren.prema@renault.co.uk – 07741 233530
Rachel Goodwin
Head of Press and Public Relations, UK, and Ireland
rachel.goodwin@renault.co.uk - 07938 482205
Yasmin Rhodes
Press Officer
yasmin.rhodes@renault.co.uk – 07385 398222
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Press Fleet Manager
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