Model Reflection – Getting Started with WordPress

How easy/hard was it?

In short, making this model was easy! The in-class tutorial, along with some software exploring, gave me all the information I needed to create my Frisbee in AutoDesk. The Frisbee took a few sketches, two extrusions, and some edge rounding until it looked good.

What elements particularly bogged you down?

At times it felt like I would get stuck on a menu in AutoDesk with no way out. Even if I tried clicking away from the menu nothing would click. Another thing that bogged me down was constantly having to use the orbit button to look around my object. I feel like I wasted lots of time just orbiting around my figure trying to get it into the perfect view for what I was trying to add.

What compromises did you have to make?

A “real” Frisbee has more detail and slightly different shaping. Because I’m not an AutoDesk pro I had to compromise the shape of the inside of the Frisbee. Usually the “inside” would be a similar shape to the outside, just inverted. However, in my model, the “inside” features a more gentle slope towards the middle.

What humanistic uses can you envision for this tool in the areas of research or teaching?

I can see this tool being used in the classroom to explore objects that would be very hard to actually have in the classroom. Whether it’s an architecture class that is looking at models of buildings across the world, a chemistry class looking at 3d molecular structures, or an interior design class playing around with different looks for a room without actually having to be in that room.

Tips for fellow model makers:

One action that made my model building faster was right-clicking and then dragging to the left. This action cancels whatever it was that I had clicked on. This action was very useful for solving the menu problem I discussed earlier in the blog. Once I figured this action out my model-making speed increased greatly.