There are a few steps that go into every virtual experience:

Photogrammetry capture of ancient sculpture

Photogrammetry capture of ancient sculpture

Digitization

Digitization can be the conversion of a real-world object or artifact into an accurate 3D model, or the creation from scratch of digital assets based upon drawings, plans, or documentary data.

Teleport movement mechanic for virtual reality

Teleport movement mechanic for virtual reality

Experience Design

Visual style, interactive components, and menu systems are just a few of the components that need to be considered and thoughtfully designed if a virtual experience is going to be enjoyable and user-centered.

3D visualization of archaeological layers

3D visualization of archaeological layers

Visualization

Visualization can take the form of interactive 3D models on a web page, a didactic video with still images and animation, or an immersive virtual reality environment.

I'm experienced with photogrammetric modeling, laser scanning, digital sculpting, and CAD/hard surface modeling.

 

I have more than 10 years of experience with photogrammetric modeling (the reconstruction of a real-world object using a series of photographs) and more than 10 years of experience with CAD, hard surface, and digital sculpting programs for the creation of 3D models.

I primarily scan archaeological and cultural heritage artifacts at small to medium scales, such as Ancient Roman marble and bronze sculptures. I've also scanned building interiors, exteriors, and entire landscapes and landforms.

 

To see a complete gallery of interactive 3D models, click here!

Thoughtful, user-centric design makes for a great user experience

 

Design is by necessity an unselfish act: designers do not design for themselves, but for the variety of people, with a variety of needs and desires, who will use the end product. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to collect user feedback and incorporate stakeholders into the design process.

Above: Storyboarding the ‘destination-point’ teleportation mechanic for a virtual environment.

 

Seeing the invisible

 

Visualization using 3D technologies can allow us to see the elemental composition of a bronze Etruscan mirror, the structure of an Ancient Roman Temple that no longer exists, or a Renaissance sculpture that is in an inaccessible private collection.

Three-dimensional models and virtual environments are no substitute for in-person analysis of the actual object or space, but rather they can supplement it, and allow us to perform analyses and experiments that would be impossible in the real world.