Definition of 3-D Design

Cubes are designed in 3-D.

The term "3-D design" is a widely used abbreviation for three-dimensional design, incorporated commonly in design procedures associated with computers and other electronic drawing systems. In 3-D design techniques, a designer uses all three axes (x, y and z) to interpret and develop a realistic figure of the desired object.

Fundamentals

Almost all 3-D design techniques incorporate four fundamental processes while interpreting an object electronically in its three dimensions: modeling, layout designing, animation and rendering. Modeling in 3-D designs is referred to the interpretation and development of basic object shape, while layout designing deals with the placement of an object within a suitable background. Similarly, the process of animation deals with any movement or motion associated with the object, and rendering defines angling and positioning of the light source within the design.

Development

Three-dimensional designs are usually developed on electronic interfaces, such as computers or other image/video processing machines, using some specially developed common software applications like Photoshop, AutoCAD, Flash, 3-D Studio Max and Maya. Upon development, these designs can be viewed electronically or in the form of printed 3-D objects.

References

• Graphics Programming Series: 3D Basics and Vector Operations
• "Understanding 3D Animation Using Maya"; John Edgar Park; 2005