Design

Autodesk launch Design by Capture competition

Autodesk are giving away an Oculus Rift and other prizes for the winners of this competition.

Photogrammetry is the process by which 3D models are created from stitching together individual photos. It is a technique often used to create models for cultural heritage, as in the Scan the World project, but also in the development of video games. While this might sound complicated, Autodesk are hoping this new competition will encourage more people to experience their streamlined solution.

TheDesign By Capturecompetition from online 3D model community MyMiniFactory, and global software companyAutodesk, seeks to unlock the potential of photogrammetry as a tool for product design. And, if the challenge alone isn’t enough for some, Autodesk are throwing in a virtual realityOculus Riftfor winners of the first round, and aHTC Vive headsetfor the overall winner.

The Oculus Rift VR, Design by Capture prize stage 1. Image via: Oculus
The Oculus Rift VR, Design by Capture prize stage 1. Image via: Oculus

In the two round competition, MyMiniFactory are inviting creators to capture an existing object and enhance it, using CAD modelling and 3D printing fromAutodesk ReMake, andAutodesk Fusion 360(both available as free trial downloads). The initial round of the competition is now open for entries until Friday 4 November 2016.

This first stage is simply a call for objects suitable to be remodeled in round two. To enter, budding inventors should select an object relevant to a particular hobby or sport, and imagine a way in which they could improveergonomics, performance,orappearance. For example, you could take a pair of headphones and soup them up turtle-style, as seen from Hardshell Labs below:

Hardshell headphones creation by Grant Holmberg-Baugher Photo via: ReMake Gallery
Hardshell headphones creation by Grant Holmberg-Baugher Photo via: ReMake Gallery

After selecting an object and taking enough photos of it, (no fancy camera needed!) entrants should upload the photos to Autodesk’s ReMake – which will then automatically make a 3D model out of the data.

A 3D render of a bike pedal in ReMake Image via: Autodesk ReMake
A 3D render of a bike pedal in ReMake Image via: Autodesk ReMake

Once this process is completed, entrants can clean up the object, upload it to theMyMiniFactory website(including a brief for the improvements), and tweet a picture of it to@AutodeskRemakeand@MyMiniFactoryusing the hashtag #designbycapture. This video shows just how straightforward the Autodesk software is:

The second round will then see the redesigning of a chosen object inAutodesk Fusion 360, and does not require entry into the first round. The second stage of this competition will close on the 2ndDecember 2016.

Both stages of the competition will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. originality of the concept
  2. functionality,
  3. execution quality,
  4. design-specific criteria such as weight and design life cycle thinking.

It might be worth taking a look through My Mini Factory’sprevious challengesfor inspiration, also there are more ideas on theAutodesk ReMake Blog.

To enterstart here.

Featured image: Design by Capture competition logo from Autodesk and My Mini Factory.