Immersive 3D sketching tools: Implications for visual thinking and communication

Paper-based (PB) sketching involves the challenge of representing three-dimensional (3D) shapes on two-dimensional (2D) surfaces. The recent generation virtual reality (VR) tools offer a way to overcome this challenge. These immersive 3D environments permit rapid construction freehand stroke-based models in space while replicating immediate experience PB sketching. To explore potential advantages VR visual thinking and communication, we conducted investigations with sixteen architectural students engaged tasks. We observed their visualization behavior during transitioning between participants experiences two media were also recorded semi-structured interviews questionnaires. Our observations show that is unique form representation facilitates flexible creation large detailed (but inaccurate) computer models. It multimodal medium supports communication behaviors associated sketching, CAD modeling, physical model-making gesturing, all within same space. This combination enables users engage activities ways cannot presently be achieved any other single technique.