An up-to-date look at free software and its makers

PROJECTS ON THE MOVE

Article from Issue 75/2007
Author(s):

Shaping 3D objects with two-dimensional input devices is not easy. In this issue, we investigate how the K-3D project tackles designing a new user interface. Also, Towns triumphs, trouble at Debian, and good news.

The learning curve for Blender, the trend setter for high-performance, free 3D programs, can be steep due to its quirky interface. Buttons take users to most of the innumerable program functions. Controls are grouped by workflow phases, and users first have to click the tiny buttons shown in Figure 2 to choose which groups of controls to display. K-3D uses easily accessible tabs to select tool categories giving the user more intuitive controls. The arrangement and grouping of tools in K-3D is based on the results of user surveys.

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Free Software Projects

    The /etc/ directory contains thousands of files, and it is easy to lose an office document in its murky depths. Managing directories files via FTP can be time consuming. We'll investigate utilities that help you keep track of your files. Also in this issue: Trouble at Debian and Future Fears, starring Dunc Tank, Anthony Towns, and Matthew Garret.

  • Free Software Projects

    In this month’s Projects on the Move, we observe the battle between man and (chess) machine and check out the free Colonization clone. Also in this issue, tools for Linux users who find themselves facing the Windows prompt.

  • Free Software Projects

    Although a couple of scratches are visible, you can read from the backup CD. The question is, for how long? Cdck measures the sector access times to give you an idea. Have you overwritten the bootloader on your disk? Super Grub Disk to the rescue!

  • Blender

    With a little help from Blender you can create your own 3D models – including animations. This article shows you how to assemble a partially automated virtual watch model with Blender and Python.

  • Free Software Projects

    Free software enjoys an excellent reputation in the field of 3D graphics. In addition to Blender, other projects stand out: MakeHuman creates realistic 3D humans, and Art of Illusion – with its intuitive interface – lets users enter the world of animated movies.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News