My Process
For this project, I created a notebook with a metallic texture and my name printed on the cover. The process was much harder than I expected. While I managed to complete the cover design, there were several challenges along the way that required me to simplify my initial ideas.
Honestly, it was pretty hard! The interface and toolset in Fusion 360 were quite overwhelming at first. I found myself repeatedly looking up tutorials to figure out which tools to use and how to apply them correctly.
In Fusion 360, there are multiple ways to set up the coordinate system when sketching, and I struggled to understand which axis or plane would be best for my design. The way you set up the coordinate system impacts how the final model turns out, and I found it difficult to choose the most appropriate setup for my notebook. I simplified my coordinate system setup to avoid spending too much time on positioning issues. Instead of experimenting with all possible axis configurations, I decided to use a basic setup that I felt most comfortable with.
Another part that bogged me down was creating the inside pages of the notebook. I successfully modeled the cover, but I found it too difficult to design the individual paper pages inside. I initially wanted to create a fully detailed notebook, including realistic paper pages inside, but I realized that my current skills weren’t advanced enough to handle that level of complexity. So, I chose to focus on perfecting the metallic cover with my name engraved on it instead.
Humanistic Uses of Fusion 360
One potential humanistic use for Fusion 360 is transforming text-based or 2D materials into 3D objects. For example, historical texts or documents could be visualized in 3D to make them more interactive and engaging for learners. This tool can also be used to enhance digital archives by adding 3D elements, allowing users to interact with objects in a more meaningful way. Another use I envision is in recreating cultural artifacts. Instead of viewing items like pottery, tools, or sculptures in a flat 2D image, Fusion 360 can help bring these objects to life, giving researchers and students a chance to engage with historical items in 3D.
Tip for Novice Fusion 360 Users
A tip I wish I had known earlier is to pay attention to the coordinate system when starting your sketch. The plane and axis you choose will affect how your design unfolds, so it’s important to think carefully about which axis works best for your project.
Another tip: Don’t worry about making mistakes! Fusion 360 is a tool that rewards experimentation. I learned a lot through trial and error, so I would encourage other beginners to try different approaches and not be afraid to redo steps if something doesn’t work out as planned.
Lastly, I found the Appearance tool extremely helpful when applying textures like metallic finishes. It’s worth spending time learning how to adjust materials to make your designs look more realistic.
Tags: 3d model, 3D modeling, bottle, DH, fusion 360, glass, lab, Lab Assignment, rubber, Week 1
6 thoughts on “Lab Assignment 1 – Notebook”
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I really enjoy how the notebook turned out! I’m really impressed with the spiral going through the notebook as, when I was working on my piece, making a shape more complex than a circle or square was quite difficult! Do you mind sharing how you made the spiral? Is it a shape you need to tediously put together or is there a tool specifically for that?
Wow! Nina, I’m so impressed. Your model is very well done with great attention to detail. Even though you had to make compromises on your initial ambitions, I appreciate how you embraced an experimental approach, got some valuable experience and didn’t get too caught up with any mistakes made along the way.
One final note, I really appreciate how your post is formatted. Great bold titles for subsections. Thanks for making the how to video accessible to us, way to live up some digital humanities values! It was very pleasant to read. Fantastic job! Excited to see your future work 🙂
I like how the notebook has a lot of detail and looks just like the real thing. A possible idea I had when reading the part on creating pages is to use the line tool to create lines on the inside, which should give the appearance of pages.
I love the detail on your notebook! I also appreciate your discussion of the various uses of 3D modeling tools like Fusion 360. Your point about making historical documents or texts more interactive through the modeling medium is really interesting. I had previously only been thinking about modeling objects or artifacts, but I agree that making an interactive medium for documents – especially ones that could show wear and tear and other physical details – could be a great way to increase user engagement and interest!
The details on your notebook are so cool! I’m really impressed that you could create the spiral on the side and make it look so even and smooth. I definitely related to your struggles of fine details, and I too simplified parts of my model when I realized they were out of my skill range. Your idea of “bringing objects to life” using Fusion 360 resonated with me because that is what I felt I was doing when adding textures and components. Using the digital humanities in conjunction with history or art to create visually engaging representations has a lot of potential!
I think the notebook turned out amazing. Even though you had to simplify you’re initial ideas, I appreciate how it is still immediately recognizable as a notebook. I’m amazed at how amazing the spiral and you’re name look, they really bring the notebook to life and give it a realistic look.