The size of virtual objects

One of the odd things about computer graphics is that nothing has an absolute scale. You can create objects, animated people, cities, but there is something abstract about your creations.

Yes, you can see them on a computer screen, but everything scales to fit the size of whatever screen you are looking at. Depending on whether you are viewing on a SmartPhone or a 75″ diagonal monitor, the simulated object can vary from very tiny to very large.

About a decade ago I started printing out my computer graphic creations on 3D printers. For the first time, my creations had an absolute size out here in the real world.

It was very gratifying to hold a printed CG object in my hand and feel its weight. I felt connected to my creations in a way I had never before felt connected.

I am experiencing something similar with computer graphics in virtual reality. When I can walk around a virtual object, then that object attains a true relationship to my physical being.

That is so much more satisfying than looking at these objects on a monitor or phone screen. I also find that it provides valuable insights that boost to my creativity.

And that makes me very happy.

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