Skip to main content

Designing 3D DCCs

Usability Principles and Best Practices for the User Interface Design of Complex 3D Architectural Design and Engineering Tools​

Introduction​

This paper examines usability challenges unique to complex 3D parametric design and engineering software. With extensive feedback from users, the authors propose refined usability principles specific to these applications, aiming to bridge the gap left by more generic guidelines.

Target​

This study is focused on desktop interfaces, specifically those used for 3D parametric modeling in architecture and engineering.

Key Insights​

  • Context-Specific UI Principles:
    • The principles for complex 3D tools need to be specialized, as generic UI guidelines do not address the specific tasks and representations in 3D environments.
  • Refined Principles for 3D Applications:
    • Consistency: Maintain uniformity across dialog boxes and operations for an intuitive user experience.
    • Visibility: Make relevant functions prominent, minimizing the need to navigate deep menus.
    • Feedback: Provide clear responses to user actions, especially for complex, multi-step tasks.
    • Recoverability: Allow users to correct mistakes, with options like undo/redo and error notifications.
    • Workspace Maximization: Optimize the 3D modeling space by controlling tool visibility.
    • Graphical Richness: Use icons, previews, and other visual aids to communicate complex data.
    • Direct Manipulation: Support intuitive interactions, like dragging and transforming objects within the 3D space.

Supporting Data​

  • UI Issue Analysis: A survey of 627 user-reported issues identified 179 distinct UI problems, primarily in dialog box design, modeling interactions, and terminology use.
  • Best Practices from Leading Tools: Analysis included 10 widely used CAD applications (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) to extract best practices that address usability issues specific to 3D design.

Other Insights​

  • Training Needs: Due to the complexity of these tools, users often require weeklong training sessions, highlighting the need for more intuitive designs.
  • Multi-Modal Interface: Some applications use modes to manage the extensive toolsets, where specific functions appear based on the selected mode.

Practical Applications​

  • Integrated Dialog Boxes: Keep crucial settings within fixed screen areas, using scrollable or tabbed structures to ensure accessibility without obstructing the workspace.
  • Contextual Tooltips and Help: Provide interactive tooltips and in-context guidance that update based on current user actions to streamline learning.
  • Customizable Menus and Toolbars: Allow users to adjust the visibility and arrangement of tools to fit individual workflows, especially for novice versus expert users.
  • Direct Interaction Elements: Implement "push-pull" functionality for object manipulation, making transformations in 3D space more intuitive and efficient.

Reference​

Lee, G., Eastman, C. M., Taunk, T., & Ho, C.-H. (2010). Usability principles and best practices for the user interface design of complex 3D architectural design and engineering tools. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 68(1-2), 90-104.