What is more exciting than trying out a new design tool? While learning about spatial design, I’ve found several tools. The options seem to be growing as of late, so I expect this list will continue to expand.
If you are like me and just starting to dip your toes into the 3D world of spatial design, these tools will give you a place to start. Most of these tools are browser-based, alleviating the need for hardware upgrades.
All of these tools focus on a simplified 3D design workflow. The streamlined interfaces are very user-friendly and approachable for newcomers. Additionally, these tools are ideal for creating concepts and prototyping rather than building and programming for spatial experiences.
This tool has a familiar feel with a Figma-esque interface. Its primary capabilities are 3D modeling and animation. Spline’s strengths shine when adding 3D elements to websites. It felt like a comfortable starting point due to its similarity with other browser-based 2D design tools. It has impressive features aimed at providing simple 3D design workflows. Modeling in spline is particularly satisfying and easy to get started.
Bezi is a browser-based 3D design tool capable of 3D rendering, prototyping, and animation. However, Bezi seems geared more towards VR, AR, and game prototyping - ideal for the emerging realm of spatial design. The overall workflow is easy to pick up and similar to other familiar 2D tools. Designs can be easily viewed on a VR device or mobile AR by simply sharing a link. This tool is well-suited for creating design concepts and prototypes for spatial experiences.
Womp bills itself as a tool that makes it easy and fun to create designs in 3D. It is still in Alpha, so I expect more features and updates in the future. However, I enjoyed their game-like tutorials to help you learn the interface. They have also infused some fun approaches like the concept of “goopiness” for smoothness and unions between objects. Export options are somewhat limited compared to other tools, but essential export capabilities are present. Womp appears to be best suited for simple and easy 3D asset modeling.
I hope this helps others find some new tools to get started with spatial design prototyping. While this is not an exhaustive list of all 3D tools available, these are the ones I’ve found most helpful and easy to pick up while learning about spatial design.
