10 Essential Tips for 3D Modelling for VR

I’ve been developing Virtual Reality (VR) environments since 2016, and I’ve learned a lot from collaborating on different projects. VR opens up incredible opportunities for 3D artists, but it also presents some unique challenges. While there are countless tutorials on making 3D models, VR modelling requires a different approach. 

You need to understand the unique demands of VR to create models that are immersive, comfortable, and effective. Follow these 10 essential tips for VR modelling across any style or genre.

Getting the scale correct is vital. In VR, objects need to feel realistic in proportion to the player’s height and surroundings. Use real-world measurements as a guide. For example, a standard table is typically 70-80 cm tall. Understanding ergonomics and industrial design principles helps immensely. It’s also important to explore real environments: visit museums, furniture stores, or even car boot sales to observe dimensions and details. This grounding in reality will make your VR world feel believable and stop players from feeling like giants or miniatures.

VR doesn’t handle normal maps well because rendering twice is costly. So, instead of relying on texture tricks, make sure your critical details are modelled directly into the mesh. This ensures objects feel more physical and believable when players interact with them up close.

VR is highly sensitive to performance issues. Optimise your models by reducing polygon counts and using efficient texturing. For example, texture atlases are great for combining multiple textures into one image, cutting down on resource usage. Use Level of Detail (LOD) models to reduce complexity at a distance.Also occlusion culling to prevent rendering unseen objects. Keeping your environment responsive ensures smooth frame rates and a better player experience.

VR players will view every side of an object, even from underneath or behind. Make sure all angles look polished and intentional. Hidden geometry can shatter immersion if discovered. So, give every part of your model some love, ensuring players won’t find any rough or unfinished areas if they crouch or look closely.

Players will view your objects from every angle in VR, so a strong silhouette is essential. Objects should be easily recognisable, even from a distance. Instead of simple shapes, consider how you can use visual communication to create visually appealing pieces that still read well at a glance. A table made of five basic cubes could be reimagined into something unique and memorable.

Players will press their face against your objects. Give them little treats to look at. Having strong 2nd level details to describe function and 3rd level details that reinforce the design help with the first read. You can go down the rabbit hole of 4th and 5th details however save these for hero items as this will draw the users attention and focus

Ever felt that awkward moment when you pull a door that should be pushed? Intuitive design is crucial in VR. Players should instantly understand how to interact with objects. For example, if you have a door, add clear handles and visual cues that show how to use it. Design thinking and knowledge of human psychology can make a difference. A good resource is The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, which explores how people intuitively interact with objects.

Grounding your player in a believable environment is crucial to avoid VR sickness. When the world feels real, properly scaled, and optimised, the risk of disorientation drops. VR sickness occurs when the brain receives mixed signals, mimicking the body’s reaction to being poisoned. For challenging scenarios, like moving platforms, you can try “caging” the player. Add a fixed mesh around them on the platform, partially obscuring the rest of the environment to give a sense of stability and reduce discomfort.

In VR, it’s essential to understand that players will experience your models differently based on their physical characteristics. People come in all shapes and sizes, and some may prefer to engage with your environment while seated. This means you must plan for inclusivity by ensuring that key elements like buttons, handles or key points of interest are accessible from a range of perspectives.

Disney famously crouched down when designing Disney World to see things from a child’s perspective. This approach highlights the importance of understanding ergonomics and considering how different people perceive spaces. Studying real-world standards, like typical roof heights, door frame sizes, and furniture dimensions can make your VR environment feel more believable and user-friendly for everyone.

Nothing substitutes for regular testing in VR. Check your models as you work to make sure scale, proportions, and details feel right. Sometimes, what looks perfect on a flat screen feels strange or awkward in a headset. Many 3D modelling tools have built-in VR viewing, making it easier to catch issues early.

Creating VR models demands careful planning and regular testing. By prioritising scale, performance, interactivity, and thoughtful design principles, you can craft 3D models that truly enhance immersion and give players an unforgettable experience. 

Happy modelling!

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