Utilizing different design principles for hard-surface 3D art : a study about achieving realistic 3D mechanical designs

The purpose of this thesis was to research how 3D artists could utilize different design principles as part of their workflow, and to study the theory of realism in computer graphics to help 3D artists to achieve more realistic and believable mechanical designs. The theory of realism in computer graphics was researched, and visual design principles were implemented with engineering and manufacturing principles to hard-surface 3D art. The implementation of those principles was demonstrated, by designing a realistic 3D humanoid robot. In addition, from a realism stand-point, a believable render for the humanoid robot was also created and documented. As a conclusion, it was summarized and demonstrated, that it is beneficial for 3D artists to deepen their understanding and knowledge of the fundamentals in different design areas, to be able to design most realistic mechanical designs. A 3D artist should study the subject of their desired design area thoroughly and implement this as part of their workflow. Hard-surface 3D art should be always based on function, followed by the visual design, when creating mechanical designs