3D Marble Simulation
3D Marble Simulation
3D Marble Simulation
01
01
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Satisfying and nostalgic, two words I kept in mind while constructing this cozy wooden marble course. Inspired by real toys and motivated by creating a virtual sense of play, the individual pieces are built on a fully modular grid system.
Satisfying and nostalgic, two words I kept in mind while constructing this cozy wooden marble course. Inspired by real toys and motivated by creating a virtual sense of play, the individual pieces are built on a fully modular grid system.
02
02
PHYSICS
PHYSICS
A solid foundation was required to ensure the marbles behaved consistently. Since Blender's rigid boy simulations are unreliable at small scales, I tweaked the sizes and dimension of the tracks until I got smooth, predictable results. From there, I modelled dozens more block variants and features that I felt would be interesting to showcase when used in the final contraption.
A solid foundation was required to ensure the marbles behaved consistently. Since Blender's rigid boy simulations are unreliable at small scales, I tweaked the sizes and dimension of the tracks until I got smooth, predictable results. From there, I modelled dozens more block variants and features that I felt would be interesting to showcase when used in the final contraption.
Making use of consistent sizes and grid snapping to speed up workflow
Making use of consistent sizes and grid snapping to speed up workflow
One of the first physics tests, where I adjusted friction values to best mimic the real world
One of the first physics tests, where I adjusted friction values to best mimic the real world
03
03
VIS DEV
VIS DEV
After the physics and pieces were in order, I began feeling out the look of the project. The base wood material was sourced online, but I wasn't satisfied with it. Adding my own bump and roughness maps gave the blocks a more matte and grained appearance. I also tested various HDRI and lighting set-ups in order to best showcase the new wood material.
While assembling the marble course, I kept camera shots, visual weight, and clarity in mind. Virtual cameras helped me get a variety of close-ups and unique angles that fully immerse the viewer. Choosing only still shots further highlighted the movement of the marbles.
After the physics and pieces were in order, I began feeling out the look of the project. The base wood material was sourced online, but I wasn't satisfied with it. Adding my own bump and roughness maps gave the blocks a more matte and grained appearance. I also tested various HDRI and lighting set-ups in order to best showcase the new wood material.
While assembling the marble course, I kept camera shots, visual weight, and clarity in mind. Virtual cameras helped me get a variety of close-ups and unique angles that fully immerse the viewer. Choosing only still shots further highlighted the movement of the marbles.
Before/After of the material and HDRI changes
Before/After of the material and HDRI changes
Early lighting and camera test illuminating the marbles' paths
Early lighting and camera test illuminating the marbles' paths
04
04
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
With the addition of a quaint piano score, well-timed sound effects, and many hours of rendering, the final video came to life. I was proud seeing the project crystalize into something so close to my initial vision, and into something that is easily repurposed in the future.
With the addition of a quaint piano score, well-timed sound effects, and many hours of rendering, the final video came to life. I was proud seeing the project crystalize into something so close to my initial vision, and into something that is easily repurposed in the future.