GIDeS++

GIDeS ++ is a gesture based calligraphic 3D modeller using expectation lists, and extends the notion of natural and efficient interface. Using the well established ACIS modeller kernel, the modelling process is powerful and full of possibilities. A game-like visual with motion blur and glow over selection effects stimulate users while providing them useful information.

Other relevant information is delivered by visual feedback, specifying details of tools in use, like faces and vertex active during geometric operations. All camera and object transformations are displayed over animation produced by an Animation Manager enabling the user to comprehend which transformations take place. A set of implicit tools was developed. Tools like glue, positioning and adjust allow the user to make complex geometric transformation without having to conceive all intermediate steps but just the result. Another one, the cutting tool, makes Boolean operations easy, letting geometric modifications to occur with little interaction.
Other features, more common to CAD systems, like Undo/Redo, face-snapping or Import/Export files were also added to empower GIDeS++ capabilities and relation with other systems.

A measures layer enables the user to visualize and change measures, giving a new dimension in precise and accurate modelling.
Having new modalities like handwriting and speech, GIDes ++ presents a natural and intelligent multimodal interface providing various means to a user interact only needing a pen.

The use of shaders and non-photorealistic rendering as materials to objects amplified the visual appealing and attractiveness of this modelling system.

The result was a complete CAD system with a revolutionary interaction approach, allowing designers to sketch new prototypes in a fast way but with the precision and potential desired. Designer’s satisfaction is well recognized in the usability tests results. This is not only extended to expert users, but as it’s confirmed, inexperienced users also take advantage of this system at ease and can, almost without effort, learn and operate GIDeS++.