illustrashim
Final Capstone Project
PIVOT Helmet Animation
Scroll down to see how our team developed a 3D animation to demonstrate how PIVOT technology helps to protect the spine.
Project Overview
Client: Dr. Peter Cripton, PhD and Professor, and Vivian Chung, MASc, P. Eng | Orthopaedic and Injury Biomechanics Group (OIBG)
Roles: Researcher, 3D modelling, 3D animation, Video Sequence Editor
Software Used: Nomad Sculpt, Blender, AfterEffects
Target Audience: Helmet manufacturers
Project Supervisor: Larry Bafia, Former Director of the Master of Digital Media Program | Centre for Digital Media (CDM)
For our final capstone project under the Biomedical Visualization and Communication Program at UBC, our team was tasked to create a 3D animation to demonstrate how the PIVOT shell redistributes collision forces, and prevent severe spinal neck injuries in mountain biking. The OIBG team had communicated that the animation will be used to pitch their technology to partnering helmet manufacturers, as well as a background animation for their website in future.
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Our Process
Our approach played upon the strengths and skills of each team member, and delegated our roles and tasks accordingly. The pre-production consisted mostly of simple sketches and storyboarding. The production stage required the most time, as it consisted of 3D modelling assets and animating keyframes. Post-production concluded our process with texturing, lighting, and video compositing.
During the pre-production process, two of our teammates were tasked with camera angle ideation, sketching our assets and dependencies, and developing a storyboard.
After confirming the aesthetic style with the client with our moodboard, we began modelling and sculpting the assets for our scenes.
With the models textured and completed, the keyframed animations for the jump and collision were compiled and edited with supporting images and text to help showcase how traditional helmets and PIVOT helmets impact the cervical spine.
During the pre-production process, two of our teammates were tasked with camera angle ideation, sketching our assets and dependencies, and developing a storyboard.
I had the pleasure of working with my teammates Yasumi Horimoto, Jett Palframan, and Christiana Frost as part of our final capstone project.