Back in March, we partnered with 3Dconnexion for our 3D Mouse Demo Video Challenge. GrabCAD users’ video making skills were put to the test, and the results did not disappoint. We sat down to chat with John Moseley, Director of Global Marketing at 3Dconnexion, to discuss the challenge and its overall success.
In 1993, a 3D controller developed by the German Aerospace Research Center was used for the first time on the space shuttle Columbia, manipulating the first robotic arm in space. In the same year, the world’s first affordable 3D mouse was introduced featuring a low-cost system for optical measurement, involving six one-dimensional position detectors. Today, after countless technical and ergonomic improvements 3D mice have become integral tools for CAD engineers and 3D enthusiasts alike, making GrabCAD a natural partner for the 3Dconnexion challenge. “The 3D Mouse Demo Video Challenge invited 3D mouse users to create a video showing non-3D mouse users what they are missing,” explained Moseley.
The challenge was simple, asking GrabCAD users to create a video demonstration highlighting the advantages and key features of using a 3D mouse. “We launched the challenge because we wanted to get closer to and learn more about our customers, said Moseley. “We also recognized that many 3D professionals appreciate the opportunity to showcase their talents and value the opinions of likeminded people.” By inviting engineers to share their passion for 3D mice online, 3Dconnexion identified an opportunity for consumer engagement and to attract non-3D mouse users to the 3Dconnexion brand.
On March 19th the challenge took off, allowing GrabCAD engineers one month to compete for cash prizes and 3D mice worth a grand total of $5,400. According to Moseley, “The brief was deliberately quite open, as we didn’t want to influence the submissions in one way or another. We basically asked: Why do you like using your 3D mouse?” With such an open-ended challenge, only basic outlines were required for submissions, such as the name of their 3D mouse model, software used, demonstration of how the mouse works and explanation of why they like it. This freedom allowed for a level of creativity and talent that went above and beyond 3Dconnexion’s expectations.
Forty GrabCAD engineers entered the 3D Mouse Demo Video Challenge and submissions were then judged by a qualified jury. On the panel sat DEVELOP3D Magazine Editor-in-Chief Al Dean, GrabCAD Engineer Kaspar Kiis and John Moseley. “We are really pleased and honored that so many customers took the time to create a video,” said Moseley. After careful consideration, Michael May’s third demo video “3Dconnexion 3” took first prize for its straightforward emphasis on the benefits of a 3D mouse’s controller cap and unique storyboard and script. Moseley praised May’s work stating, “Michael’s clearly put a lot of effort into his video, creating a storyboard and involving an actor and succession of voice over artists. The end result was very professional, communicating a clean and simple message.” The video, which was created using SpacePilot and Autodesk Inventor 2012, clearly explained the benefits of 3D mice in a way that was relatable to both engineers and non-engineers alike. In second place came Ricky Montero’s “3D Mouse Demo Video”, noted for its comprehensive overview of 3D mice, and close behind in third place came Kevin Cox’s impressive “3Dconnexion Spacepilot Demo HD”.
3Dconnexion originally came to GrabCAD with the 3D Mouse Demo Video Challenge hoping to connect with its current and potential customer base. Through this challenge, 3Dconnexion gained not only valuable insight into the way customers use their 3D mice, but also professional demo videos to spread to the community of 3D professionals that may not yet be using a 3Dconnexion 3D mouse. So the only question left to ask is, was the challenge a success? To this, Moseley replied, “Absolutely. We were delighted with the quantity and quantity of the entries and to see such a broad range of 3D applications featured, including SolidWorks, Inventor, ZW3D, Rhino, Revit, 3dx Max, Maya, Blender, Google Earth, SketchUp and a variety of games such as Miner Wars and Battlefield 3. Overall we were delighted with the passion and energy shown by the entrants and we’d like to thank every single person for taking part. Look out for the next 3Dconnexion challenge on GrabCAD!”
