Bring Back the Keyboard

I replied that I could think of quite a few companies that could use help with their UI, but I didn't know of many who'd be willing to admit it!

What amuses me in the VRML world is how many UI experts we have and how lousy and un-intuitive the interfaces are for VRML software.

My favorites are the people who say that 3D is easier navigate through than 2D space because we navigate through 3D space in real life. Well sure, but how many people use a mouse to go to the grocery store? (well, maybe a gerbil, but hey, that's another story).

And, "We're going to make VRML as easy to use as Doom." Then where are the keyboard controls? No VRML browser today has any decent keyboard controls. And many have combination keyboard/mouse controls -- the combination just doesn't map in the brain -- it makes no sense!

It's tough writing free (revenue-less) software, but please invest a little more time in ease of use rather than the latest node or extension. Thanks!

Who do you Consort With?

If your company or organization would like to be involved, I urge you to become active in the VRML e-list. I've also created a little sign-up where people can indicate their interest in being involved in the Consortium. It's at:

I will make this list available to the Consortium organizers. I would also encourage the Consortium organizers to make sure students, artists and we "little people" from smaller companies are not left out of the Consortium process.

Just as it takes souls and warmth to build a community, it takes warmth and inclusion to build a successful Consortium.

Compress or Depress

May your polygon counts be low and your frame rates high!